From Victims to Victors: Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Share Their Stories
Former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act into law in May 2015, outlawing gender-based violence in all its manifestations, including female genital mutilation (FGM). The VAPP Act’s Section 6 lists the penalties for FGM practitioners and describes the repercussions for those who participate in the practice. However, a sizable portion of Nigerian women and girls are impacted by the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), which is still widely practiced. From a medical to a psychological standpoint, the effects of female genital mutilation are extensive, leaving survivors with lifelong suffering.
FGM is a human rights violation that can have serious negative effects on one’s physical and mental health. Individuals who have undergone this procedure often face acute health risks, such as infections, heavy bleeding, and pain during menstruation and urination. Prolonged consequences may include persistent discomfort, difficult delivery, and sexual problems. In addition to the physical wounds, severe mental trauma develops, leading to PTSD, anxiety, sadness, and feelings of shame and worthlessness.
The first step in helping FGM survivors heal is to provide a secure space where they feel comfortable talking about their experiences without feeling judged or afraid. FGM survivors can connect with other victims who are similar to them by creating support groups that are run by professionals and led by survivors. This creates a sense of community that validates their feelings and promotes healing among all members of the group.
Obtaining All-Inclusive Medical Care
Ensuring FGM survivors have access to comprehensive medical care is essential to their health and overall wellbeing. Coordinated medical care is necessary to properly address both short-term and long-term health issues. It is essential to collaborate with medical specialists who are aware of and sympathetic to the unique requirements of FGM survivors. When appropriate and desirable, medical procedures like as reconstructive surgery can help survivors regain their physical and emotional well-being.
Increasing the Effectiveness of Mental Health Services
Using a variety of therapeutic approaches, specialist therapists educated in FGM-specific counselling treatments can assist survivors in overcoming anxiety, sadness, and PTSD. These tactics could be mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or other research-proven techniques catered to the individual’s needs. Assisting survivors in regaining their self-esteem through mental health support can be a crucial phase in the recovery process.
Promoting Financial Self-Sufficiency
Economic empowerment helps survivors feel more confident and good about themselves by giving them the tools and resources to launch enterprises and pursue meaningful occupations. This allows them to lead more fulfilled lives. Recognising that economic empowerment can affect communities more broadly is also important. Survivors can disrupt the cycle of FGM by serving as role models for younger generations and encouraging them to attain economic independence and education.
Furthermore, awareness campaigns can serve as a forum for discussion on the subject while dispelling stereotypes about FGM and its detrimental effects on both individuals and communities. Via local events and the media, vulnerable and isolated groups can be reached through community outreach and participation, which can provide them the knowledge and tools they need to effect change.
Communities that are actively engaged in advocacy can be more equipped to address societal norms. Campaigns for awareness can simultaneously encourage community conversation and educate people about the harmful effects of female genital mutilation.
Something to Bear in Mind
One of the most important steps in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence is the survivors of FGM’s journey towards full healing and empowerment. It is imperative that survivors receive comprehensive resources and support in order to move from being FGM victims to overcoming its effects. In order to build a future where women and girls can live without being subjected to such destructive practices, the concerted effort to end FGM must be paired with adequate resources for its survivors.
