Female Genital Mutilation: Everlasting cut
Decades ago, mothers across Nigeria ensured that their female children were circumcised, an obnoxious practice. Many live with the scar today. Although the mothers regarded Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, as a traditional practice they vowed to protect, others believed it was one way of preventing the girl-child from becoming promiscuous. Other reasons given were to protect family honour, hygiene, virginity; modification of socio-sexual attitudes (countering failure of a woman to attain orgasm); increasing sexual pleasure of the husband; enhancing fertility and increasing matrimonial opportunities among others. Contrary to these views, however, the World Health Organisation, WHO, says FGM has no health benefits for girls and women.
