1,253 results
Search Results
2. Paper tiger law forbidding FGM in Sudan
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Tønnessen, Liv, El-Nagar, Samia, and Bamkar, Sharifa
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Sudan ,ARUSS ,Weak Law ,FGM ,Female Genital Mutilation ,Paper Tiger ,Law - Abstract
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still a common practice in Sudan. Nine out of ten women have been subjected to this practice. In 2009, a proposed ban on FGM in the National Child Act miserably failed to materialize. In spite of the failure of a national law against FGM, with extensive funding from UNICEF and UNFPA, several of Sudan’s eighteen states have criminalized this harmful traditional practice. This CMI Brief is based on a Sudan Working Paper titled “ Weak law forbidding female genital mutilation in Red Sea State, Sudan ”. The Brief has been published as an article published in open democracy March 2017. One of these states is Red Sea, located in eastern Sudan. Red Sea is known for being extremely conservative when it comes to women’s rights, and FGM is widely practiced. We chose to investigate the criminalization process in Red Sea out of a genuine desire to study a positive example of a state that had managed to introduce a ban on FGM against all odds. Instead, we found a “paper tiger” law that does not protect girls against FGM. While the law is a political compromise cleverly designed to please stakeholders, girls at risk of undergoing FGM remain unprotected. Criminalizing FGM in Sudan FGM includes any procedure involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is a harmful traditional practice, which reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. Numerous international and regional human rights treaties and conventions condemn the practice. Eliminating FGM is part of the United Nations sustainable development goal 5 – to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. One of this goal’s targets is to “eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation&r
- Published
- 2017
3. Challenges in combatting female genital mutilation: narratives of black Sub-Saharan African (BSSA) women in the English west Midlands region
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Nyashanu, Mathew and Mguni, Maureen
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- 2021
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4. What do we know about how children and adolescents conceptualise violence? A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies from sub-Saharan Africa.
- Author
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Turner, Ellen, Kelly, Susan A., Eldred, Emily, Bouzanis, Katrina, Gatuguta, Anne, Balliet, Manuela, Lees, Shelley, and Devries, Karen
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STREET children ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,TEENAGERS ,VIOLENCE against LGBTQ+ people ,VIOLENCE ,CHILD abuse - Abstract
Background: Half of the world's children experience violence every year, but the meaning of violence is not universally agreed. We may therefore risk failing to measure, and address, the acts that matter most to children and adolescents. In this paper, we describe and synthesise evidence on how children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa conceptualise different behavioural acts which are deemed violence in childhood under WHO and UN CRC definitions. Methods and findings: We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies. We searched PsychINFO, CINAHL, Embase, Global Health, Medline and ERIC for all publications released prior to March 2023. 30 papers met inclusion criteria. We synthesised primary data from children and adolescents and drew upon theoretical and contextual interpretations of authors of included studies. Only 12 of more than 45 sub-Saharan African countries were represented with relevant research. Of the 30 included papers, 25 came from three countries: South Africa, Uganda and Ghana. Only 10 of 30 papers reported data from young children (pre-adolescence), and 18 of 30 papers primarily focused on sexual violence. 14 studies used child friendly and/or participatory methods. From this limited evidence, we identified six overarching themes in how children and adolescents conceptualised their experiences of acts internationally recognised as violence: 1) adults abusing or neglecting responsibility; 2) sexual violence from peers, family and community members; 3) violence in established intimate relationships; 4) emotional violence surrounding sex from peers and community members; 5) fighting and beating between peers; 6) street and community dangers. No studies meeting our inclusion criteria specifically examined children or adolescents' conceptualisations of homophobic or transphobic violence; violence against children with disabilities; boys' experiences of sexual violence from male perpetrators; trafficking, modern slavery or conflict; child labour; or female genital mutilation. We found that three dimensions were important in how children and adolescents constructed conceptualisations of violence: their age, relationship to the perpetrator, and the physical location of acts they had experienced. These dimensions were interrelated and gendered. Conclusion: The current limited evidence base suggests children and adolescents' conceptualisations of violence overlapped with, but were also distinct from, the WHO and UNCRC definitions of violence. Currently international survey tools focus on measuring types and frequencies of particular acts and neglect to focus on children's understandings of those acts. Relationship to perpetrator, age of child, physical location are all important in how children conceptualise their experiences of acts internationally recognised as violence, and therefore might be important for their health and social outcomes. Those developing measures should account for these dimensions when developing items for testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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5. Perception and barriers: reporting female genital mutilation
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Gangoli, Geetanjali, Gill, Aisha, Mulvihill, Natasha, and Hester, Marianne
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- 2018
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6. FGM in Egypt between socio-cultural barriers and lack of political will
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Khodary, Yasmin and Hamdy, Nehal
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- 2019
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7. Harmful cultural practices and HIV stigma as psychosocial issues in North Central Nigeria
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Nalah, Augustine Bala, Azlinda, Azman, and Paramjit, Singh Jamir Singh
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- 2021
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8. Hot Papers in the Literature.
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MEDICAL research , *PUBLIC health , *ENZYME inhibitors , *PREGNANCY , *FEMALE genital mutilation , *HEART transplantation , *HEART transplant recipients - Abstract
The article provides information related to medical research for women's health in the U.S. The use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors during pregnancy was prohibited by medical specialist because of the associated increased risk of fetopathy. The World Health Organization has collaborated a prospective study regarding the effect of female genital mutilation on obstetric outcome. A study regarding the examination of gender effects on peak exercise oxygen consumption, the implications for cardiac transplantation and the survival health failure patients.
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- 2006
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9. International continence society white paper regarding female genital mutilation/cutting.
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Payne, Christopher K., Abdulcadir, Jasmine, Ouedraogo, Charlemagne, Madzou, Sebastien, Kabore, Fasnéwindé Aristide, and De, Elise JB
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Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)—also known as Female Genital Cutting or Mutilation—is defined as the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia for non‐therapeutic reasons. This White Paper, prepared under the auspices of the International Continence Society (ICS), is intended by the ICS as a statement promoting the abandonment of this practice. The ICS also supports the respectful and evidence‐based care or treatment of women and girls already affected by FGM/C, in keeping with the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines on the Management of Health Complications from Female Genital Mutilation. Our members specialize in pelvic floor disorders from perspectives within a range of specialties; we encounter and treat women living with FGM/C and its consequences—particularly incontinence, infections, voiding dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, and obstetric trauma. Understanding the ethical, sociocultural, medical and surgical factors surrounding FGM/C is central to caring for women and girls with a history of FGM/C. The ICS voices herein state strong opposition to FGM/C. We encourage members to apply their skills to improve prevention strategies and the management of those affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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10. Female Genital Mutilation practiced by Dawoodi Bohras of Pakistan.
