‘I felt a splash of cold water - then the cutting’

Juliet Imiruaye relives the day her family had her circumcised against her will. Political Reporter Michael O’Farrell reports.

AS a child growing up in Nigeria’s delta region, Juliet Imiruaye was used to neighbourhood celebrations following female circumcisions.

“It’s like the Holy Communion you do here - people bring you presents of money, clothing. We participated in the dancing, singing, eating, jubilating, but we never knew what was coming to our own selves.”