Impact of COVID-19 on Gender Equality, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of Adolescent Girls and Young Women: A Narrative Review

Unmet Need ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Pubmed Database ◽

Women And Children ◽

Gender Based ◽

The Impact ◽

: Adolescent girls and young women constitute a vulnerable population worldwide and an easy target to secondary impacts of a pandemic due to societal norms, existing age, gender-based inequalities, leading to a condition known as “second pandemic”. Due to local and national lockdowns to prevent coronavirus spread, educational institutions, workplaces, and health services have been shut down, making adolescent girls and women prone to sexual, physical exploitation, gender-based violence, educational, financial loss, lack of sexual and reproductive services. The present review briefs some of these secondary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent girls and women, which, if taken care of, can prevent many long-term consequences. Methodology: The literature was searched from governmental, non-governmental sites and agencies like WHO, UN, UNICEF, Guttmacher Institute, International Labor Organization, and English peer-reviewed journals, using the USA National Library of Medicine (Pubmed) database, the regional portal of Virtual Health Library, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. The data from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic till March 2021 about the impact of COVID-19 on women and children were searched and studied. The descriptors used were school drop-out children, adolescent girls, women suffering at home/work, unmet need for contraception, unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortion, child marriages, and female genital mutilation. Results and Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a “hidden pandemic” against women and children. There is a skyrocketing rise in violence against women/girls, teenage pregnancies, school drop-outs, child marriages, abuse, and female genital mutilation. Hence, women and adolescent girls should be protected from the shadowing effects of the pandemic.

Leadership among Women Working to Eradicate Female Genital Mutilation: The Impact of Environmental Change in Transcultural Moments

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17165996 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (16) ◽

pp. 5996

Author(s):

José Siles-González ◽

Ana Isabel Gutiérrez-García ◽

Carmen Solano-Ruíz

Keyword(s):

Social Relations ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Health Problems ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Practice Method ◽

Gender Based ◽

The Impact ◽

The study of cultural moments can identify the level of acceptance of female genital mutilation and the visibility of the involved health problems in a globalized world. Aims: To describe the transcultural process through which immigrant women who have experienced female genital mutilation become leaders against this practice. Method: Descriptive research with cross-cultural principles and a qualitative approach. A semi-structured interview was the chosen technique for data collection. A total of 18 women participated in the preliminary observation and analysis unit, and only 8 women (38.8%) were ideologically against female genital mutilation (FGM). Inclusion criteria: The selected women had undergone FGM and were fully prepared to discuss it. Results: Staying in a different country and the associated social relations reduce cultural pressure and promote critical thinking. Cultural moments reflect the different situations that affect the perception and practice of female genital mutilation. Health problems associated with female genital mutilation (sexual, reproductive, and psychological) become visible at transcultural moments. Conclusions: Environmental country change affects the cultural pressure that sustains this practice in individual minds, institutions, structures, and bodies. These changes produce transcultural moments. The practice of female genital mutilation constitutes a significant segment of gender-based violence.

Leadership among women working to eradicate female genital mutilation: the impact of transcultural moments

10.21203/rs.3.rs-21941/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jose Siles-González ◽

Ana Isabel Gutiérrez-García ◽

Carmen Solano-Ruíz

Keyword(s):

Social Relations ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Health Problems ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Descriptive Research ◽

Gender Based ◽

The Impact ◽

Abstract BackgroundThe study aims to describe the transcultural process through which immigrant women who have experienced female genital mutilation become leaders against this practice. This study also aims to identify the incidence of female genital mutilation in the invisibility of health problems (especially sexual and reproductive disorders).MethodDescriptive research with cross-cultural principles and a qualitative approach. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection. Inclusion criteria: the women investigated had undergone female genital mutilation and were fully prepared to discuss the issue.ResultsStaying and social relations in a different country reduce cultural pressure and promotes critical thinking. Cultural moments reflect the different situations that affect the thinking and practice of female genital mutilation. Health problems associated with female genital mutilation (sexual, reproductive and psychological) become visible at transcultural moments.ConclusionsThe country change affects the cultural pressure that keeps this practice in minds, institutions, structures and bodies. These changes produce the transcultural moments. The practice of female genital mutilation constitutes a significant segment of gender-based violence.