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Bhattacharya, Sanchita
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This paper examines the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) among the Dawoodi Bohra community in Pakistan. FGM, a non-therapeutic alteration of the female genitalia, is examined through the lenses of religion, culture and health. The Dawoodi Bohra, predominantly based in Karachi, practice FGM as a religious and cultural rite, linking it to notions of purity and social acceptance. Despite global efforts to outlaw and eradicate FGM, it persists, underpinned by deeply held beliefs and the insular nature of the community. The physical and psychological effects of FGM are profound, leading to immediate and long-term complications such as severe pain, infection and psychological trauma. This paper discusses the impact of these practices on women's health and rights, while critiquing the lack of an effective legal framework in Pakistan to combat FGM. In addressing this issue, the paper contributes to the broader discourse on gender-based violence and the rights of women and children in patriarchal societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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11. Somali refugees’ perspectives regarding FGM/C in the US
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McNeely, Shaunessy and Jong, Floor Christie-de
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- 2016
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12. The Role of Maasai Mara University in Promoting Sustainable Development
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Serem, David K., Kara, Augustine M., Weidman, John C., Series Editor, Jacob, W. James, Series Editor, Sutin, Stewart E., editor, and Yeager, John L., editor
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- 2015
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13. Female genital mutilation in high-income countries: knowledge and experience among health professionals.
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Sheerin, Brooke
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CULTURE ,CINAHL database ,DEVELOPED countries ,PROFESSIONS ,MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,WORK ,ATTITUDES of medical personnel ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,EXPERIENTIAL learning ,GYNECOLOGIC care ,MEDLINE ,THEMATIC analysis - Abstract
Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice with numerous negative health consequences. Due to migration from countries where FGM is prevalent into high-income countries, there is increased awareness within non-practising communities, with emphasis on FGM's illegal nature and the negative impacts on women. It is therefore vital for health professionals to be knowledgeable to provide adequate patient care. Aim: This review aimed to synthesise literature to report the understanding and experiences of health professionals caring for females affected by FGM in high-income countries. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on three databases: Medline, Embase, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select the papers. Findings from included papers were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Findings: Eight articles met the criteria. Four themes were generated: FGM knowledge, training, attitudes and caring for FGM patients. Conclusion: Health professionals' knowledge and experiences of FGM tend to be varied. This review highlights the need of training for health professionals in high-income countries to strengthen their FGM knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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14. Theorising Gender-Based Violence Policies: A 7P Framework.
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Mergaert, Lut, Linková, Marcela, and Strid, Sofia
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GENDER-based violence ,VIOLENCE against women ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,SEXUAL harassment - Abstract
This paper presents and critically interrogates a comprehensive 7Ps framework for analysing and addressing gender-based violence. It takes the UN and the Council of Europe's models as points of departure and develops the framework beyond the current state of the art, explains its different components, and offers reflections on its use in the practice of gender-based violence research. The UN 3P model, encompassing prevention, protection, and prosecution, later developed by the Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention into a 4P model, comprising prevention, protection, prosecution, and integrated policies, has since been revisited, elaborated upon, and expanded in work focusing on gender-based violence in particular domains, such as female genital mutilation or gender-based violence in sport. To study gender-based violence in academia, the comprehensive 7Ps analytical framework has been deployed to interrogate the policies in place at national and institutional levels, including sexual harassment. Based on empirical data and conceptual analysis in the EU project UniSAFE: Gender-based violence and institutional responses: Building a knowledge base and operational tools to make universities and research organisations safe (2021–2024), the paper argues that the refined 7Ps model, comprising Prevalence, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution of offenders (and disciplinary measures), Provision of services, Partnerships between actors, and Policies specifically addressing the issue, allows for a more encompassing approach, in turn allowing a more fine-grained understanding of variations and explanations for success (or lack thereof) in terms of outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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15. A Study Of Health Consequences Due To 'Female Genital Mutilation' In African Novels With Special Reference To Abraham Verghese's Cutting For Stone And Alice Walker's Possessing The Secrets Of Joy.
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Tyagi, Tripti, Kulshrestha, Jyoti, Sujata, and Maini, Jayant
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FEMALE genital mutilation ,INDIGENOUS women ,AFRICAN history ,JOY - Abstract
The nations should be put to an interrogation whether women in their provinces are surviving safe? The discursive readings will fail to deny the fact that women in each nation have always been considered secondary or being subjugated by several modes. The existence of women has been restrained by the male strategists who exploit them to imposing the prerogative of their dominion and masculinity. Masculinity does not believe in mere exploiting women, it also imposes upon women to represent themselves as commodities to be served to men, be it to getting their genitals circumcised to prove that they are 'untouched' and 'virgins'. Female Genital Mutilation is a long- existing brutal practice which forces women to undergo their genital mutilation at their early ages. They are asked to get their genitals circumcised because it is an obligatory practice imposed by the supercilious imaginary customs of the males, in most of the communities. To understand the condition of women in this context, this paper analyzes the African history of enforcing the native women to undergo their genital mutilation (FGM), as being made as mandatory. To understand this locus, this paper dwells in the reading of the historical process of the female genital mutilation (FGM) being practiced worldwide, especially in Africa. To bring light in a more concentrating manner, the paper reads Abraham Verghese's first novel Cutting for Stone (2009) that is almost set in Ethiopia during the 1960s and the 70s and Alice Walker's Possessing the Secret of Joy (1992). Besides, many other African novels are also discussed in brief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
16. The experience of maternity care for migrant women living with female genital mutilation: A qualitative synthesis.
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Scamell, Mandie and Ghumman, Aliyha
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FEMALE genital mutilation ,SOCIAL alienation ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,CINAHL database ,EMPATHY ,HEALTH attitudes ,INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems ,MEDICAL databases ,MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems ,PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems ,MATERNAL health services ,MEDICAL quality control ,MEDICAL personnel ,MEDLINE ,PROFESSIONS ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,DEVELOPED countries ,CULTURAL awareness ,NOMADS ,PATIENTS' attitudes ,META-synthesis ,PATIENT autonomy ,PSYCHOLOGY - Abstract
Background: Increasing numbers of childbearing women with a history of female genital mutilation (FGM) are accessing maternity services in high‐income countries across the world. For many of these women, their first contact with the health services in their host country is when they are pregnant. While the clinical consequences of certain categories of FGM are well documented, how high‐risk maternity services — designed to mitigate the obstetric consequences of FGM — impact upon women's experience of childbearing is less clear. Methods: Using a meta‐synthesis approach, this paper synthesizes 12 qualitative research papers, conducted in 5 high‐income countries, to explore how migrant women with a history of FGM experience maternity care in their host countries. Results: One over‐arching theme and four discrete subthemes of migrant women's experience of the maternity services in their host country were identified: feelings of alienation; fatalism and divine providence, positive and negative feelings about maternity care, different understandings of the birthing process, and feelings about FGM. Conclusions: The findings illustrate that migrant women with a history of FGM frequently encounter negative attitudes when accessing the maternity services in their host countries. Women's experiences suggest a concerning absence of sensitive and empathetic care; a more woman‐centered approach is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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17. Female circumcision in Malaysia: Challenges and Lessons learned in using Focus Groups through an NGO-Academia Collaboration.
