The applicability of Africana Womanism in interventions against female genital mutilation in Nigeria: lessons from Eritrea and Uganda

For decades, Female Genital Mutilation has been a practice heavily practiced in Nigeria with states like Imo, Oyo, Osun, Oyo, Ebonyi, and Ekiti ranging the highest. With a population of well over 200 million, Nigeria has the unenviable leading position in the practice of FGM, with over 20 million women and girls forced to undergo this practice. Due to the patriarchal and conservation nature of the country, it has become a breeding and nurturing environment for the practice as culture and patriarchy are the major factors promoting FGM. This study seeks to conduct a comparative analysis of two African countries that have taken giant strides towards eradication of the practice, looking at their policies and practical implementations, and outcomes; then select out relevant strategies Nigeria can adopt from them. Using the theoretical framework of feminism, we would have a deeper understanding of the role patriarchy plays in promoting FGM and explore ways we can get around it.