POST TRAUMATIC SIGNS OF FGM AND IMPACT ON PRODUCTIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE [PDF] 1. Ify Nwiwu (RNLD, RGN, DipHE, BSc, MSc) 2. Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar MBE, FHEA 3. Dr Brian L. Johnston B.Sc. M.Sc. Ph.D. FHEA
Abstract
This study examines the post-traumatic signs of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and their impacts on workplace productivity among women in Nigeria. It highlights the psychological and socio-economic ramifications of FGM, exploring how these experiences affect women's roles in the workforce. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice entrenched in various cultures, impacting millions of women globally, especially in Nigeria. The psychological repercussions, such as trauma, anxiety, and depression, can severely diminish survivors' overall quality of life. These mental health challenges often impede their capacity to succeed and thrive in professional environments. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, combining qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with FGM survivors, community leaders, and healthcare professionals, and quantitative data from a structured survey of women in affected communities. A purposive sampling technique was used for the qualitative phase, selecting 10 participants, while a convenience sampling method targeted approximately 30 women for the quantitative phase. The study revealed that psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, low self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the impact of FGM negatively affecting the performance of female employees in working places and emotional distress, withdrawal from team activities and networking opportunities and stigma are ways FGM affect employee engagement levels among female employees. It was recommended that organizations should develop comprehensive support programs specifically tailored for FGM survivors and regular training sessions should be mandatory for all staff, especially managers, to raise awareness about FGM and its psychological impacts amongst others.