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Soffiya binti Nik Mat, Nik Nur Ainin, Pillai, Stefanie, and Kaur, Surinderpal
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FEMALE genital mutilation ,WOMEN'S rights ,FOCUS groups ,MUSLIM women ,DISCOURSE analysis ,RESEARCH personnel - Abstract
Female circumcision is a relatively understudied topic in the Malaysian context. It is also a topic that is considered sensitive due to its strong association with culture and religion. This paper explores the challenges and lessons learned from a larger project that focuses on the discourse analysis of female circumcision in Malaysia. The project involves collaborative work with a local NGO that works on the advancement of Muslim women's rights in Malaysia. This paper outlines the processes involved in data collection via focus group discussions and is written as a reflexive exercise based on the recommendations proposed by Olmos-Vega et al. (2023). This reflexive paper on the methodological challenges and lessons learned from the collaboration offers insights that can help other researchers make more informed research choices on working on collaborative research and on the use of focus groups as a method of data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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18. Male Non-Therapeutic Circumcision : The Legal and Ethical Issues
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Price, Christopher, Denniston, George C., editor, Hodges, Frederick Mansfield, editor, and Milos, Marilyn Fayre, editor
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- 1999
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19. Gendered and Racialised Epistemological Injustice in FGM-safeguarding.
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Carver, Natasha, Karlsen, Saffron, Mogilnicka, Magda, and Pantazis, Christina
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FEMALE genital mutilation ,SOMALIS ,GENDER ,IMMIGRANTS ,LEGISLATION - Abstract
This paper explores FGM-safeguarding in the UK through a decolonial lens. Based on an analysis of the development of law and policy relating to 'Female Genital Mutilation' in the UK alongside data collected in focus groups with people of ethnic Somali heritage living in Bristol, we argue that the current legislation and policies, as well as their delivery, are steeped in colonial Othering. We demonstrate that legislative and policy approaches operate through a gendered and generational binary in which non-White mothers are othered as migrants (regardless of citizenship status) for whom anachronistic culture is deemed determinative, whilst their daughters are claimed as British. In this construction, 'FGM' operates as the symbolic marker that designates un/belonging: the uncircumcised girl is rescuable and claimed as 'one of us', whilst the circumcised mother is considered a mutilated political subject for whom belonging is foreclosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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20. The women's health needs study among women from countries with high prevalence of female genital mutilation living in the United States: Design, methods, and participant characteristics.
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Besera, Ghenet, Snead, Margaret Christine, Goodwin, Mary, Smoots, Ashley, Bish, Connie L., Ruiz, Alicia, Sayyad, Ayeesha, Avripas, Sabrina, Ubri, Petry, Ahn, Roy, Pineau, Vicki, Warren, Nicole, Mukangu, Doris, Johnson-Agbakwu, Crista E., Goldberg, Howard, and Okoroh, Ekwutosi
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FEMALE genital mutilation ,WOMEN'S health ,MEDICAL care costs ,HEALTH insurance ,METROPOLITAN areas ,DEMOGRAPHIC characteristics - Abstract
Background: The Women's Health Needs Study (WHNS) collected information on the health characteristics, needs, and experiences, including female genital mutilation (FGM) experiences, attitudes, and beliefs, of women aged 18 to 49 years who were born, or whose mothers were born, in a country where FGM is prevalent living in the US. The purpose of this paper is to describe the WHNS design, methods, strengths and limitations, as well as select demographic and health-related characteristics of participants. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from November 2020 –June 2021 in four US metropolitan areas, using a hybrid venue-based sampling (VBS) and respondent-driven sampling (RDS) approach to identify women for recruitment. Results: Of 1,132 participants, 395 were recruited via VBS and 737 RDS. Most were born, or their mothers were born, in either a West African country (Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, The Gambia) (39.0%) or Ethiopia (30.7%). More than a third were aged 30–39 years (37.5%) with a majority who immigrated at ages ≥13 years (86.6%) and had lived in the United States for ≥5 years (68.9%). Medicaid was the top health insurer (52.5%), followed by private health insurance (30.5%); 17% of participants had no insurance. Nearly half of women reported 1–2 healthcare visits within the past 12 months (47.7%). One in seven did not get needed health care due to cost (14.8%). Over half have ever used contraception (52.1%) to delay or avoid pregnancy and 76.9% had their last pelvic and/or Papanicolaou (pap) exam within the past 3 years. More than half experienced FGM (55.0%). Nearly all women believed that FGM should be stopped (92.0%). Conclusion: The VBS/RDS approach enabled recruitment of a diverse study population. WHNS advances research related to the health characteristics, needs, and experiences of women living in the US from countries where FGM is prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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21. FGM and Restorative Justice—A Challenge for Developing Countries and for Refugee Women
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Eva Jana Messerschmidt, Anthony Fu Chen, Daniela Dörfler, Jan Ilhan Kizilhan, Thomas Wenzel, and Reem Alksiri
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Refugee ,Developing country ,Context (language use) ,transitional justice ,migrants ,Criminology ,female genital mutilation ,human rights ,Social Justice ,Political science ,medicine ,gender ,Humans ,Developing Countries ,media_common ,Human rights ,Restorative justice ,Transitional justice ,Public health ,gynecology ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Concept Paper ,medicine.disease ,refugees ,Circumcision, Female ,Medicine ,Female ,primary mental health ,psychological trauma ,Psychological trauma - Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been identified as one of the most serious human rights violations women are exposed to in many countries, in spite of national and international efforts. The actual implementation of preventive strategies and support of victims faces a number of challenges that can only be addressed by an interdisciplinary approach integrating public health and legal considerations. FGM in the context of women as refugees who left their country to escape FGM has rarely been covered in this context. This article summarizes the most important international standards and initiatives against FGM, highlights the medical, legal, and psychological factors identified so far, and explores the interdisciplinary considerations in changing a country and society to permit safe return of those escaping FGM to third countries and support public health in the country.
- Published
- 2021
22. Scale-up interventions—Moving from pilot projects to larger implementation settings.
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Cordova-Pozo, Kathya Lorena and Belizán, Jose M.
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ATTITUDES toward pregnancy ,POLICY sciences ,SERIAL publications ,REPRODUCTIVE health ,ADOLESCENT health ,MARRIAGE ,HUMAN services programs ,TEENAGE pregnancy ,RESPONSIBILITY ,STAKEHOLDER analysis ,SEXUAL health ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,CHILDREN - Abstract
An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses various topics within the issue, including child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH).
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- 2024
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23. The Blossom Gang: co-producing research on FGM with second-generation young people in the UK.