A cross-sectional study on pelvic floor symptoms in women living with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-021-01097-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alzbeta Binkova ◽

Marion Uebelhart ◽

Patrick Dällenbach ◽

Michel Boulvain ◽

Angèle Gayet-Ageron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pelvic Floor ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Background Information ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Pelvic Floor Symptoms ◽

The Impact ◽

Abstract Background Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) concerns over 200 million women and girls worldwide and is associated with obstetric trauma and long-term urogynaecological and psychosexual complications that are often under-investigated and undertreated. The aim of this study was to assess the pelvic floor distress and the impact of pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms among migrant women with different types of FGM/C. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2016 and January 2019 at the Division of Gynaecology of the Geneva University Hospitals. The participants were interviewed on socio-demographic and background information, underwent a systematic gynaecological examination to assess the presence and type of FGM/C and eventual Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), and completed six validated questionnaires on pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms (PFDI-20 and PFIQ7 on pelvic floor distress and impact, FISI and WCS on faecal incontinence and constipation, PISQ-IR and FGSIS on sexual function and genital self-image). The participants’ scores were compared with scores of uncut women available from the literature. The association between selected variables and higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms was assessed using univariate and multivariable linear regression models. Results 124 women with a mean age of 31.5 (± 7.5), mostly with a normal BMI, and with no significant POP were included. PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 mean (± SD) scores were of 49.5 (± 52.0) and 40.7 (± 53.6) respectively. In comparison with the available literature, the participants’ scores were lower than those of uncut women with pelvic floor dysfunction but higher than those of uncut women without such disorders. Past violent events other than FGM/C and forced or arranged marriage, age at FGM/C of more than 10, a period of staying in Switzerland of less than 6 months, and nulliparity were significantly associated with higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms, independently of known risk factors such as age, weight, ongoing pregnancy and history of episiotomy. Conclusions Women with various types of FGM/C, without POP, can suffer from pelvic floor symptoms responsible for distress and impact on their daily life. Trial registration. The study protocol was approved by the Swiss Ethics Committee on research involving humans (protocol n°15-224).

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

Qualitative Health Research ◽

10.1177/10497323211001862 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 104973232110018

Author(s):

Sarah O’Neill ◽

Christina Pallitto

Keyword(s):

Social Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Consequences ◽

Health Consequences ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

The Social ◽

Women's Lives ◽

The Impact ◽

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.

Sexual Function in Women With and Without Female Genital Mutilation in Reproductive Age in South of Iran

10.21203/rs.3.rs-256453/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mahshid Bokaie ◽

Samaneh Hatefi ◽

Shahnaz Mojahed ◽

Nasibeh Roozbeh

Keyword(s):

Sexual Function ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

P Value ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact ◽

Abstract Objectives: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is an important public health issue, especially in developing countries and it is still done in some parts of Iran. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FGM on the sexual function of women of reproductive age in Hormozgan province/IRAN.Study design: This study is a descriptive-analytical case-control study that was conducted in 2020 on 209 married women of reproductive age (15-49) in rural areas of Minab and Sirik counties in Hormozgan province/IRAN. Main outcome measures: The reliable and valid questionnaire FSFI for assessing female sexual function in the two groups was used after to obtain informed and voluntary consent from all participants and data with SPSS v: 16 software and with using descriptive/ Analytical statistics tests with a significant level of 0.05 were examined. Results: There is a significant difference between mutilated and non-mutilated women in the total score of sexual function(22.18±3.23 versus 23.41±2.52 respectively, p=0.023) and the domains of lubrication(3.04±0.62 versus 3.3±0.53 respectively, P=0.000), orgasm(3.81±0.63 versus 4.08±0.47 respectively, P=0.003), and sexual satisfaction(5.09±0.1 versus 5.37±0.87 respectively, P=0.017) But in the domains of desire, arousal, and pain in the two groups was no significant difference(P-value>0.05). Conclusion: FGM maybe leads to sexual dysfunction. Although most women were reluctant to perform mutilation on their daughters, more educational Actions are suggested to educate women about the impact of female mutilation on their sexual function. Counseling programs are also recommended to improve the sexual function of mutilated women.

