Breast ironing is a practice that has been affecting millions of girls in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. This is one of those practices that many people do not talk about, yet it is very serious and painful. This practice entails the pressing or massaging of the breasts of a young girl with hot objects to make them stop growing.
Families supportive of breast ironing believe it protects girls from being sexually harassed and getting pregnant early in life. This practice, however, harms the girls it should be protecting. The permanent health problems, emotional trauma, and breast-feeding complications later in life are dire consequences of the practice.
This guide explains what breast ironing is, why it happens, its effects, and how to stop it.
What is Breast Ironing?
Breast ironing is a tradition where hot objects like stones, spatulas, or sticks are used to press or flatten a girl’s developing breasts. Some families also wrap the chest tightly with cloth to delay breast growth.
The people who perform this practice, usually mothers or grandmothers, believe it will make the girls less attractive to men and reduce the risk of sexual violence or early marriage.
Why Do People Practice Breast Ironing?
Many families believe breast ironing will protect their daughters, but this belief is based on fear and misinformation. Some of the common reasons for this practice include:
- Fear of Sexual Violence: Families think delaying breast growth will stop men from harassing young girls.
- Preventing Early Pregnancy: Some believe that smaller breasts will prevent girls from engaging in relationships too early.
- Keeping Girls in School: Parents hope that by stopping breast growth, their daughters will focus on education instead of relationships.
- Cultural Traditions: In some communities, this practice has been passed down for generations, and many continue it without questioning its harm.
Hidden Dangers
Although some parents think they are helping their daughters, breast ironing causes serious harm. Many girls experience:
- Extreme Pain: The process can cause burns, swelling, and scarring.
- Breast Deformities: Many survivors of breast ironing have uneven or sagging breasts due to damaged tissue.
- Difficulty Breastfeeding: Pressing the breasts damages the milk glands, making it hard for women to breastfeed when they have children.
- Mental Health Issues: Girls who go through this experience often suffer from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
- Infections and Cysts: Using hot stones and rough objects can lead to infections, abscesses, and long-term breast problems.
How Common is Breast Ironing in Nigeria?
Many people do not know that breast ironing happens in Nigeria. According to the United Nations, over 3.8 million women in Africa have experienced this harmful practice.
In Nigeria, reports show that 25% to 50% of girls in some communities have gone through breast ironing. This is especially common in areas like Cross River, Benue, and Abuja, where some families believe this practice will protect their daughters.
Stories from Survivors
Elizabeth John, a 27-year-old survivor, shared how her mother and older women held her down and pressed a hot pestle against her chest when she was just 10 years old. The pain lasted for years, and when she got older, she struggled to breastfeed her child because her breast was damaged. Sadly, her baby did not survive due to malnutrition.
Other women in similar situations experience daily pain and struggle with the emotional trauma of what happened to them.
What is the Government Doing?
The practice is illegal under Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. This law states that anyone who carries out harmful traditional practices can face up to four years in prison or pay a fine of ₦500,000 ($300).
However, enforcement is weak because many victims do not report the abuse. It happens secretly, and many people in these communities do not believe it is wrong.
To stop this practice, the Ministry of Women Affairs and human rights groups must:
- Raise Awareness: Many parents do not understand the harm of breast ironing. Education campaigns can help change their minds.
- Provide Support for Survivors: Women who suffered from breast ironing need medical care, counseling, and legal help.
- Strengthen Laws and Punishments: Authorities must take action against people who continue this harmful practice.
How Can We Stop Breast Ironing?
Ending breast ironing requires action from the government, community leaders, and individuals. Here are some ways to help:
- Speak Out Against It: Share stories, educate others, and challenge harmful traditions.
- Support Awareness Programs: Join or donate to organizations working to stop breast ironing.
- Encourage Alternative Protection: Teach families safer ways to protect girls, such as providing sex education and enforcing laws against harassment.
- Empower Girls: Girls should know their rights and have the confidence to stand against breast ironing.
Conclusion
This is a painful and dangerous practice that affects millions of girls. It does not protect them; instead, it causes lifelong health problems, emotional pain, and even death.
We must act now to stop this harmful tradition. Governments must enforce laws, communities must educate families, and survivors must receive support.
For more research and resources on breast ironing and other gender issues, visit genderpedia.ng/shop.
