Female genital mutilation: cultural practice or child abuse?

2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-33
Author(s):  
Vivienne Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Child Abuse ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Female Genital

scholarly journals Awareness of different forms of child abuse among Beni Suef University students: descriptive survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nermeen N. Welson ◽  
Yasmen A. Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Child Abuse ◽  
University Students ◽  
Corporal Punishment ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Psychological Problems ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Physical Child Abuse ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Science College ◽  
Female Genital

Abstract Background Child abuse is a worldwide phenomenon that can cause intense long-term aftereffects. Aim To evaluate the awareness of Beni Suef University students about different forms of child abuse as well as the size, causes, and complications of this problem in our society and determine the prevalence of physical child abuse. Methods The study included 1688 students from health science and non-health science colleges of Beni Suef University, Egypt. The study participants were asked to answer a questionnaire of two parts. The first part included questions about demographic data and personal experience of child abuse, and the second part included questions about opinions of participants on child abuse to assess their awareness and if there was any difference in the level of awareness between students of health science colleges and those of non-health science colleges. Results Health science college students were more life satisfied and felt more loved. Only 28.91% of the included students were not exposed to child abuse, while 12.59% of them suffered from wounds or fractures as a result of the abuse they were exposed to. About one third of the students thought that the commonest form of child abuse is verbal punishment such as threatening or humiliation and that the age at the greatest risk for abuse was the primary school age. About 68.36% of students thought that sexual abuse is a huge problem in our society. Only 21.56% of students disapproved child corporal punishment. More than half of the students stated that the most dangerous complication of child abuse is psychological problems such as depression. Most of the included students would talk to the child’s parents and advise them if they saw a case of abuse, while the least would call the police. Only half of the students disapproved female genital mutilation (FGM). The strongest predictive factors for FGM approval were rural residence and male sex. Students mainly thought that FGM is a social habit that is carried out for ethical causes. About half of the students approved legal punishment by the court for FGM performers. Conclusion A significant proportion of the students experienced physical child abuse which left no injuries in most cases; males and first academic year students show more exposure to abuse. Moreover, most of the students think that child corporal punishment can be allowed although about half of them think that the most dangerous aftereffect of child abuse is psychological problems. Lack of reporting the exposure to child abuse is explained by the largest percentage of students to be due to lack of awareness. Rural resident males show more approval of female genital mutilation. A significant lack of awareness about FGM complications is observed in both groups (the health science and non-health science college groups) and the opinions of both groups are very close.

Legal Impact of Female Genital Mutilation: Special Reference to Penal Laws and Human Rights Perspective in the Criminal Justice System of Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-237
Author(s):  
Aruni Wijayath
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Region ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Female Community ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Female Genital

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a ritual and religious and cultural practice among the Moor, Malay and Dawoodi Bohra ethnic communities in Sri Lanka. The process of FGM is ensconced from the general public in Sri Lanka; therefore, few pieces of research pertaining to the practice of FGM are available. A considerable number of international organizations profess that the percentage of FGM/cutting is zero in Sri Lanka through their reports, although newspaper articles and country reports disclose that FGM actually exists among the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. The knowledge regarding the process of FGM is in the backwater in Sri Lanka, even though a considerable number of feminism activists have created a platform to discuss the bad consequences emerging from this harmful practice. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 30 countries of African Region, selected countries in the Middle East, and countries of Asian Region practice this custom among the female community in some ethnic and religious groups. Through this practice, the female community has not gained any advantage or benefit. The purpose of this research is to explore the municipal laws and human rights regarding FGM in the Sri Lankan context. Furthermore, international conventions which are ratified by Sri Lanka will be analysed in this manner. This research is mainly based on the normative method and retrieved Internet documentary analysis in a qualitative manner.

scholarly journals Understanding the Experiences and Needs of Migrant Women Affected by Female Genital Mutilation Using Maternity Services in Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1491
Author(s):  
Sabera Turkmani ◽  
Caroline Homer ◽  
Angela Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Maternity Care ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Maternity Services ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Female Genital

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice defined as the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-therapeutic reasons. Changing patterns of migration in Australia and other high-income countries has meant that maternity care providers and health systems are caring for more pregnant women affected by this practice. The aim of the study was to identify strategies to inform culturally safe and quality woman-centred maternity care for women affected by FGM who have migrated to Australia. An Appreciative Inquiry approach was used to engage women with FGM. We conducted 23 semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions. There were four themes identified: (1) appreciating the best in their experiences; (2) achieving their dreams; (3) planning together; and (4) acting, modifying, improving and sustaining. Women could articulate their health and cultural needs, but they were not engaged in all aspects of their maternity care or considered active partners. Partnering and involving women in the design and delivery of their maternity care would improve quality care. A conceptual model, underpinned by women’s cultural values and physical, emotional needs, is presented as a framework to guide maternity services.