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Ali, Saadye
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YOUNG adults ,VULVA ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,COMMUNITY-based participatory research ,INTERACTIVE learning ,CHILDREN of immigrants - Abstract
Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice that involves the removal of external female genitalia and is widely known as a violation of human rights. The custom is illegal in the United Kingdom (UK) and carries a sentence of up to 14 years in prison. This prohibition, along with the secretive nature of the practice, has led to limited research on the awareness of FGM on young people in the UK. Little is known about the process of involving young people in research about the topic. Methods: This paper is based on the findings of a Ph.D. project that used a community-based participatory research approach (CBPR). The research took a two-stage approach: stage one aimed to recruit nine young people aged 15–18, from the Southwest of England, who attended a 10-day training workshop to prepare them for stage two—data collection with young people aged 13–15. This paper focuses on the 10-day creative, collaborative workshops. The data collected from the collaborative workshops were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Undertaking CBPR enhanced the quality and relevance of this research. Engaging young people as co-researchers was vital for the success of this project. By developing a collaborative learning environment, young people were able to build trusting relationships which flourished beyond the research project. In addition, the creative workshops enabled peer learning about FGM and inspired young people to learn new skills that was useful in their daily lives. Conclusion: The collaborative environment created in this project enabled an insightful learning experience for young people and researchers alike. Participants and facilitators formed relationships; participants learned new marketable skills and researchers gained new insights about FGM, from a young person's perspective. Plain English summary: Making sure that young people are involved in research is important. It can sometimes be hard for young people to get involved with research involving a sensitive topic, such as female genital mutilation. This may be due to several reasons, one of which is the hidden nature of the practice, which may make it harder for researchers to engage and involve the youth. This project involved a group of second-generation youth from FGM-affected communities as co-researchers in a community based participatory research (CBPR) approach, which examined how second-generation youth, living in the United Kingdom (UK)—whether directly or indirectly affected by FGM—interpreted and understood the practice. We followed a two-stage process. Stage one involved recruiting and training young people to become co-researchers, and stage two involved the co-researchers conducting focus groups and interviews with their peers. The focus of this paper is stage one. Nine young people aged 15–18, attended a 10-day creative workshop training programme [7] and worked with the researcher to develop participatory methods that would be used with young people aged 13–15 at stage two of the project. The workshops employed team-building approaches and interactive learning techniques, including drawing and writing. Participants and facilitators formed relationships; participants learned new marketable skills and researchers gained new insights about FGM, from a young person's perspective. There were some difficult parts of running the sessions, such as, the time needed to make sure the sessions run smoothly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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24. Rethinking the Definition of Medicalized Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.
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Van Eekert, Nina, Barrett, Hazel, Kimani, Samuel, Hidayana, Irwan, and Leye, Els
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- *
FEMALE genital mutilation , *GENITAL mutilation , *CIRCUMCISION , *FEMALE reproductive organs - Abstract
In 2015, the international community agreed to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) by 2030. However, the target is unlikely to be met as changes in practice, including medicalized female genital mutilation/cutting (mFGM/C), challenge abandonment strategies. This paper critically reviews the current World Health Organization (WHO) definition of mFGM/C to demonstrate that mFGM/C, as currently defined, lacks detail and clarity, and may serve as an obstacle to the collection of credible, reliable, and comparable data relevant to targeted FGM/C prevention policies and programs. The paper argues that it is necessary to initiate a discussion on the revision of the current WHO definition of mFGM/C, where different components (who-how-where-what) should be taken into account. This is argued by discussing different scenarios that compare the current WHO definition of mFGM/C with the actual practice of FGM/C on the ground. The cases discussed within these scenarios are based on existing published research and the research experience of the authors. The scenarios focus on countries where mFGM/C is prevalent among girls under 18 years, using data from Demographic Health Surveys and/or Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, and thus the focus is on the Global South. The paper places its arguments in relation to wider debates concerning female genital cosmetic surgery, male genital circumcision and consent. It calls for more research on these topics to ensure that definitions of FGM/C and mFGM/C reflect the real-world contexts and ensure that the human rights of girls and women are protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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25. The Nature of Female Genital Mutilation According to the Istanbul Convention and Other International Instruments.
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MARKOVIĆ, IVANA
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FEMALE genital mutilation ,VIOLENCE against women ,TREATIES - Abstract
Copyright of Temida is the property of Victimology Society of Serbia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2023
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26. No clitting! We need to talk about clitoris transplantation.
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Campo‐Engelstein, Lisa
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VULVA surgery , *VULVA , *HUMAN sexuality , *OPERATIVE surgery , *FEMALE genital mutilation , *PLEASURE , *FEMALE reproductive organs , *QUALITY of life , *SEX customs , *WOMEN'S health , *TRANSPLANTATION of organs, tissues, etc. , *REPRODUCTIVE health - Abstract
In the last two decades, genital transplants have emerged as another type of quality‐of‐life transplants. Successful allogenic transplantations of the uterus, ovary, testicle, and penis have all been reported. Yet, there is no discussion of clitoris transplantation in the medical literature, mass media, and everywhere else I searched. This surgery could be used for cisgender women who have a clitoral injury or disease or who have undergone female genital cutting. I examine the gender norms regarding sexuality and reproduction to show how they shape surgical advancements. My point in this paper is not to take a normative position on status of current genital transplantations. Rather, I highlight that their existence is due, at least in part, because they align with dominant gender norms: penis and testicle transplantations reinforce the importance of men's virility and the existence of "normal" male genitalia, whereas uterus and ovary transplantations uphold the conflation of women and reproduction and the strong valuing of women's fertility. That medical advances reflect cultural values is not a new claim. What is new in this paper is the discussion of how sexism norms—regarding the invisibility of the clitoris and the devaluing of women's sexual pleasure— has engendered various types of genital transplants, but not clitoris transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Foreign Aid and Institutional Quality towards Reducing Gender-Based Violence.
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Asaleye, Abiola John and Strydom, Kariena
- Subjects
WOMEN'S rights ,SEX discrimination ,INTERNATIONAL economic assistance ,VIOLENCE against women ,GENDER-based violence ,GENDER inequality ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,SCHOOLGIRLS ,RULE of law - Abstract
Studies have shown a possible link between women achieving some degree of economic independence through empowerment and a decline in gender-based violence (GBV). However, inadequate funding has been a major challenge in developing economies, while foreign aid has been seen as an alternative funding source. Foreign aid for promoting women's rights and gender equality is improving in African countries. Yet, according to official statistics, the frequency of GBV in Africa is among the highest in the world. Given this, this paper examines the impact of women's aid and institutional quality on factors that can reduce GBV using both cross-sectional autoregressive lags to investigate short- and long-run implications and the Panel Vector Correction Model to examine the shock effect of aid on other variables. Also, the mediating role of institutional quality and women's aid are considered. The metrics used for the factors that reduce GBV are female children out of school, the secondary school gender parity index, the genital mutilation prevalence rate, and the metrics for institutional quality are the rules of law and government effectiveness. The implications from the findings show that enhancing the legal structure is very important in Africa, given the low coefficient values to reduce discrimination against the right to education; more should be done to increase the enrolment of female students through the maximisation of women's aid in order to achieve the short- and long-term objectives of reducing gender violence. The findings also show that the rule of law significantly aids in the reduction of female genital mutilation in the short and long run; government effectiveness is insignificant. Also, they show that women's aid also reduces female genital mutilation, albeit at a low rate. The results of this study call for strong enhanced government support and funding to end the practice of female genital mutilation and discrimination against female education in the short and long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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- View/download PDF
28. Tolerated citizenship and FGM-safeguarding: experiences of unbelonging for those of Somali-heritage living in Bristol, UK.
