ASSESSMENT OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION CURRENT AWARENESS AND BELIEVES AMONG CHILD BEARING FEMALE IN AWKA-ETITI VILLAGE IN ANAMBRA STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the prevalence and perceptions of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village, employing a quantitative survey research design. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from a purposive sample of 120 respondents, focusing on their awareness of FGM's health risks, cultural influences, and barriers to abandonment. SPSS27 was utilized to present and analyze the data collected, with t-tests employed to examine hypotheses concerning the relationships between awareness levels, cultural beliefs, barriers, and FGM prevalence. The findings indicated significant correlations between awareness of health risks and human rights implications associated with FGM and its prevalence among respondents. Cultural beliefs and social norms were found to exert substantial influence on the continuation of FGM practices within the community. Moreover, identified barriers such as social pressures and cultural attachments significantly hindered efforts to abandon FGM. These results underscored the complex interplay of socio-cultural factors in perpetuating harmful practices despite growing awareness of their detrimental effects. In conclusion, the study emphasized the necessity for targeted interventions addressing deep-seated cultural beliefs and social pressures to effectively combat FGM in Awka-Etiti and similar communities. Recommendations included enhancing educational campaigns to increase awareness about the health risks and human rights violations linked to FGM, alongside community-based initiatives promoting alternative rites of passage. These efforts were crucial in fostering a supportive environment for women and girls, promoting their health and well-being while respecting cultural sensitivities. While the findings contributed valuable insights into the dynamics of FGM within Awka-Etiti village, the study had certain limitations. These included potential response biases inherent in self-reported data and the cross-sectional nature of the survey, limiting the establishment of causal relationships. Future research should consider longitudinal studies and incorporate broader community perspectives to enrich understanding and inform more comprehensive interventions aimed at eradicating FGM practices effectively.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply entrenched cultural practice that has significant implications for the health and well-being of women and girls worldwide. FGM encompasses a range of procedures that involve the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. The practice is most prevalent in African countries, including Nigeria, where cultural, religious, and social factors perpetuate its existence (Ahinkorah, 2021).

In Nigeria, FGM is a critical public health issue. Despite efforts by various governmental and non-governmental organizations to curb the practice, it remains prevalent in many regions. The practice is particularly widespread in rural areas where traditional beliefs and customs are more strictly adhered to. Awka-Etiti, a village in Anambra State, Nigeria, is one such community where FGM is still practiced. Understanding the current awareness and beliefs about FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti is crucial for developing effective interventions to eradicate the practice (Mandara, 2020).

FGM has no health benefits and poses severe health risks. Immediate complications can include severe pain, shock, hemorrhage, tetanus, infection, and urination problems. Long-term consequences can include chronic pain, infections, cysts, infertility, complications in childbirth, and increased risk of newborn deaths. Additionally, FGM can have devastating psychological consequences, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Amin et al., 2013).

The persistence of FGM in Nigeria, particularly in villages like Awka-Etiti, is a testament to the powerful influence of cultural traditions and social norms. Many communities view FGM as a rite of passage, a prerequisite for marriage, and a means of preserving family honor. Despite growing awareness of its harmful effects, the practice is perpetuated by deep-seated beliefs and the pressure to conform (Reisel & Creighton, 2022).

Efforts to combat FGM in Nigeria have included legislative measures, public education campaigns, and community-based initiatives aimed at changing perceptions and behaviors. However, these efforts often face significant challenges due to resistance from within the communities where FGM is most deeply rooted. Comprehensive strategies that involve local leaders and provide alternative rites of passage are essential for meaningful progress (Momoh, 2022).

In regions where FGM is practiced, healthcare providers play a crucial role in both treating the complications of FGM and educating the community about its dangers. Training healthcare workers to recognize and manage FGM-related health issues is vital. Furthermore, they can serve as advocates for women's health and rights, helping to shift public opinion and practices over time (Perron et al., 2023).

International organizations such as UNICEF and WHO have been instrumental in promoting global awareness and action against FGM. These organizations work with local governments and NGOs to implement programs that educate communities, support survivors, and push for stronger legal protections against FGM. Global collaboration is key to addressing the cross-border nature of the practice and ensuring comprehensive support for affected women and girls (World Health Organization, 2022).

Research on FGM, including studies on its prevalence and health impacts, is essential for informing policy and intervention strategies. For example, studies have highlighted the need for culturally sensitive approaches that consider the unique social dynamics of each community. By tailoring interventions to specific cultural contexts, programs can be more effective in reducing the incidence of FGM and supporting the affected populations (Gebremariam et al., 2022).

1.2 Statement of Problem

Despite extensive efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the practice remains pervasive, particularly in rural areas such as Awka-Etiti in Anambra State, Nigeria. Current research reveals significant gaps in understanding the nuances of FGM awareness and beliefs among childbearing women in these communities. Although numerous studies have addressed the prevalence and health impacts of FGM, there is a lack of specific, localized research focusing on the cultural and social dynamics that sustain the practice in Awka-Etiti (Ahinkorah, 2021).