scholarly journals Female genital mutilation in children presenting to Australian paediatricians

2017 ◽  
Vol 102 (6) ◽  
pp. 509-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Zurynski ◽  
Amy Phu ◽  
Premala Sureshkumar ◽  
Sarah Cherian ◽  
Marie Deverell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Child Health ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Type I ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Female Genital

ObjectiveThe WHO reports that female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is an ancient cultural practice prevalent in many countries. FGM/C has been reported among women resident in Australia. Our paper provides the first description of FGM/C in Australian children.DesignCross-sectional survey conducted in April–June 2014.SettingPaediatricians and other child health specialists recruited through the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit were asked to report children aged <18 years with FGM/C seen in the last 5 years, and to provide data for demographics, FGM/C type, complications and referral for each case.ParticipantsOf 1311 eligible paediatricians/child health specialists, 1003 (76.5%) responded.ResultsTwenty-three (2.3%) respondents had seen 59 children with FGM/C and provided detailed data for 31. Most (89.7%) were identified during refugee screening and were born in Africa. Three (10.3%) were born in Australia: two had FGM/C in Australia and one in Indonesia. All parents were born overseas, mainly Africa (98.1%). Ten children had WHO FGM/C type I, five type II, five type III and six type IV. Complications in eight children included recurrent genitourinary infections, menstrual, sexual, fertility and psychological problems. Nineteen children (82.6%) were referred to obstetrics/gynaecology: 16 (69.9%) to social work and 13 (56.5%) to child protection.ConclusionsThis study confirms that FGM/C is seen in paediatric clinical practice within Australia. Paediatricians need cultural awareness, education and resources to help them identify children with FGM/C and/or at risk of FGM/C, to enable appropriate referral and counselling of children, families and communities to assist in the prevention of this practice.

scholarly journals Potentials of Drama Therapy in Unmasking the Personae of Survivors of Female Genital Mutilation among the Kenyan Maasai

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-34
Author(s):  
Zippora Okoth ◽  
John Mugubi
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Drama Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Will To Power ◽  
Power Theory ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Female Genital

Circumcision of females was and still remains a cultural practice in many African communities. While modernity and access to education has led to vilification of this tradition, the guardians and conservators of traditions who perceive not virtue but abomination in this revolution intrepidly use myths and falsehoods to sustain the tradition. Where that does not work, force is used. The Maasai are such a community where circumcision of women is still entrenched and highly esteemed. Some girls manage to escape but the effects of the harrowing escape remain. Subsequently, this study proceeds from the postulation that drama therapy is a useful tool not only to reach out to the survivors of any form of distress but also as an avenue for helping the victims cope while enhancing their selfexpression by obliterating the facade engendered by the trauma. Our contention is that as a tool for unlocking the voices of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) survivors, drama therapy creates a safe and playful environment where the survivors are able to act out their anxieties, fears and mental conflicts and reclaim their true beings, dreams and positions in society. In this way, drama therapy provides a platform on which the stigma related to FGM emotions can be expelled. While using various drama therapy techniques such as story-telling, poetry, role playing, song and dance, this paper examines and establishes how drama therapy can be used as an effective tool in regaining the real persona of survivors of Female Genital Mutilation. The study employs Nietzsche’s Will to Power theory and Rogerian theory of self in interrogating the potentials of drama therapy. Nietzsche’s Will to Power theory has been used to explore underlying motives behind the survivors’ rebellion against Female Genital Mutilation whereas Rogerian theory of Self has been used in exploring the survivors’ perception of their world, perception of the concepts of freedom, choice and personal responsibility, particularly after surviving Female Genital Mutilation. The study utilizes control-group as its research design while engaging in-depth interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions and participatory theatre to obtain data for analysis. The data collected was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively.

scholarly journals Female genital mutilation/cutting - towards abandonment of a harmful cultural practice

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 400-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesrin Varol ◽  
Ian S. Fraser ◽  
Cecilia H. M. Ng ◽  
Guyo Jaldesa ◽  
John Hall
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Female Genital

scholarly journals Factors associated with the knowledge and attitude towards Female Genital Mutilation among antenatal clinic attendees in Southern Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 183-192
Author(s):  
AI Obi ◽  
OE Obarisiagbon ◽  
OL Igbinadolor ◽  
KM Fatai ◽  
OO Adesoye
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Antenatal Clinic ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Benin City ◽  
Edo State ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Female Genital

