Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

It is often presumed that female genital mutilation (FGM) is only a rural phenomenon but in recent times, FGM persists in most cities in Nigeria. Its persistence in most Nigerian cities seems to be as a result of the post partum birthing rituals known as omugwo among eastern Nigerians. Empirical data was collected through focused group discussion and in-depth interviews, anchored on feminists’ perspectives of the female body structure as basis for critical analysis. Study found prevailing wrong notions/perceptions of the female body by women themselves, such as the ugliness of the clitoris which leads women into FGM. Massaging infant …