scholarly journals Beyond will: the empowerment conditions needed to abandon female genital mutilation in Conakry (Guinea), a focused ethnography

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Hélène Doucet ◽  
Alexandre Delamou ◽  
Hawa Manet ◽  
Danielle Groleau
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Pressure ◽  
Focused Ethnography ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Practice Experience ◽  
Female Genital

Abstract Background Female genital mutilation (FGM) can give rise to immediate and long-term health problems for girls/women. Numerous studies have identified the sociocultural determinants of this tradition, but so far, in a national context where FGM is highly practiced, virtually none have focused on people refusing to have their daughters cut. We therefore aimed to understand the sociocultural dynamics underlying the non-practice of FGM in Guinea, a country which has one of the most prevalent rates of this practice in the world. This research explored the demographic and sociocultural profiles of Guineans who do not practice FGM, as well as their non-practice experience in a context of high FGM prevalence and social pressure. Methods We used a “focused ethnography” methodology and conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 30 women and men from different generations (young adults, parents, grandparents) living in Conakry, Guinea. Results We found that participants 1) do not disclose their non-practicing status in the same way, and 2) have different experiences with social pressure. A typology was created to describe participants as per their various profiles and experiences, which we named as: 1) the “activists”, 2) the “discrete”, 3) the “courageous”, 4) the “strategists”. Discussion Wanting to stop practicing FGM is not enough. The main empowering conditions allowing people to enact their decision not to have their daughters undergo FGM are: benefiting from social support (positive social capital), or being financially independent from the traditional solidarity network (sufficient economic capital). We therefore recommend finding ways to increase women’s/families’ empowerment to enact their decision not to practice FGM, mainly by: 1) providing them with new sources of social support, and 2) supporting them to gain more financial independence, including through schooling and improved access to better-paid employment. Conclusions This study was the first to explore the experience of people who do not practice FGM in a context of high FGM prevalence and social pressure. The results and recommendations of this research can inform strategies for FGM abandonment and therefore contribute to improving or developing intervention strategies that promote the health and well-being of girls and women.

Female genital mutilation in the UK: considerations for best nursing practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 788-791
Author(s):  
Bethany Rose
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Nursing Practice ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Health Complications ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Female Genital

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is any process that injures or removes part or all of the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is a growing public health concern in the UK because of an increase in migration from countries where it is widely practised. Education on FGM for nurses is key to supporting women who have undergone the practice, as well as safeguarding girls and women who are at risk. Nurses must understand the history and culture of FGM as well as the long-term health complications to be able to support affected women both professionally and sensitively.

scholarly journals The Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation on Psycho-Social Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110018
Author(s):  
Sarah O’Neill ◽  
Christina Pallitto
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
The Social ◽  
Women's Lives ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Female Genital

The health consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) have been described previously; however, evidence of the social consequences is more intangible. To date, few systematic reviews have addressed the impact of the practice on psycho-social well-being, and there is limited understanding of what these consequences might consist. To complement knowledge on the known health consequences, this article systematically reviewed qualitative evidence of the psycho-social impact of FGM in countries where it is originally practiced (Africa, the Middle East, and Asia) and in countries of the diaspora. Twenty-three qualitative studies describing the psycho-social impact of FGM on women’s lives were selected after screening. This review provides a framework for understanding the less visible ways in which women and girls with FGM experience adverse effects that may affect their sense of identity, their self-esteem, and well-being as well as their participation in society.

scholarly journals Survey Study of Acute and Long Term Effects of Female Genital Mutilation among Women in Sharkia Governorate

2014 ◽  
Vol 04 (14) ◽  
pp. 874-880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Essa M. Arafa ◽  
Amany M. Abdelghany ◽  
Nadia M. Madkour ◽  
Wael S. Nossair ◽  
Ekramy A. Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Female Genital

scholarly journals Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: The Secret World of Women as Seen by Men

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Kaplan ◽  
Babucarr Cham ◽  
Lamin A. Njie ◽  
Ana Seixas ◽  
Sandra Blanco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Final Decision ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Women’S Perceptions ◽  
Men’S Knowledge ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Female Genital

