A Survey on the Psychosexual Implications of Female Genital Mutilation on Urhobo Women of The Niger Delta Communities of Nigeria

Abstract

The study focuses on the psychosexual problems associated with the practice of female Genital Mutilation (F.G.M) of Urhobo women in the Niger Delta communities of Nigeria. It was found out through the purposive sampling method that the practice of F.G.M has survived over the years because of the traditional importance attached to it and the cultural belief that the practice prevents sexual promiscuity amongst women on the one hand and that it prevents the mortality of babies at birth. Other attendant problems discovered in the course of the study shows that the practice of F.G.M is painful and it serves as a major source of infection on the woman on whom it is carried out. Also the practice causes dyspareunia frigidity and lack of sexual satisfaction. Ironically there is large-scale ignorance about the health and societal implications of F.G.M amongst the Niger Delta Women. This therefore constitutes the main focus of this paper. It argues for a concerted campaign against the evils of F.G.M. because of its harmful effect on the womenfolk their homes and the society and prescribes for a vigorous public enlightenment/awareness that would lead to the abolition of this retrogressive practice. (authors)