Perspectives on the Decline of Female Genital Mutilation in Abeokuta Nigeria

Abstract

The extent of the spread of the Female genital Mutilation (FGM) globally and locally is well documented. The international movement against the practice has also gained momentum in the past two decades. It is against this backdrop of corresponding decline in the practice of FGM that this study was conducted to monitor and document the plausible explanation of the decline of this worldly acclaimed traditional harmful practice. The study was able to establish civilization, modernization and religion as some major reasons for the decline of the practice in Abeokuta, Nigeria, a hitherto prevalent area. How these factors contributes to the reduction of FGM in the study area should therefore be seen as a potential catalyst for possible application in others areas where the practice is yet prevalent and it is pointer to policy makers interested
in limiting the spread of FMG .