Painful cut

• Female genital mutilation survivors lament trauma, lack of sexual pleasure

By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) continues to cast a long shadow over the lives of millions of women and girls in Nigeria. Despite a gradual decline in prevalence, the practice persists due to deeply ingrained cultural beliefs, leaving countless survivors grappling with lifelong physical and emotional trauma.

This story amplifies the voices of those survivors, sharing their painful experiences and highlighting their unwavering determination to eradicate FGM, ensuring no future generation suffers the same fate.

Participants

Toyin

Survivors speak out: “It’s a crime against humanity.”

The personal accounts of FGM survivors provide the most compelling evidence of the devastating impact of this practice. Their courage in sharing their stories fuels the movement for change.

While many FGM survivors struggle to openly discuss their experiences, individuals like Toyin Faleye demonstrate exceptional courage in advocating against the practice of female genital mutilation, the reality is that many survivors grapple with deep-seated trauma, finding it difficult to openly discuss their experiences.

For some, like Dr. Ify and two other survivors, who agree to speak on record, even broaching the topic can feel like reopening old wounds. This reluctance highlights the sensitive nature of FGM and the long-lasting emotional scars it inflicts, underscoring the need for tailored support and safe spaces for survivors to share their stories on their own terms.

Oluwatoyin Faleye, a vocal advocate against FGM, reflects on the enduring consequences of the procedure in her life. “As a victim of female genital mutilation, I have had to suffer treating infections, urinary infections over time,” she revealed. Beyond the physical challenges, Toyin has also faced significant emotional scars. “I’ve had to deal with not enjoying my sexual life, with my marriage, and I’ve had to deal with the stigma of knowing that I can never heal from this cut that I experienced as a child.”

Toyin firmly believes that FGM constitutes a crime against humanity. “Female genital mutilation is a crime. It is a crime against humanity,” she asserted. She shared that there is a silence culture prevalent in the society which in itself is an epidemic. A lot of people are silent about cases of sexual and gender based violence as well as sexual reproductive health and right issues like FGM.

Toyin also shared her story of abuse. “I made a deliberate choice to break my silence, especially about sexual abuse after being silent for 23 years. I was raped at 10 and sexually molested for several years by my adopted father and the pain of abuse was so intense, especially since I was already a victim of FGM,” she said. She believes that there is power in speaking up.

Dr. Ifeanyi, aka Dr. Ify, as she prefers to be called, offered a deeply personal account of her experience, highlighting the irreversible damage caused by FGM. “FGM has deprived me of sexual pleasure. Sadly, it is not reversible,” she lamented.

She recounted the painful experience of being circumcised at the age of eight by her maternal grandmother. “It was a very painful ordeal as I was made to lie down on bare floor and the cutting was done. My sisters were also circumcised the same day,” she recalled.

The justification given by her grandmother was to prevent promiscuity.The long-term consequences of FGM have significantly affected Dr. Ify’s marital life.

She explained: “I got married as a virgin in my late twenties and realized I don’t experience sexual orgasm neither do I feel anything in my private area even when my husband makes efforts to get me aroused during intercourse.

“The major consequence FGM had on me is robbing me of the joy and pleasure of enjoying sexual satisfaction in marriage as meeting my husband’s sexual needs is solely a chore that I engage in strictly to fulfil my marital obligations and not for my pleasure as I don’t feel anything and the pain from the sexual intercourse is terrible.”

She added that some years back, she shared her regret with her mother, who deeply apologized for accepting to circumcise her daughters. Sadly, the terrible deed has been done and they have to live with this for the rest of their lives.

“FGM has negatively impacted my marital life; my sexual confidence as a woman has also been negatively affected even as it has led to me entertaining thoughts of seeking alternatives to sexual satisfaction,” Ify added.

Education plays a vital role in eradicating Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) by influencing attitudes and behaviour. Studies show that educated mothers are less likely to circumcise their daughters, as education exposes them to information promoting healthier behaviour. However, education alone isn’t always enough to change attitudes.

Ify further disclosed: “My daughters are not circumcised and I have continued to educate mothers like me to desist from the practice of FGM,” highlighting the crucial role of education and advocacy in changing perceptions and ending FGM/C.