- Author
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Carver, Natasha, Karlsen, Saffron, Mogilnicka, Magda, and Pantazis, Christina
- Subjects
CITIZENSHIP ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,SOMALI women ,SOCIAL stigma ,RACISM ,ETHNICITY - Abstract
The UN has stated its aim to eliminate 'Female Genital Mutilation' by 2030. In adherence to this, many countries have introduced or enhanced legislative and policy measures aimed at prevention through surveillance and punishment. In the European context, while protecting young girls from harm is the notional purpose of such measures, political and media debates have often been framed within nation-building rhetoric: across Europe 'FGM' has become the de rigour signifier of the vilified migrant/Muslim Other. This paper explores the impact of FGM-safeguarding measures in relation to citizenship and belonging for people of Somali heritage living in Bristol, England. It contributes to the incipient critical scholarship concerned with the powerful but blinkered hegemonic narrative pedalled by the UN and the policy turn within Europe towards prevention-through-criminalisation. Further, it advances debates on the conundrum of inclusive citizenship considering how a policy intervention which was initiated with widespread support among affected groups and undertaken on an anti-racist platform, resulted in stigmatisation and racism. Using Anderson's (Us and Them? The Dangerous Politics of Immigration Control. Oxford: OUP) framework of citizenship as a 'community of value', the paper also contributes to the growing body of work on how citizenship is experienced and the symbiotic and interdependent relationship between status, rights and identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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29. Social Norms Theory and Development Economics
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Eriksson, Lina
- Subjects
SUBSTANCE ABUSE ,GENDER RELATIONS ,PUBLIC SERVICE ,ALCOHOL ,ECONOMIC GROWTH ,COMMUNICATION ,SAFE SEX ,OWNERSHIP OF LAND ,FAMILIES ,EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ,PUBLIC SUPPORT ,FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION ,DEPENDENCE ,YOUNG PEOPLE ,GENITAL MUTILATION ,POLICY‐MAKERS ,SOCIETIES ,POLICY MAKERS ,POPULATION ,SEXUAL VIOLENCE ,SOCIAL PRACTICE ,MANDATES ,SOCIAL INTERACTIONS ,BOTH SEXES ,CIVIL WAR ,WOMEN ,TEENAGERS ,HUMAN BEHAVIOUR ,SOAP OPERAS ,INTEGRITY ,MOTHER ,DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ,CARE FOR CHILDREN ,FATHERHOOD ,GIRLS ,POPULATIONS ,ANTHROPOLOGY ,WAR ,HEALTH IMPACT ,MACHISMO ,TABOO ,TELEVISION ,PARTNERS ,PHILOSOPHERS ,ADOPTION ,KIDS ,RESPONSIBILITIES ,PENSIONS ,SOCIAL ISSUES ,POLICY DISCUSSIONS ,CULTURES ,SOCIETY ,IMPACT ON CHILDREN ,STUDENTS ,RELIGION ,PEACE ,MEDIA ,DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS ,SOCIOBIOLOGY ,FEMALE “CIRCUMCISION ,PROPERTY RIGHTS ,HUMAN BEHAVIOR ,YOUNG MEN ,RITUAL ,EXOGAMY ,PROGRESS ,MODERNIZATION ,COOPERATION ,SOCIAL GROUP ,CONDOM ,SYMBOLS ,INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS ,SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY ,SOCIAL STATUS ,SOCIAL NORMS ,MATERNITY LEAVE ,SOCIAL INFORMATION ,DEVELOPMENT POLICY ,NATIONALS ,LAND TENURE ,MUTILATION ,ETHNOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE ,PRINCIPLES ,SOCIAL SECURITY ,FEMININITY ,PROPERTY ,SURVEYS ,FAMILY MEMBERS ,PEER PRESSURE ,GENDER NORMS ,SOCIAL MEANINGS ,SOCIAL POLICY ,ANTHROPOLOGIST ,MARRIED COUPLES ,MASCULINITY ,EDUCATION OF WOMEN ,EVERYDAY LIFE ,TV ,MORAL NORMS ,BELIEFS ,YOUNG WOMEN ,SOCIAL LIFE ,HISTORY ,SPOUSE ,SOCIAL CHANGE ,ETHNOGRAPHY ,ALTRUISM ,ENERGY CONSUMPTION ,MARRIAGE ,CONDOM USE ,ROLE MODELS ,FEMALE CHILDREN ,POLICY‐ MAKERS ,WOMAN ,FEMALE SEXUALITY ,CONDOMS ,CIRCUMCISION ,POLICIES ,POLICY ,UNPLANNED PREGNANCIES ,FAMILY ,CREATION ,ETHNICITY ,GOOD ,SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ,SEX ,HOUSEHOLDS ,RESPECT ,FEMALE GENITAL CUTTING ,FEWER PEOPLE ,RURAL COMMUNITIES ,PARTICIPATORY PROCESS ,MORALITY ,SOCIAL MARKETING ,HOUSEHOLD WORK ,LIVING‐STANDARDS ,FUNERALS ,POWER ,HOUSEHOLD INCOME ,SPOUSES ,PUBLIC POLICY ,POLICY RESEARCH ,CHILD CARE ,DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ,PREGNANCIES ,SEXUALITY ,SOCIAL PRESSURE ,DRUGS ,KNOWLEDGE ,POLICY RESEARCH WORKING PAPER ,ABUSE ,TELEVISION NETWORK ,RADIO ,VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ,GENDER EQUALITY ,PARENTAL LEAVE ,RESPONSIBILITY ,POLITICAL CHANGE ,SOCIAL INEQUALITY ,SOCIOLOGY ,GENITAL CUTTING ,RELIGIOUS REASONS ,NORMS ,POSTERS ,DISCRIMINATION ,FAIRNESS ,CHILD‐REARING ,GENDER ,MARKET ECONOMY ,GENDER ROLES ,HUSBANDS ,CULTURAL DIFFERENCES ,ETHICS - Abstract
Social norms affect almost every aspect of people’s lives, and can be an obstacle to or support economic development. This paper outlines what social norms are and how they work, providing examples from everyday life and from development case studies. Sometimes not much can be done about changing undesirable social norms. In those cases, development economists need to be aware of how the existence of those norms can impact the effects of the policies they advocate. But of particular importance to development economists is the ways in which social norms can be changed, at least under some circumstances. Understanding of social norm change is still patchy at best, but the paper outlines the theoretical underpinnings of change, with empirical evidence from various policies aimed at changing social norms. However, some of those policies raise ethical concerns that would require attention.
