[2] It involves either partial or complete removal of the vulva or other injury to the female genital organs and has no medical benefit.
[7] The practice is mostly carried out by traditional practitioners of FGM, who often lack complete knowledge of human anatomy and medical procedures.
In communities that practice FGM, it is closely tied to ethnicity, culture, social norms, and sometimes seen as a religious obligation.
[2] In the majority of documented cases, it is family members (such as parents and grandparents, in particular mothers and grandmothers) who perform FGM on their daughters and granddaughters.
It is associated with ensuring a daughter's virginity, which is deemed necessary for arranging her marriage, securing a proper bride price, and upholding family honour.
[2] Efforts to eliminate FGM have been seen as a threat to Nigerian culture, particularly among older women who underwent the practise in their youths.
In many cases, girls themselves succumb to peer and societal pressure out of fear of stigma and rejection from their community, accepting the practice as normal and necessary.
[9] Data shows that the majority of people believe FGM should end, but they cite social pressures to continue the practice with their daughters.
[11] People's opinion on whether female genital mutilation should continue or end depends a lot on their socio-economic status.
While the poor and uneducated men will want female genital mutilation to continue, richer and educated people will like it to end.
In cases of Female Genital Mutilation women will not be able to have sexual intercourse, this ensures that premarital sex does not take place.
Nigerians practice the following forms of female genital cutting/mutilation:[1] Clitoridectomies are more common in the south of the country, and the more extreme methods, like infibulation, are prevalent in the north.
[17] Long term, Female Genital Mutilation and cutting has major effects on the sexual and reproductive health of a woman.
[18] Organizations seeking to end FGC/M in Nigeria include the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, African Union, Devatop Centre for Africa Development, the Economic Commission for Africa, the Coalition of Advocates against Violence and the Population Council.
[19] In May 2015 former Nigerian president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, signed off on a law that permanently bans Female Genital Mutilation and cutting.
[21] Highlighting themes such as human trafficking, suicide bombing, female genital mutilation/cutting and sexism and sexual harassment at the United Nations,[21] Ms. Itua, one of the presenters of the UN showcase the importance of women taking an active role in their nations said "As an African woman, I believe that my goal is to work with other women in creating awareness.
[22] With education, people are informed of the VAPP act and how the nation can fright against communities that still do not understand the negativities that come with female circumcision.