1. FGM IN NIGERIA
The estimated prevalence of FGM among Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 is 24.8%
20 million women and girls in Nigeria have undergone FGM
This represents 10% of the global total
(DHS 2013, p.348; UNICEF 2013)

2. WHERE? Highest FGM prevalence: South East Zone = 49%
South West Zone = 47.5%
Osun State = 76.6%
Lowest FGM prevalence:
North East Zone = 2.9%
Katsina State = 0.1%
© 28 Too Many
(DHS 2013, pp )

3. FGM PREVALENCE IN URBAN AREAS: 32.3% of women aged 15 to 49
16.8% of girls under 14 years
FGM PREVALENCE IN RURAL AREAS:
19.3% of women aged 15 to 49
17% of girls under 14 years
(DHS 2013, pp.349 & 354)

4. WHY? Main reason - ‘Preserve virginity/prevent extra-marital sex’
Women cited ‘social acceptance’ and ‘better marriage prospects’
Men also cited ‘More sexual pleasure for a man’
58.1% of women and 51.8% of men believe that FGM has no benefits
(DHS 2008, pp.306-7; DHS 2013, p.359)

5. RELIGION – A REASON FOR FGM IN NIGERIA?
Although FGM is not required by any religious script, overall, 15% of women and 23.6% of men believe it is required by their religion
This is particularly among men (39.9%) and women (33.1%) practising traditionalist religions and men (30%) practising Islam
(DHS 2008, pp.306-7; DHS 2013, p.359)

6. AGE
FGM is most likely to take place in Nigeria before a girl reaches the age of five
82% of women aged 15 to 49 who have had FGM state that they were cut before the age of five
15.8% of girls aged 0 to 14 undergo FGM before their first birthday
Girls are less likely to be cut after the age of 15
(DHS 2013, pp.352-3)

7. TYPES OF FGM
Of women aged 15 to 49 who have experienced unclassified/Type IV FGM:
24.9% -> angurya (scraping of tissue surrounding the opening of the vagina)
5.1% -> gishiri (cutting of the vagina)
5.1% -> use of corrosive substances
Angurya and gishiri most common amongst Muslim women
Type I (cut, no flesh removed/nicked)
5.8%
Type II (cut, flesh removed)
62.6%
Type III (sewn closed, infibulation)
5.3%
Undetermined/Not sure/ Don’t know
26.3%
(DHS 2013, pp.247-9, 351 & 357)

8. PRACTITIONERS
86.6% of girls and 79.5% of women are cut by ‘traditional agents’
The majority of these agents are what the DHS calls ‘traditional circumcisers’
2.5% of these girls and 7% of these women are cut by ‘traditional birth attendants’
Medical professionals (doctors, nurses/midwives, other health professionals) cut 11.9% of girls and 12.7% of women
(DHS 2013, p.357)

9. LAW May 2015 – Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP)
Federal law banning FGM and other harmful traditional practices
Only applies to the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.
Up to each of the 36 states to pass similar legislation in their territory
13 states already have similar laws in place

10. ATTITUDES
Overall, 64.3% of women and 62.1% of men believe that FGM should be stopped in Nigeria
Strongest support for ending FGM (76.2%) among women who have not undergone FGM
50% support for ending FGM among those who have undergone the practice
Support for ending FGM increases with education
Attitudes towards FGM also vary according to residence and wealth
(DHS 2008, pp.361-2)

11. WHAT IS THE DATA TELLING US?
The prevalence of FGM appears to be highest among wealthier, better- educated Nigerian women who live in urban areas
These same women are the least likely to have their daughters cut before the age of 15
This group is also most in favour of ending the practice
The prevalence of FGM appears to be lowest among poorer Nigerian women with little or no education who live in rural areas
These women are more likely to have their daughters cut
This group shows the highest level of support for the continuation of FGM

12. WHAT DO ANTI-FGM PROGRAMMES NEED TO CONSIDER?
Most at risk? Girls who are poorer, have little or no education and live in rural areas
Increasingly mobile population, both socially and economically
Large, young population with increased access to information through mobile phones
Continued and expanded use of media tools/Involvement of key public figures
Inclusion of FGM in the school curriculum essential
Raising awareness among men and boys, as well as women and girls
Engagement of those in public office (at all levels)
Increased involvement of traditional and faith leaders
Support traditional practitioners of FGM to give up their practice
Set up a network at federal level, with state-level subsidiaries, to facilitate exchange of information and ideas