Echoing Kate Henshaw’s Voice Against Genital Mutilation, by Isaac Asabor

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision, is a harmful practice that affects millions of girls and women worldwide. In Nigeria, it remains a significant issue, with devastating consequences for those who undergo it. In this context, this writer delves into the passionate advocacy of Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, against FGM and explore why her voice matters.

FGM involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 230 million girls and women have undergone some form of FGM globally, with about 68 million girls at risk between 2015 and 2030. Nigeria bears a heavy burden, ranking third globally in FGM prevalence and accounting for one-tenth of survivors worldwide.

Kate Henshaw, a renowned Nollywood actress and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) ambassador, has been a vocal advocate against FGM. In a recent media parley, she strongly condemned the practice, emphasizing that it lacks scientific or moral value. Her message is clear: FGM harms girls and women, and it is time to put an end to it.

Henshaw rightly points out that women play a crucial role in perpetuating or ending harmful practices. As “gatekeepers,” women can influence change within their communities. By speaking out against FGM, they can protect the next generation of girls. Henshaw urges women to become vanguards against FGM, emphasizing that times have changed, and harmful traditions must give way to practices that empower and add value to the female child.

While advocacy is essential, dialogue is equally crucial. Henshaw encourages open conversations within families, communities, and society at large. By discussing the harmful effects of FGM, we raise awareness and create a collective commitment to eradicate this practice. It’s not just about condemning; it is about actively engaging in conversations that lead to change.

Without any scintilla of hyperbole, Henshaw’s advocacy cannot be pooh-poohed with mere wave of the hands as FGM is a serious health issue that need to be addressed, and the reason for the foregoing cautionary view cannot be farfetched as FGM has severe health risks for girls and women.

For instance, cutting the nerve ends and sensitive genital tissue causes extreme pain during and after the procedure, even as it causes excessive bleeding (Hemorrhage), and this occurs if blood vessels are cut.

As gathered, it causes pain, infection, or hemorrhage, and can lead to shock. As if the foregoing chancy consequences are not enough, it can lead to genital tissue swelling as inflammatory response or local infection can cause swelling.

In a similar vein, FGM leads to infections as contaminated instruments during the procedure or during healing can lead to contagions, even as pain, retention, or injury to the urethra can also occur culminating in urination problems. Not only that, it also impairs the healing of abnormal scarring, pain, and infections resulting from therefrom. Worse still, it can result to death due to infections (including tetanus) or severe hemorrhage as they can be fatal.

As if the foregoing health consequences are not enough, it can also lead to mental health problems that manifest in the form of trauma due to pain, shock, and betrayal by family members who condone the practice.

In fact, there can be long-term health risks (at any time during life), chronic pain as tissue damage and scarring can trap or expose nerve endings, even as chronic genital infections could occur resulting in pain, vaginal discharge, and itching.

Still in a similar vein, it may cause chronic back and pelvic pain due to reproductive tract infections, andcan also cause urinary tract infection, and if untreated, they can lead to kidney problems and even death.

Not only that, FGM is associated with complications during childbirth, including caesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, and difficult labor.

In fact, FGM has no health benefits and is unacceptable from both a human rights and public health perspective. Therefore, it is not a misnomer that Kate Henshaw has continued to raise awareness and advocating for change.

As also gathered, FGM can cause life-threatening childbirth complications. This is as it can result to serious and even life-threatening complications during childbirth. Scar tissue may not stretch enough to accommodate a newborn, making delivery even more painful than is usual, and making it more likely that the woman will need a Caesarean section or other emergency interventions.

In a similar vein, the risk of prolonged, obstructed labor is heightened for women who have undergone FGM. Without timely medical intervention, obstructed labor can cause debilitating obstetric fistula and also puts mother and baby at the risk of dying. Women who experienced infibulation, whose scars had to be cut open to enable sexual intercourse, and now again for them to give birth, face the greatest risks of prolonged and obstructed labor.  It is unarguably for the foregoing reasons that several of the countries with a high prevalence of FGM also have some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.

Against the backdrop of the foregoing facts, Kate Henshaw’s voice resonates loudly against FGM. As we heed her call, let us amplify her message, educate others, and work together to protect our girls and women. There is no denying the fact that FGM has no place in the 21st century, and it is time to ensure that every girl grows up free from this harmful tradition.