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In Abuja, Nigeria, survivor Elizabeth John shares her traumatic experience with breast ironing, a harmful cultural practice where young girls’ breasts are pressed or pounded to delay development. The practice aims to protect girls from sexual abuse, but health bodies and rights groups warn of the physical and psychological harm it causes. Despite efforts to raise awareness and stop the practice, breast ironing remains prevalent in communities like Gbagyi. Survivors, like John, continue to suffer long-term effects, including difficulties with lactation and psychological trauma. The United Nations reports that breast ironing affects millions of women in Africa, with high rates in countries like Cameroon and Nigeria. Nigerian human rights activist David Godswill condemns the practice as cruel and inhuman, emphasizing its lasting impact on women and girls. In response, organizations like Teenage Network work to educate communities and advocate for the eradication of harmful practices like breast ironing. Through outreach and awareness campaigns, they aim to protect girls from the physical and emotional consequences of this violent tradition. Elizabeth John is determined to break the cycle of breast ironing in her family, ensuring her daughters are spared the pain and suffering she endured. As pressure mounts to end this harmful practice, survivors like John continue to share their stories in hopes of creating lasting change and protecting future generations of women and girls.

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