One major gap is the insufficient examination of the role of local beliefs and traditions in perpetuating FGM. While broad cultural factors have been identified, the specific beliefs held by women of childbearing age in Awka-Etiti are not well-documented. This population is crucial as they are both victims and potential perpetuators of the practice. Without understanding their perspectives, interventions may fail to address the underlying motivations for FGM (Mandara, 2020).

Furthermore, there is a dearth of information on the effectiveness of current awareness campaigns and educational programs in these rural settings. Many existing initiatives are designed with urban populations in mind, potentially overlooking the unique challenges faced by rural communities. This urban bias in program design can lead to ineffective strategies that do not resonate with or reach the target population in Awka-Etiti (Wakabi, 2021).

Another critical gap is the limited data on the psychological impacts of FGM on women in these communities. While physical health consequences are well-documented, the psychological scars, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, remain under-researched. This gap in knowledge hinders the development of comprehensive support systems for FGM survivors (Amin et al., 2013).

Addressing these gaps requires localized research that delves into the specific beliefs, awareness levels, and psychological impacts of FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti. Such research is essential to inform culturally sensitive and effective intervention strategies, ultimately contributing to the eradication of FGM in this community (Momoh, 2022).

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of this study were:

1. To assess the level of awareness about the health risks and human rights implications of FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village.
2. To investigate the cultural beliefs and social norms that influence the practice of FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village.
3. To identify the barriers to abandoning the practice of FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village.

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. What is the level of awareness about the health risks and human rights implications of FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village?
2. What cultural beliefs and social norms influence the practice of FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village?
3. What are the barriers to abandoning the practice of FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village?

1.5

Research Hypotheses

To address the research questions, the following hypotheses were proposed:

1. There is no significant relationship between the level of awareness about the health risks and human rights implications of FGM and the prevalence of the practice among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village.
2. Cultural beliefs and social norms do not significantly influence the practice of FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village.
3. Barriers such as social pressure, lack of education, and cultural attachment do not significantly hinder the abandonment of FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) awareness and beliefs among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti, Anambra State, Nigeria, lies in its potential to fill critical knowledge gaps and inform more effective interventions to combat FGM. This study addresses several key areas of importance.

Firstly, the study provides a localized understanding of FGM practices and the cultural, social, and psychological factors that sustain them. By focusing specifically on Awka-Etiti, the research will yield detailed insights into the community’s unique beliefs and traditions surrounding FGM. This localized knowledge is essential because it enables the development of targeted interventions that are culturally sensitive and more likely to be accepted by the community. Understanding the specific motivations and pressures faced by women in this village can help in designing educational and advocacy programs that resonate more deeply with the local population.

Secondly, the study aims to evaluate the current level of awareness and knowledge about the health risks and human rights implications of FGM among childbearing women in Awka-Etiti. This assessment is crucial for identifying gaps in knowledge and misconceptions that may perpetuate the practice. By pinpointing these gaps, the study can guide the creation of more effective awareness campaigns and educational programs tailored to the specific needs and understanding levels of the community. Enhanced awareness is a critical step in changing attitudes and behaviors related to FGM.

Furthermore, the study’s findings can provide valuable data for policymakers and health practitioners. By highlighting the prevalence and impact of FGM in Awka-Etiti, the research can inform policy decisions and resource allocation to combat FGM more effectively. Health practitioners can use the study’s insights to improve the care and support provided to FGM survivors, addressing both physical and psychological health needs comprehensively.

Additionally, this research can contribute to the broader body of knowledge on FGM in Nigeria and similar contexts. It can serve as a comparative study that enriches understanding of regional variations in FGM practices and the effectiveness of different intervention strategies. Such comparative data are vital for developing best practices that can be adapted and applied in various settings to combat FGM more effectively.

The psychological impacts of FGM, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, are often overlooked in existing research. By exploring these aspects in detail, this study can advocate for a more holistic approach to FGM interventions that includes mental health support. This comprehensive approach is essential for the overall well-being and empowerment of women who have undergone FGM.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study was limited to childbearing women in Awka-Etiti village, Anambra State, Nigeria. The study focused on assessing their awareness of the health risks and human rights implications of FGM, investigating the cultural beliefs and social norms that influence the practice, and identifying the barriers to abandoning FGM. The study did not extend to other forms of gender-based violence or cultural practices. Data were collected through surveys and interviews conducted within the community, ensuring that the findings are specific to the local context of Awka-Etiti.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

1. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): A range of practices involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
2. Awareness: The knowledge or perception of a situation or fact, in this context, the understanding of the health risks and human rights implications of FGM.
3. Beliefs: Acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof, in this study, the cultural and social convictions supporting FGM.
4. Childbearing Women: Women of reproductive age who have given birth or are capable of giving birth.
5. Cultural Norms: The shared standards and patterns that guide the behavior of people within a society, in this case, those related to FGM.
6. Social Pressure: The influence exerted by family, friends, and the community on an individual’s behavior, particularly in continuing the practice of FGM.
7. Health Risks: Potential negative outcomes and complications associated with FGM, including physical and psychological effects.
8. Human Rights Implications: The consequences of FGM in terms of violations of basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person.