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Female child circumcision in Ilesha, Nigeria. The present and the future
Insights
Female genital circumcision is common in Nigerian children under five, often performed by traditional surgeons for cultural reasons or to prevent neonatal death. Many mothers believe uncircumcised women are more promiscuous.
Area of Science:
- Medical Anthropology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Female genital circumcision (FGC) is a prevalent practice in many cultures, particularly in parts of Africa.
- Understanding the motivations and demographics associated with FGC is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of female genital circumcision (FGC) among young children in Ilesha, Nigeria.
- To identify the age of circumcision, practitioners, and stated reasons for the practice.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving the examination of external genitalia of 578 female children.
- Data collection included age, circumcision status, age at circumcision, performing practitioner, and maternal beliefs.
Main Results:
- 66.3% of 578 female children examined were circumcised, with 75.5% circumcised within the first month of life.
- Traditional surgeons performed 68.7% of circumcisions; common reasons included preventing neonatal death during childbirth (49.6%) and conforming to custom (48%).
- 82% of mothers surveyed believed uncircumcised women were more likely to be promiscuous.
Conclusions:
- Female genital circumcision is widespread in the studied Nigerian population, with early age of performance and strong cultural underpinnings.
- Beliefs linking FGC to preventing neonatal mortality and controlling female sexuality are significant drivers of the practice.
Abstract:
In February 1981, the external genitalia of 578 female children were examined at the child welfare clinic, Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesha, Nigeria. Of these children 96.5 per cent were under five years of age, and 66.3 per cent were circumcised. Of the circumcisions, 75.5 per cent had been done in the first month of life. "Traditional" surgeons performed 68.7 per cent of the circumcisions, and private clinic personnel, 21.1 per cent. In 49.6 per cent, circumcision had been done to prevent the head of any future baby from touching the clitoris at parturition, an event believed to result in early death of the neonate. In 48 per cent, circumcision had been done just to conform with custom. Of 175 mothers questioned, 82 per cent believed that an uncircumcised lady was more likely to be promiscuous than a circumcised lady.