Nigerian filmmaker Biodun Stephen has bravely shared a deeply personal and painful experience on how female genital mutilation (FGM), performed on her at just six years old, continues to affect her sexual life decades later.
In the candid conversation hosted by Ifedayo Agoro, on Dear Ife podcast, Stephen vividly recalled the traumatic procedure carried out under her grandmother’s direction as part of a traditional family practice.
“I remember I was six when I went for circumcision. Yes, I remember it vividly, the pain. Oh God,” she said, describing how it took place on a mat outside in the afternoon. The memory of the intense pain remains sharp, underscoring the lasting psychological impact of the experience.
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Stephen explained that the long-term consequences of FGM vary depending on the severity of the cut, but for many survivors including herself, it can lead to significant challenges in enjoying sex or reaching orgasm. She spoke openly about how the procedure has shaped her intimate relationships, yet she does not see full disclosure of her history as an automatic “deal breaker” for a partner.
Addressing potential betrayal in relationships, she offered a striking perspective: “The simplest punishment to give any man that has [cheated] is to let him go. It’s too easy… because you see, you have to pay,” she added.