The impact of community led alternative rite of passage on eradication of female genital mutilation/cutting in Kajiado County, Kenya: A quasi-experimental study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0249662 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. e0249662

Author(s):

Samuel Muhula ◽

Anthony Mveyange ◽

Samuel Oji Oti ◽

Martha Bande ◽

Hellen Kayiaa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Secondary Data ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Rite Of Passage ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Community Stakeholders ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The Impact ◽

Introduction In Kenya, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is highly prevalent in specific communities such as the Maasai and Somali. With the intention of curtailing FMG/C prevalence in Maasai community, Amref Health Africa, designed and implemented a novel intervention—community-led alternative rite of passage (CLARP) in Kajiado County in Kenya since 2009. The study: a) determined the impact of the CLARP model on FGM/C, child early and forced marriages (CEFM), teenage pregnancies (TP) and years of schooling among girls and b) explored the attitude, perception and practices of community stakeholders towards FGM/C. Methods We utilised a mixed methods approach. A difference-in-difference approach was used to quantify the average impact of the model with Kajiado as the intervention County and Mandera, Marsabit and Wajir as control counties. The approach relied on secondary data analysis of the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2003, 2008–2009 and 2014. A qualitative approach involving focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews were conducted with various respondents and community stakeholders to document experiences, attitude and practices towards FGM/C. Results The CLARP has contributed to: 1) decline in FGM/C prevalence, CEFM rates and TP rates among girls by 24.2% (p<0.10), 4.9% (p<0.01) and 6.3% (p<0.01) respectively. 2) increase in girls schooling years by 2.5 years (p<0.05). Perceived CLARP benefits to girls included: reduction in teenage marriages and childbirth; increased school retention and completion; teenage pregnancies reduction and decline in FGM/C prevalence. Community stakeholders in Kajiado believe that CLARP has been embraced in the community because of its impacts in the lives of its beneficiaries and their families. Conclusion This study demonstrated that CLARP has been positively received by the Maasai community and has played a significant role in attenuating FGM/C, CEFM and TP in Kajiado, while contributing to increasing girls’ schooling years. CLARP is replicable as it is currently being implemented in Tanzania. We recommend scaling it up for adoption by stakeholders implementing in other counties that practice FGM/C as a rite of passage in Kenya and across other sub Saharan Africa countries.

Cut, Scraped, Stitched: Female genital mutilation: Socially sanctioned gender-based violence

State of World Population - State of World Population 2020 ◽

10.18356/fa9e0068-en ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 64-93

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Gender Based Violence ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Gender Based ◽

The prevention of female genital mutilation in England: what can be done?

Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/pubmed/fdy128 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 41 (3) ◽

pp. e261-e266 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

E Plugge ◽

S Adam ◽

L El Hindi ◽

J Gitau ◽

N Shodunke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Criminal Offence ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Awareness Raising ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact ◽

Abstract Background Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a global public health issue. Women in the UK are at risk of FGM and its adverse health consequences but little is known about its practice. Since 1985 it has been a criminal offence to perform FGM in the UK and further legislation has tightened the law but FGM continues. Methods Four community researchers from the Kenyan, Nigerian, Somalian and Sudanese communities in Oxford conducted focus groups and interviews with 53 people to understand the communities’ beliefs about how best to prevent FGM. Results Participants believed that the current UK legislation alone was not sufficient to tackle FGM and might in fact be counterproductive by alienating communities through its perceived imposition. They felt that there had been insufficient consultation with affected communities, awareness raising and education about the legislation. Community-led solutions were the most effective way to tackle FGM. Conclusions FGM adversely affects communities globally. In the UK, researchers from affected communities gathered data demonstrating the feasibility and importance of involving communities in FGM prevention work. Further research is needed to understand how best to prevent FGM in affected communities and, very importantly, to examine the impact of the UK legislation relating to FGM.