- Published
- 2015
30. Multidimensional Poverty in Ethiopia : Changes in Overlapping Deprivations
- Author
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Ambel, Alemayehu, Mehta, Parendi, and Yigezu, Biratu
- Subjects
MEASURES ,REDUCTION IN POVERTY ,MODERN CONTRACEPTIVE USE ,TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS ,SELF-ESTEEM ,SOCIAL WELFARE ,CHILDREN ,CASH EARNINGS ,FAMILIES ,ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER ,MEASUREMENT ,HEALTH CENTERS ,FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION ,RURAL HOUSEHOLDS ,GENITAL MUTILATION ,WATER SOURCES ,POOR ,POPULATION ,WOMEN ,WORKERS ,URBAN WOMEN ,ENROLMENT RATES ,HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION ,POVERTY ,CHANGES IN POVERTY ,DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ,HEALTH OUTCOMES ,WELFARE MONITORING ,DIETS ,POPULATIONS ,HEALTH ,AGED ,VIOLENCE ,TELEVISION ,GIRL CHILD ,PRIMARY EDUCATION ,LIVING STANDARDS ,POLICY DISCUSSIONS ,FEWER HOUSEHOLDS ,ECONOMIC INEQUALITY ,NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS ,SANITATION ,RURAL POVERTY ,BABIES ,RURAL AREAS ,HEALTH FACILITIES ,ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY ,PROGRESS ,POVERTY ASSESSMENT ,MORTALITY ,DIMENSIONS OF POVERTY ,DRINKING WATER ,FEMALE CIRCUMCISION ,CONSUMPTION ,POVERTY REDUCTION ,DEVELOPMENT POLICY ,POVERTY INDEX ,CHILD MORBIDITY ,DIMENSIONAL POVERTY ,CLEAN WATER ,LEVEL OF POVERTY ,NUMBER OF WOMEN ,GOVERNMENT POLICIES ,REMOTE PLACES ,INFANT ,INEQUALITY ,SKILLED HEALTH PERSONNEL ,EDUCATION FOR GIRLS ,CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE ,RURAL POPULATION ,INFANT MORTALITY ,SANITATION FACILITIES ,ACCESS TO SANITATION ,ANTENATAL CARE ,URBAN POVERTY ,INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION ,CULTURAL PRACTICES ,CLEAN DRINKING WATER ,PHYSICAL HEALTH ,HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ,MINISTRY OF HEALTH ,FEMALE CHILDREN ,ACCESS TO EDUCATION ,ACCESS TO INFORMATION ,CIRCUMCISION ,POLICIES ,POLICY ,REGIONS ,IMMUNIZATION ,POVERTY ANALYSIS ,PREGNANCY ,HEALTH CARE ,SAFE DRINKING WATER ,NUTRITION ,HYGIENE ,HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX ,POVERTY DATA ,POLICY RESEARCH ,REGION ,POVERTY INDICATOR ,MORBIDITY ,DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ,PEOPLE ,PRIMARY SCHOOL ,POLICY RESEARCH WORKING PAPER ,HOUSEHOLD LEVEL ,REMOTE LOCATIONS ,ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES ,CROP LAND ,POOR HOUSEHOLDS ,RADIO ,VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ,GENDER EQUALITY ,SCHOOL HEALTH ,CONTRACEPTIVE USE ,RURAL ,BIRTH ATTENDANTS ,ANTENATAL VISITS ,POVERTY LINE ,POVERTY INDICATORS ,HEALTH SERVICES ,SCHOOL ATTENDANCE ,URBAN AREAS ,CHILD MORTALITY ,RURAL WOMEN ,SCHOOLING ,POVERTY RATE ,HOSPITAL ,RURAL POPULATIONS - Abstract
This paper presents trends in monetary and nonmonetary dimensions of wellbeing in Ethiopia using data from the Household Consumption and Expenditure and Welfare Monitoring surveys implemented in 2000, 2005, and 2011. The paper provides evidence on changes in overlapping deprivations using a non-index approach to multidimensional poverty. It assesses the performance of various dimensions in education, health, and living standards, taking one indicator at a time. It then examines the overlap between different dimensions of poverty and examines how this has changed over time in Ethiopia and across rural and urban areas. It highlights that although Ethiopia’s multidimensional poverty index is very high, there have been improvements in overlapping deprivations and, as a result, the number of individuals deprived in multiple dimensions has fallen.
- Published
- 2015
31. FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) Health Support for Non-Pregnant Women: Evaluation Findings From the NHS Pilot Programme.
- Author
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Warwick-Booth, Louise and Starks, Louise
- Subjects
FEMALE genital mutilation ,WOMEN'S health ,COMMUNICATION barriers ,QUALITATIVE research - Abstract
NHS England funded eight pilot Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) clinics for non-pregnant women across England from 2019 to 2021, with our evaluation exploring how best to meet the health and wellbeing needs of non-pregnant women who had experienced FGM. Prior to these clinics, there had been little progress in meeting the needs of non-pregnant women with FGM seeking medical help in England. Our evaluation commissioned Starks Consulting, Ecorys and Leeds Beckett to evaluate documented service delivery across the eight pilot sites. Within this we explored the importance of delivering clinics within community settings. The evaluation tested how effective/capable these clinics were in meeting the health and wellbeing needs of women accessing them. We also examined the effectiveness of various staff roles (lead clinician, health advocate and therapist) to understand the service delivery approach. We captured the views of a small number of service users through individual interviews, gathering their lived experiences of FGM and clinic attendance. The main aim of the evaluation was to determine whether the clinics improved the health outcomes of non-pregnant survivors of FGM. This paper presents findings from the qualitative component of the evaluation; interview data from 42 professionals and 12 service users. We detail the model of support (community service delivery, with trusted professionals, creating a safe space) and the learning gained from the pilot implementation. Positive outcomes include improved health and well-being for women (mental and physical health improvements). Challenges in service delivery included language barriers, how professionals reach into communities, the stigma associated with FGM as an experience, and mental health problems arising from FGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Discursive (de)legitimation Strategies in Malaysian News Media Discourse on Female Circumcision (Sunat Perempuan).
- Author
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MAT, NIK SOFFIYA NIK, KAUR, SURINDERPAL, and PILLAI, STEFANIE
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FEMALE genital mutilation ,CULTURAL relativism ,DISCOURSE - Abstract
This article unpacks the discursive (de)legitimation strategies used by the Malaysian government and Malaysian civil society organisations to construct and contest the legitimacy of female circumcision in Malaysia. This paper examines the ways in which female circumcision in Malaysia is legitimised and contested within the Malaysian news media. Malaysian mainstream and alternative news articles discussing the practice that was published online between the years of 2016 and 2020 were analysed based on previous studies on legitimation (Van Leeuwen, 2008) as the main analytical tools to examine the approaches taken by the Malaysian government and Malaysian civil society organisations to (de)legitimise the practice in Malaysia. Findings reveal that the Malaysian government actively supported the practice of female circumcision using the strategies (1) authority of tradition and authority of conformity, (2) impersonal authority of adat (Malay custom), (3) personal and expert authority (4) denial of female circumcision as a form of FGM/C, (5) mitigation of harm through medicalisation, (6) moral legitimation by cultural relativism, and (7) scientific rationalisation using religion. Malaysian civil society organisations mainly countered the hegemonic discourse using the synergistic strategies of moral evaluation and rationalisation with discourses of health and human rights as the motif of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Female genital mutilation: Nigerian Igbo men's low acceptance of the practice.
