Nigerian filmmaker and actress Biodun Stephen has shared a deeply personal account of undergoing female circumcision at the age of six, describing the experience as painful and one that has remained vivid decades later.
Speaking in an interview with Diaryofanaijagirl, Stephen revealed that the procedure was carried out by her grandmother in line with a longstanding family tradition. She noted that her mother had also undergone the practice, underscoring how deeply rooted it was within her family at the time.
Recounting the incident, the filmmaker said she was taken from her home under the pretense of an outing and made to feel at ease before the procedure. According to her, she was allowed to play and eat before being asked to bathe. She later noticed preparations being made on the floor, including a mat and a bowl, before she was instructed to lie down.
Stephen said she did not fully understand what was happening at the time but remembers the intense pain clearly. She explained that the memory remains sharp, describing it as an experience she can still visualize many years later.
Reflecting on the long-term effects of female circumcision, she observed that the impact can differ depending on the extent of the procedure. According to her, severe cases may affect sexual pleasure and the ability to experience orgasm, highlighting concerns often raised by health advocates about the physical and psychological consequences of the practice.
In a separate part of the interview, Stephen also shared her perspective on relationships and infidelity. She stated that while cheating is not necessarily a deal-breaker for her, it should come with consequences.
According to the actress, the most effective response to a partner’s infidelity is to walk away, suggesting that ending the relationship sends a clear message about accountability.
Her revelations have since generated conversations online about traditional practices, women’s health, and evolving attitudes toward relationships in contemporary society.