Ending female genital mutilation – a city’s coordinated effort

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.739 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

M Paixão ◽

A Carmona ◽

H Capelão ◽

E Calé ◽

A Silva

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Primary Healthcare ◽

Healthcare Facility ◽

Potential Health ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Specific Protocol ◽

Entry Points ◽

The Impact ◽

Abstract Female genital mutilation (FGM) has short and long-term impacts on the health of girls/women. In Portugal, an estimated 5246 women were subjected to it, with 568 of them residing in the city of Amadora, in the metropolitan area of the capital Lisbon. As such, Amadora was considered a priority area for developing strategies to prevent female genital mutilation, under the coordination of the local public health unit. Our aim was to capacitate professionals to recognise and act on risk/danger and on minimising potential health impacts of FGM on the local institutions these girls/women might come into contact with. We created a task force that held meetings with different local actors: hospital, teams at the primary healthcare facility, city hall of Amadora, child protection services, a school, social inclusion projects, representatives of the justice system and a non-governmental organisation. We designed different scenarios for the different needs and entry points of these girls/women in the system and created appropriate procedures for all these actors. Within the primary healthcare facility, we created guidelines specifying criteria for referral to other specialties. This led to the development of a county protocol targeting FGM during the summer of 2019. We trained 160 healthcare professionals. In addition, we created a booklet for schools and held sessions in school groups targeting teachers, psychologists and operational assistants with a focus on risk and danger indicators and on how to proceed. Overall, 360 school professionals received training. During these sessions, we also presented resources on how to integrate FGM in discussions with students regarding gender violence and human rights. This intervention will be evaluated after one year (summer of 2020) through mixed-methods to understand the impact on the practice of the professionals in Amadora. We will conduct interviews and apply questionnaires to capture the implementation of this city-wide protocol. Key messages Given the complexity of FGM a wide societal and multidisciplinary approach should be used with a public health team coordinating the intervention. In Portugal there is a need for an organised and systematic response by professionals regarding FGM; our county-specific protocol aimed to create that response.

What Makes a Woman? Case Studies Documenting The Reasons for and Circumstances of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Indonesia, Ethiopia and Kenya

10.21203/rs.3.rs-786579/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tasneem Kakal ◽

Irwan Hidayana ◽

Berhanu Abeje ◽

Tabither Gitau ◽

Maryse Kok ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Young Women ◽

Health Workers ◽

Social Contexts ◽

Female Genital Cutting ◽

Traditional Practice ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Female Bodies ◽

Abstract Background: Female genital cutting/mutilation is a harmful traditional practice that violates women’s rights and has adverse health consequences. This paper presents the reasons for and circumstances of female genital mutilation/ cutting (FGM/C) in specific settings of three countries – Indonesia, Ethiopia and Kenya.Methods: Data were collected through a household survey with young people (15-24 years) and through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews with youth and community stakeholders in 2016 and 2017. Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were conducted.Results: The study findings confirm some of the reasons for FGM/C documented by previous studies, noting that these reasons are strongly interconnected, and gender norms are the underlying driver. In all three settings, these reasons drive the alterations of female bodies to result in a ‘cultured’ body that is acceptable to the patriarchal status quo. This results in the ‘pure body’ in Indonesia, the ‘tame’ body in Ethiopia and the ‘adult body’ in Kenya. Health workers and parents play an important role in decision-making around FGM/C in all settings. In Kenya, in particular, young women negotiate their role in decision-making around FGM/C as they are older at the time of circumcision. The study reveals how the changing legal and social contexts in each setting bring about changes in the tradition of FGM/C resulting in medicalization of FGM/C in Indonesia, a lowered age of cutting for girls in Kenya and the increasingly underground practice of FGM/C in Ethiopia.Conclusions: The three cases demonstrate the huge variation in the practice of FGM/C and the social meaning attributed to it by young women and their communities. There is a need to further explore the role of parents in decision-making. Due to the links between the different drivers of FGM/C within each context, the study concludes that context-specific strategies need to be adopted by interventions to create long-lasting change.