- Author
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Hemuka, Ngozika Jane, Morgan, Angela, Bellingham-Young, Denise, and Stonard, Karlie
- Subjects
STATISTICS ,STATISTICAL power analysis ,PSYCHOLOGY of men ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,RURAL conditions ,CROSS-sectional method ,RESEARCH methodology ,FISHER exact test ,SENSORY perception ,PEARSON correlation (Statistics) ,HEALTH literacy ,PATIENTS' attitudes ,CHI-squared test ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,DATA analysis software ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,DATA analysis ,ODDS ratio ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,STATISTICAL sampling - Abstract
Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the cutting of the external female genital organs for non-medical purposes. It is a widespread public health problem in Nigeria as it affects the health of women and girls. The views of women about FGM are widely researched and known; however, very little empirical research has been conducted to understand the views of men. Aim: This study therefore sought to examine men's views with regard to the continuation of FGM and its associated factors in a rural Igbo community in Nigeria. Subject and Method: This paper reports the results of a survey of 215 men aged 18 and above living in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Uturu in Nigeria. Bivariate and binary logistic regression were performed on 215 completed and returned questionnaires (86% response rate) using the Statistical Package for Social Science. This is the first study to investigate Nigerian Igbo men's views of FGM. Results: Descriptive statistics revealed that almost two-thirds of the sample (63.7%) thought FGM should be discontinued. Logistic regression found that owning a television and/or a radio and holding a Christian faith significantly predicted favouring the discontinuation of FGM. Conclusion: This study provides evidence to suggest that some Nigerian Igbo men's attitudes about FGM appear to be generally less than favourable. The major implication of these findings is that policy makers must place greater emphasis on addressing the economic and social development of rural areas in Nigeria if the harmful practice of FGM is to be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Discourses of change: The shift from infibulation to sunna circumcision among Somali and Sudanese migrants in Norway.
- Author
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Johansen, R. Elise B.
- Subjects
CIRCUMCISION ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,SOMALIS ,SUDANESE ,IMMIGRANTS ,DIASPORA - Abstract
Somali and Sudanese transnational discourses on female genital cutting (FGC) center on a shift from infibulation to sunna circumcision, a change perceived to reduce health risks and accommodate religious teaching, yet this shift is far less extensive and substantial than its typical portrayal suggests. Based on data from interviews and focus group discussions with 95 migrants of Somali and Sudanese origin, in this paper, I explore these migrants' discourses of change and how and why they seem blurred and contradictory. Most participants described the ongoing abandonment of infibulation and uptake of sunna circumcision in terms of civilization, modernization and transition toward a more correct Islam; however, their perceptions of the anatomical extents and religious and cultural meanings of sunna circumcision appeared blurred and contradictory. We suggest that these blurred and contradictory perceptions of sunna circumcision enable the study's participants to maneuver in a context of opposing and changing social norms regarding FGC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Female Genital Mutilation practiced by Dawoodi Bohras of Pakistan
- Author
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Sanchita Bhattacharya
- Subjects
female genital mutilation ,fgm ,dawoodi bohra ,pakistan ,women’s health ,religious practices ,cultural traditions ,psychological effects ,legal frameworks ,Ethnology. Social and cultural anthropology ,GN301-674 - Abstract
This paper examines the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) among the Dawoodi Bohra community in Pakistan. FGM, a non-therapeutic alteration of the female genitalia, is examined through the lenses of religion, culture and health. The Dawoodi Bohra, predominantly based in Karachi, practice FGM as a religious and cultural rite, linking it to notions of purity and social acceptance. Despite global efforts to outlaw and eradicate FGM, it persists, underpinned by deeply held beliefs and the insular nature of the community. The physical and psychological effects of FGM are profound, leading to immediate and long-term complications such as severe pain, infection and psychological trauma. This paper discusses the impact of these practices on women’s health and rights, while critiquing the lack of an effective legal framework in Pakistan to combat FGM. In addressing this issue, the paper contributes to the broader discourse on gender-based violence and the rights of women and children in patriarchal societies.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Honour based violence as a global public health problem: a critical review of literature.
- Author
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Bhanbhro, Sadiq, de Chavez, Anna Cronin, and Lusambili, Adelaide
- Abstract
Purpose--"Honour"-based violence (HBV), a form of gender-based violence (GBV), has received increasing interest from media, human rights organisations, academics and the public. A significant increase in the occurrence and reporting of HBV in many parts of the world and its detrimental impact on the health and well-being of women, girls, communities and wider society; marks it as a major public health concern. However, awareness and recognition of HBV in the field of public health is low in many countries and there is little known about its nature, roots and distribution. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach--The literature was searched using the Scopus database and a series of search terms related to HBV, GBV and health and well-being. Findings--Definition of HBV and its forms is varied across cultures. There is a lack of consensus on how HBV can be identified over other forms of violence and no explicit theoretical perspectives have been sufficiently developed to deepen the understanding of HBV. Although the findings from the review suggest that HBV forms and patterns may be regionally distinct, causes emanate from gender-based and socio-economic inequalities. Research limitations/implications--This review has limitations in that it included only English and Spanish language papers and those accessed through Scopus; it therefore may have excluded papers from other languages, countries and databases. Another major weakness in this review was a lack of papers specifically dedicated to HBV. Despite these weaknesses the paper is an attempt to raise awareness and recognition of HBV in public health research, policy and practice domain. Originality/value--The findings from the review highlight the complexity of tackling HBV in a globalised world. They also provide insights on how a public health model can be used to analyse both the causes and prevention of HBV. Further, a non-culturalised, unprejudiced and inclusive definition is required to flag-up and record HBV cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Debating medicalization of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C): learning from (policy) experiences across countries.
- Author
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Leye, Els, Van Eekert, Nina, Shamu, Simukai, Esho, Tammary, and Barrett, Hazel
- Subjects
FEMALE genital mutilation laws ,CRIMINAL justice system ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,HUMAN rights ,MEDICAL ethics ,HEALTH policy ,MEDICAL practice ,HARM reduction - Abstract
Background: Although Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is internationally considered a harmful practice, it is increasingly being medicalized allegedly to reduce its negative health effects, and is thus suggested as a harm reduction strategy in response to these perceived health risks. In many countries where FGM/C is traditionally practiced, the prevalence rates of medicalization are increasing, and in countries of migration, such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America or Sweden, court cases or the repeated issuing of statements in favor of presumed minimal forms of FGM/C to replace more invasive forms, has raised the debate between the medical harm reduction arguments and the human rights approach. Main body: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the arguments associated with the medicalization of FGM/C, a trend that could undermine the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5.3. The paper uses four country case studies, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya and UK, to discuss the reasons for engaging in medicalized forms of FGM/C, or not, and explores the ongoing public discourse in those countries concerning harm reduction versus human rights, and the contradiction between medical ethics, national criminal justice systems and international conventions. The discussion is structured around four key hotly contested ethical dilemmas. Firstly, that the WHO definition of medicalized FGM/C is too narrow allowing medicalized FGM to be justified by many healthcare professionals as a form of harm reduction which contradicts the medical oath of do no harm. Secondly, that medicalized FGM/C is a human rights abuse with lifelong consequences, no matter who performs it. Thirdly, that health care professionals who perform medicalized FGM/C are sustaining cultural norms that they themselves support and are also gaining financially. Fourthly, the contradiction between protecting traditional cultural rights in legal constitutions versus human rights legislation, which criminalizes FGM/C. Conclusion: More research needs to be done in order to understand the complexities that are facilitating the medicalization of FGM/C as well as how policy strategies can be strengthened to have a greater de-medicalization impact. Tackling medicalization of FGM/C will accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal of ending FGM by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Female genital mutilation and safer sex negotiation among women in sexual unions in sub-Saharan Africa: Analysis of demographic and health survey data.