Another FGM survivor, who simply identified herself as Ranti, when asked about her experience, offered a bittersweet perspective. While acknowledging the irreversible nature of the procedure, she said: “The deed has been done o. It can’t be reversed but only managed. We are no longer doing it. It stopped with our generation. So it’s well.”

Questioning the need to revisit the past, she asked: “Is there any need to rehash this?”

This survivor’s account underscores the complex emotions surrounding FGM, balancing the acknowledgement of past trauma with a focus on preventing future generations from experiencing the same harm. The long-term negative impacts she and other survivors face include a lack of sexual drive, difficulty in childbirth and reduced libido.

Another survivor, Uju, recounted her experience of infibulation, describing the excruciating pain and trauma she endured.

In Nigeria, while overall prevalence rates have decreased, female genital mutilation remains a significant concern where an estimated 19.9 million women have undergone the procedure, placing the country third highest globally in the number of survivors.

A recent statistics show that 27% of women aged 15-49 in Nigeria have undergone some form of FGM. However, more recent data indicates a prevalence of 19.5% among women aged 15-49. Encouragingly, between 2008 and 2018, overall prevalence among women aged 15-49 fell from 29.6% to 19.5%. The mean age of cutting has also decreased, from 3.1 years in 1999 to 1.7 years in 2018.

The most common type of FGM performed in Nigeria is “cut, flesh removed.” Regionally, the South East (32.0%) and South West (30.0%) zones have the highest prevalence among women aged 15-49, with Imo State recording the highest state prevalence at 61.7%.

These statistics highlight the continued need for increased efforts to eradicate FGM in Nigeria, challenging cultural beliefs and protecting the health and rights of women and girls.

In May 2015, a federal law was passed in Nigeria banning FGM/C and other harmful practices, but this Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act only applies to the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. While 32 states have passed similar legislation, there remains inconsistency between the passing and enforcement of laws.

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, declared FGM a “serious violation of human rights,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to ending the menace. “We are not just marking another international commemoration today; we are using today to reaffirm our commitment to ending one of the most serious violations of human rights – Female Genital Mutilation (FGM),” she stated.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim outlined the government’s multi-sectoral strategy, which includes strengthening legal frameworks, scaling up community interventions and promoting cultural and behavioral change. She also called on stakeholders to collaborate in the fight against FGM, stressing it was a violation of human rights. She said: “The fight against FGM is not the responsibility of one ministry, one organisation, or one sector. It is a collective responsibility. FGM is not culture; FGM is not tradition… FGM is human rights violation”.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, described FGM as a “human rights violation and has no health benefits.” In a statement commemorating the day, she emphasised the collective responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of girls and women.

“As we commemorate the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), with the theme, Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of girls and women,” she stated.

Mrs Tinubu expressed concern over the UNFPA’s report indicating that Nigeria has the highest absolute number of FGM cases globally, with over 20 million women and girls affected and an estimated 14 million more at risk by 2030. “Although Nigeria has made significant strides toward eliminating FGM, due to the collaborative efforts of the government, UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme, civil society, traditional institution and community leaders, there is still much work to be done,” she acknowledged.

Mrs Tinubu further emphasized the need to recognize violence against women as a broader societal issue, stating: “We must remember that violence against women is not just a women’s issue but an issue against humanity. It affects us all, erodes our shared values of respect and dignity. We must recognize that every person, regardless of gender, deserves to live free from fear, discrimination, and violation.”

Calling for renewed commitment and stronger partnerships, she affirmed the commitment of her husband’s administration to ending FGM. “Together, we will strengthen the movement against FGM by building alliances across sectors, empowering survivors, and ensuring that youth and women lead the charge. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to ending FGM and I will continue to advocate for the necessary support. Our collective voice is our greatest strength, and with united efforts, we can achieve a Nigeria free from FGM,” she asserted.

Mrs Tinubu concluded with a call to action: “Let us continue to work together, for our girls, for our women, and for a future where female genital mutilation no longer exists.”

UNFPA Nigeria stated that “female genital mutilation denies women and girls their right to health, safety and bodily autonomy. Every girl deserves to grow up free from harm.”

The fight to eradicate FGM in Nigeria is an ongoing battle that demands urgent and sustained action. By listening to and amplifying the voices of survivors, disseminating accurate data, and strengthening legal frameworks, we can challenge harmful cultural norms and protect future generations. The time to act is now, working towards a Nigeria where no girl or woman has to endure the pain and suffering caused by FGM.