ATTITUDES OF MALE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOWARDS FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN ABAKILIKI

Abstract

This research study is designed to find out the attitude of male teachers in secondary schools towards female genital mutilation on Abakiliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The design of the study was descriptive survey research design. In order to realize this, three research questions were raised to guide the study. The population for the study was 120 respondents. The researcher used all the one hundred and twenty (120) male teachers in the secondary schools. The number is small and can be studied. Therefore, there was no sampling. The data for this work was collected using the questionnaire. The data generated from this study was analyzed using mean score and standard deviation. Findings of the research revealed that from the criterion mean, the attitude of male teachers towards female genital mutilation in the area is positive, there is male teachers’ justification for supporting FGM. Male teachers’ resistance of total abandonment of FGM is moderately low, attitude of male teachers towards the health implication of the practice is moderately high. At the end recommendations were made which include: the need for abolition of this unhealthy practice. A multidisciplinary approach involving legislation, health care professional organizations, empowerment of the women in the society, and education of the general public at all levels with emphasis on dangers and undesirability of FGM should be paramount in the health advocacy. There is a need for legislation in Nigeria with health education and female emancipation in the society to increase campaign to reduce FGM. The process of social change in the community with a collective, coordinated agreement to abandon the practice “community-led action” is therefore essential.