FIDA Nigeria Condemns Breast Ironing, Urges End to Harmful Practices in Plateau

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has condemned the practice of breast ironing and other harmful traditional customs that dehumanize women and girls in society.

The Chairperson of FIDA Plateau Branch, Barr. Naankus Fyaktu, described breast ironing—where parents flatten the developing breasts of young girls—as a violation of human rights and dignity.

She made this known during the annual Dialogue with the Plateau State Council of Traditional Leaders on Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls 2025, recently held at Fox Hotel in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

“Breast ironing is one of the harmful traditional practices where girls have their breasts ironed to prevent them from developing early. It is often believed that this will make them less attractive to men or prevent promiscuity,” Fyaktu stated.

“You see young girls from ages 11 to 13 who are already developing breasts, and some parents iron them out of ignorance, thinking they are protecting their daughters from the attention of men or from sexual abuse.

“But this, in itself, is a violation of their human rights, and it comes with serious health implications,” she lamented.

Fyaktu noted that while cases of breast ironing were not widespread in Plateau State, they had been reported in other parts of Nigeria.

“We have received a few cases, but it is not rampant yet on the Plateau. However, it is more common in some other parts of the country,” she said.

She also highlighted other harmful traditional practices, particularly those affecting women’s inheritance rights.

“In many communities, women are not allowed to inherit their father’s or husband’s property. So, whether as daughters or wives, they suffer double jeopardy when they are denied inheritance rights,” she explained.

Citing Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination, Fyaktu emphasized that traditional rulers must take a stand against these harmful customs.

“Many of these practices are upheld through traditional institutions. This is why we are calling on traditional rulers to speak out against them,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, Barr. Olivia Dazyem, Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission, reminded traditional leaders that some of these customs have been criminalized.

“Our traditional leaders are beginning to understand the message and are resolved to take action, especially against harmful practices like female genital mutilation and inheritance discrimination,” Dazyem said.

She stressed the need for community by-laws that explicitly outlaw harmful traditions.

“Some of these practices are now criminalized, and people need to be aware.

We have the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law, the Gender and Equal Opportunity Law, the Child’s Rights Law, and the Penal Code Law in Plateau State. People must ensure they do not run afoul of these laws,” she warned.

On his part, Mr. Fikih Obaro, Senior Manager, Programs, Partnerships, and Operations, emphasized that engaging traditional leaders was part of a long-term plan to eliminate harmful customs and replace them with progressive, civil practices.