Violence against Women in Africa: A Study of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria

Violence against women in Nigeria and Africa at large is as old as mankind. This is because, various forms of violence as outlined in the study are enshrined in the religious, cultural and traditional practices of ethnonational groups and female genital mutilation is one of such violence. The study "Violence against Women in Africa: A study of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria" is aimed at exposing states and localities in Nigeria that are still practicing FGM despite laws and awareness aimed to eradicate these unethical practices in every form they manifest. The study employed four research questions to elicit data relevant to the study and these formed the basis for discussion of findings. The theoretical backdrop of the study is anchored on black feminist theory. Secondary data was utilised and analysed using content analysis. The study revealed that despite the Nigeria Constitution and the Child Rights Act (CRA) that speaks against FGM in the State, it does not explicitly mention FGM as a criminal offence thereby creating a loophole that allows religious and traditional fanatics to continue with their practices. The researcher’s recommends amongst others that a clear definition of FGM in the law is needed, which should include all types of FGM, including those specifically practised in Nigeria. The law needs to directly address medicalised FGM and, specifically, criminalise and punish the performance of FGM by health professionals as well as traditional practitioners.