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Socio-Cultural Factors and the Continuity of Female Genital Mutilation (Fgm) among Mothers in Obiangwu

 OLAOYE, Samson Olukunmi

Despite the level of civilization in modern times and ever-increasing campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), it is still being practised in some Nigerian regions. This traditional practice does irreparable harm to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of women who undergo it. This study determined the knowledge of the associated health and social implications of FGM among women in Obiangwu Community, Ngor-Okpala LGA, in Imo state; identified the main socio-cultural factors contributing to the practice of FGM among mothers in the community and; explored Obiangwu community's effort to end FGM. A cross-sectional study, using questionnaire and key informant interviews revealed that preservation of tradition and dogmatism by the elderly were responsible for its continuous practice in the community and campaigns to address these have been largely undermined by financial constraints. The paper concludes with the policy implications of these findings and calls for measures to address these issues.