Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) remains widespread in Nigeria. With an estimated 19.9 million survivors, Nigeria accounts for the third highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM/C worldwide. According to Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) figures, while the national prevalence of FGM/C among women in Nigeria ages 15-49 dropped from 25% in 2013 to 20% in 2018, prevalence among girls ages 0-14 increased from 16.9% to 19.2% in the same period. Significant disparities in the practice of FGM/C still exist; for example, state-level prevalence ranges from 62% in Imo to less than 1% in Adamawa and Gombe. The prevalence of FGM/C is highest in the Southeast (35%) and Southwest (30%), and lowest in the Northeast (6%). However, according to a 2021 MICS report, FGM/C is on a steady increase in the North and 5 new hotspots have been identified. Harmful cultural beliefs reinforced by social norms continue to underpin the practice of FGM/C in Nigeria. Although considered a violation of human rights, FGM/C is an accepted practice in most Nigerian communities given the belief that it curbs promiscuity. In recent years, there have been strong policy actions by the Nigerian legislature to curb this practice, but FGM/C continues to be a widespread phenomenon and a major health concern.
To solve the problem of FGM/C, and related sexual and reproductive health & rights problems that affect women and girls, the Youth Network for Community and Sustainable Development (YNCSD) facilitates various community-led initiatives:
Ultimately, YNCSD catalyzes social change by engaging young people and amplifying their voices to speak for human rights, through targeted advocacy to key stakeholders; capacity building and development; communications and media engagements; partnerships; and program implementation.