Knowledge and Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation among Secondary School Students in Nigeria: Implication for Feminist Social Work

Abstract Female genital mutilation has received attention because of its health complications and the recognition that it represents human rights abuse and violence against females. The study assessed the knowledge and prevalence of female genital mutilation among secondary school students in Shagamu, Nigeria and its implication for feminist social work practice. The study used a descriptive survey and stratified sampling technique was used to select 322 students from federal government girl’s college Shagamu. A questionnaire titled the knowledge and prevalence of female genital mutilation among secondary school students was used to collect data for the study. The findings showed that the female students had a fair knowledge of female genital mutilation. Also it was found that there is a high prevalence of FGM because it is an act that is still widely practiced. It is often done because of the social pressure to conform to what others do. The study recommends that health education intervention strategy be employed by feminist social workers nationwide through the mass media. There should be more efforts to raise awareness about the dangers and human rights abuses of FGM among parents and students.