Efforts aimed at the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the communities where it is deeply rooted have extensively considered and addressed women’s perceptions on the issue, leaving those of men barely acknowledged. Although the practice is generally confined to the secret world of women, it does not mean that men cannot be influential. Indeed, men can play an important role in prevention. In order to address this gap, and having as background an extensive ethnographic field work, a transversal descriptive study was designed to explore Gambian men’s knowledge and attitudes towards FGM/C, as well as related practices in their family/household. Results show ethnic identity, more than religion, as the decisive shaping factor on how men conceive and value FGM/C. The greater support towards the practice is found among traditionally practicing groups. A substantial proportion of men intend to have it performed on their daughters, although reporting a low involvement in the decision making process, with very few taking alone the final decision. Only a minority is aware of FGM/C health consequences, but those who understand its negative impact on the health and well-being of girls and women are quite willing to play a role in its prevention.

scholarly journals Female genital mutilation remains high in Senegal: an analysis of DHS 2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
NM Sougou ◽  
I Seck
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Female Circumcision ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Women's Empowerment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Women’S Empowerment ◽  
Female Genital Cutting ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Genital Area ◽  
Female Genital

Abstract Background Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting or female circumcision, threatens the health and well-being of millions of girls, women and their children across the globe. In Senegal, despite numerous health interventions, female genital mutilation is still a harmful practice. The objective of this study is to conduct a descriptive and analytical analysis of female genital mutilation practices in Senegal in 2018. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of the 2018 Senegal DHS. The analyses for this study were done on the Individual Records file. The DHS data covered 9414 women aged 15 to 49 years. A multivariate analysis was performed to consider confounding factors. The dependent variable was the existence of female genital mutilation in women. Data were analyzed with STATA 17 software. Results The prevalence of FGM was 17.18%. Women who had flesh removed from genital area represented 60.96% (1338), 29.39% (252) had genital area just nicked without removing any flesh, 6.88% (151) had genital area sown closed. Women who thought that FGM was justified by religion represented 11.52%. However, 80.59% of the women thought that it was a practice that should be stopped. The protective factors for the occurrence of FGM were women's empowerment factors (high level of education of the woman (primary ajOR=0.64 [0.50-0.83] and secondary ajOR=0.43 [0.32, 0.57]) and the fact that the head of the household is a woman ajOR (0.75 [0.59-0.97]); belonging to the central region of Senegal and the Christian religion (ajOr=0.05 [ 0.02-0.13]). The risk factors for female genital mutilation in Senegal were ethnicity and belonging to certain regions in the northeast and southeast of Senegal. Conclusions The prevalence of FGM in Senegal is still high. Ethnicity remains an important risk factor. Women's empowerment would allow the reduction of FGM. In the fight against FGM, politics should include women's autonomy strengthening like girls schooling. Key messages This study highlights the still significant extent of FGM. Women's empowerment factors would prevent these harmful traditional practices.

scholarly journals Thirty-year trends in the prevalence and severity of female genital mutilation: a comparison of 22 countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. bmjgh-2017-000467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alissa Koski ◽  
Jody Heymann
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Rigorous Evaluation ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Female Genital

IntroductionFemale genital mutilation (FGM) harms women’s health and well-being and is widely considered a violation of human rights. The United Nations has called for elimination of the practice by 2030.MethodsWe used household survey data to measure trends in the prevalence of FGM in 22 countries. We also examined trends in the severity of the practice by measuring changes in the prevalence of flesh removal, infibulation and symbolic ‘nicking’ of the genitals. We evaluated the extent to which measurement error may have influenced our estimates by observing the consistency of reports for the same birth cohorts over successive survey waves.ResultsThe prevalence of all types of FGM fell in 17 of 22 countries we examined. The vast majority of women who undergo FGM have flesh removed from their genitals, likely corresponding to the partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia. Infibulation is still practised throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. Its prevalence has declined in most countries, but in Chad, Mali and Sierra Leone the prevalence has increased by 2–8 percentage points over 30 years. Symbolic nicking of the genitals is relatively rare but becoming more common in Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea and Mali.ConclusionFGM is becoming less common over time, but it remains a pervasive practice in some countries: more than half of women in 7 of the 22 countries we examined still experience FGM. The severity of the procedures has not changed substantially over time. Rigorous evaluation of interventions aimed at eliminating or reducing the harms associated with the practice is needed.

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