Background: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a common cultural practice in Benin City, Edo State and by extension, Nigeria. The knowledge and attitude towards FGM may play significant roles in influencing this harmful socio-cultural practice. Objective: To identify factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards female genital mutilation (FGM) among Antenatal Clinic (ANC) attendees in selected health facilities in Benin City, Edo State. Methods: A facility-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 400 pregnant women recruited by systematic sampling technique from selected health facilities in Benin City, Edo State. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection from consenting pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in selected public tertiary and secondary health facilities in the study area. Information related to socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitude towards FGM were collected. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30.3±4.8 years. All the respondents were aware of the term Female Genital Mutilation. Two hundred and forty-eight (62%) and 302 (75.5%) had good knowledge and negative attitude towards FGM respectively. Age group (p = 0.005), religion (p = 0.007) and educational status (p <0.001) were identified as significant factors influencing knowledge of FGM while in relation to attitude towards FGM, knowledge of FGM (p<0.001) had significant influence. Conclusion: This study identified a gap between knowledge and attitude towards FGM among the respondents. Good knowledge of FGM significantly influenced attitude towards FGM. There is a need to scale up health sensitization during ANC sessions to bridge the gap identified.

scholarly journals Demographic Predictors of Cultural Practices Regarding Female Genital Mutilation among Married Women in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 23-31
Author(s):  
Lois N. Omaka-Amari ◽  
Edith N. Obande-Ogbuinya ◽  
Christian O. Aleke ◽  
Afoke N. Eunice ◽  
Jude N. Nwafor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Married Women ◽  
P Value ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Female Genital

Background: Peoples’ life and quality of health are usually dependent on the cultural practices and norms of the community. Objectives: This study investigated Female Genital Mutilation Practices and Associated Factors among Married Women in the Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Methods: The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted from August 2019 to January 2020.  Out of 260 questionnaires distributed, only 7 copies were discarded and a total of 253 women were drawn for the study through multi-stage sampling technique. Frequency, percentage, and logistics regression were the statistical tools used for data analysis. Results: The majority of the participants: aged 25-34 years (37.9%); Christians (76.3%); urban dwellers (50.2%); had tertiary education (36.4%); had 3-4 children (32.0%); and were in business (29.2%) respectively. The cultural practices regarding FGM among married women in Ebonyi State were high (60.5%). Also, the majority of the participants (67.7%) were circumcised. Age by birth, religious affiliation, location, level of education, number of children, and occupation were predictors of the cultural practice of FGM with obvious variations. There is no significant difference existed with respect to religious affiliation, level of education, number of children, and occupation (P-value>0.05) while the difference was observed on the age by birth and location (P-value<0.05). Conclusion: The high cultural practice of FGM is influenced by certain demographic predictors. Thus, there is a need for the Ebonyi State government in collaboration with other health agencies to adopt effective interventions, public health enlightenment, and mass education focusing on the negative consequences of FGM practices.

scholarly journals IS THE TABOO OF FEMALE SEXUALITY THE SOLE REASON FOR THE CONTINUATION OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN EGYPT?

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 169-193
Author(s):  
Tabi Stew
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Desire ◽  
Female Genital Mutilation ◽  
Female Sexuality ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Control Female ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Genital Mutilation ◽  
The World ◽  
And Control ◽  
Female Genital

As the first conviction of FGM in the U.K. proves, female genital mutilation is a ‘harmful cultural practice’ that persists across the world. Egypt has one of the highest rates of FGM in the world. Based on a variety of different studies and questionnaires undertaken in doctors’ surgeries and hospitals across the country, three clear reasons are given for the continuation of the practice. These are the belief that it is decreed by Islam, that it is a tradition and to preserve young women’s chastity as it would reduce their sexual desire. The overarching theme of these justifications is the fear and control of female sexuality, given the teachings of modesty in the Qur’an and the importance of chastity in order to obtain a good marriage in Egyptian society. However, the Qur’an does not condone female genital mutilation or mention it. Additionally, the Qur’an promotes sexual fulfilment and positivity within the confines of marriage for both men and women which directly conflicts with the consequences of FGM. The importance of honour and the preservation of chastity in Egyptian society continues to prevail in modern Egyptian society, and medicalisation legitimises the practice among the educated elite. However, this work hopes to prove that certain interpretations of certain aspects of the Qur’an and the hadith and Sunnah have led to the need to control female sexuality, and these beliefs are intertwined with tradition and result in the continuation of female genital mutilation in Egypt.

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