Breast Ironing: A Hidden Trauma in Nigeria and Cameroon
Breast ironing, a harmful practice involving the use of heated objects to delay puberty and protect girls from male attention, is prevalent in parts of Nigeria and Cameroon. Despite being criminalized in Nigeria, the practice continues, causing severe pain, uneven breast development, and complications with breastfeeding. Activists and organizations worldwide are working to raise awareness and end this practice.
Elizabeth John, a Cameroonian refugee, underwent breast ironing at age 10. The procedure caused her long-term physical and emotional trauma, making it difficult for her to breastfeed her own baby, ultimately leading to its loss. In the Gbagyi community, many women have experienced breast ironing and have pushed their daughters to undergo the procedure. Dr. Ushakuma Michael Amineka, a gynecologist, warns that breast ironing can cause long-term effects, including difficulties with lactation and infections. The practice is considered a form of physical mutilation and contributes to the high school dropout rate among affected girls. Despite the efforts of numerous national and international organizations, such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and UNICEF, cultural beliefs and secrecy hinder progress in ending this harmful practice.
Breast ironing, though criminalized in Nigeria, remains a prevalent issue in parts of Nigeria and Cameroon. While activists and organizations worldwide strive to raise awareness and end this harmful practice, cultural beliefs and secrecy pose significant challenges. Further efforts are needed to educate communities and enforce the law to protect girls and women from this traumatic experience.
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