- Author
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Aboagye, Richard Gyan, Ahinkorah, Bright Opoku, Seidu, Abdul-Aziz, Frimpong, James Boadu, Adu, Collins, Hagan Jr., John Elvis, Ahmed, Salma A. E., and Yaya, Sanni
- Subjects
FEMALE genital mutilation ,SAFE sex ,DEMOGRAPHIC surveys ,DECISION making ,ODDS ratio ,HEALTH surveys ,VIOLENCE against women ,MULTILEVEL models - Abstract
Background: The practice of female genital mutilation is associated with harmful social norms promoting violence against girls and women. Various studies have been conducted to examine the prevalence of female genital mutilation and its associated factors. However, there has been limited studies conducted to assess the association between female genital mutilation and markers of women's autonomy, such as their ability to negotiate for safer sex. In this study, we examined the association between female genital mutilation and women's ability to negotiate for safer sex in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods: We pooled data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted from 2010 to 2020. Data from a sample of 50,337 currently married and cohabiting women from eleven sub-Saharan African countries were included in the study. A multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between female genital mutilation and women's ability to refuse sex and ask their partners to use condom. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to present the findings of the logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Female genital mutilation was performed on 56.1% of women included in our study. The highest and lowest prevalence of female genital mutilation were found among women from Guinea (96.3%) and Togo (6.9%), respectively. We found that women who had undergone female genital mutilation were less likely to refuse sex from their partners (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.96) and ask their partners to use condoms (aOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.86) compared to those who had not undergone female genital mutilation. Conclusion: Female genital mutilation hinders women's ability to negotiate for safer sex. It is necessary to implement health education and promotion interventions (e.g., decision making skills) that assist women who have experienced female genital mutilation to negotiate for safer sex. These interventions are crucial to enhance sexual health outcomes for these women. Further, strict enforcement of policies and laws aimed at eradicating the practice of female genital mutilation are encouraged to help contribute to the improvement of women's reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. La política del silencio frente a solicitudes de asilo por violencia íntima en España.
- Author
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Garcés-Amaya, Diana P.
- Subjects
- *
GENDER-based violence , *SPIRAL of silence theory , *FEMALE genital mutilation , *POLITICAL asylum , *INTIMATE partner violence , *ANDROCENTRISM , *FORCED marriage , *VIOLENCE against women , *LEGAL judgments , *SEX discrimination , *VIOLENCE - Abstract
This paper analyses the barriers to the recognition of gender-based persecution as grounds for asylum. It focuses on Spain and examines the rulings of Spanish courts on applications based on various types of gender violence between 2009 and 2019 and looks at the theoretical propositions of "the politics of silence". The paper proposes that these barriers can be attributed to the interweaving of androcentric and colonial frameworks that produce arbitrary representations of non-European women and their cultures. It also highlights the paradoxical way authorities deploy culturalisation strategies around female genital mutilation and forced marriage, treating them as "exotic" violence, in contrast to the strategies of invisibilisation and silence used with other types of gender-based violence, such as "intimate violence". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery: Legitimate Refinement or Illegal Mutilation?
- Author
-
Gaffney-Rhys, Ruth
- Subjects
PLASTIC surgery ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,FEMALE reproductive organs ,PROSECUTION ,PUBLIC interest - Abstract
The aim of this article is to assess whether Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery (FGCS), which refers to procedures which change the structure and appearance of healthy female genitalia for non-medical reasons, violates the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, in the light of CPS guidance issued in 2019 and literature regarding the motivations of women seeking FGCS and its effectiveness. The paper concludes that FGCS does , prima facie, constitute FGM and argues that the medical exception contained in the legislation should seldom be available – but based on CPS guidance, a criminal prosecution will rarely be in the public interest. The article ends by asserting that the distinction drawn in practice (if not in law) between the treatment of western and non-western women is problematic, not only because it is discriminatory, but because tolerating FGCS may serve to legitimise FGM and result in the circumvention of the FGM Act 2003. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Crossing cultural divides: A qualitative systematic review of factors influencing the provision of healthcare related to female genital mutilation from the perspective of health professionals.
- Author
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Evans, Catrin, Tweheyo, Ritah, McGarry, Julie, Eldridge, Jeanette, Albert, Juliet, Nkoyo, Valentine, and Higginbottom, Gina
- Subjects
FEMALE genital mutilation ,MEDICAL care ,MEDICAL personnel ,HIGH-income countries ,FACILITATORS (Persons) - Abstract
Introduction: As a result of global migration, health professionals in destination countries are increasingly being called upon to provide care for women and girls who have experienced female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). There is considerable evidence to suggest that their care experiences are sub-optimal. This systematic review sought to illuminate possible reasons for this by exploring the views, experiences, barriers and facilitators to providing FGM-related healthcare in high income countries, from health professionals’ perspectives. Methods: Sixteen electronic databases/resources were searched from inception to December 2017, supplemented by reference list searching and suggestions from experts. Inclusion criteria were: qualitative studies (including grey literature) of any design, any cadre of health worker, from OECD countries, of any date and any language. Two reviewers undertook screening, selection, quality appraisal and data extraction using tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Synthesis involved an inductive thematic approach to identify descriptive themes and interpret these into higher order analytical constructs. Confidence in the review findings was assessed using GRADE-CERQual. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420150300042015). Results: Thirty papers (representing 28 distinct studies) from nine different countries were included. The majority of studies focused on maternity contexts. No studies specifically examined health professionals’ role in FGM/C prevention/safeguarding. There were 20 descriptive themes summarised into six analytical themes that highlighted factors perceived to influence care: knowledge and training, communication, cultural (mis)understandings, identification of FGM/C, clinical management practices and service configuration. Together, these inter-linked themes illuminate the ways in which confidence, communication and competence at provider level and the existence and enactment of pathways, protocols and specialist support at service/system level facilitate or hinder care. Conclusions: FGM/C is a complex and culturally shaped phenomenon. In order to work effectively across cultural divides, there is a need for provider training, clear guidelines, care pathways and specialist FGM/C centres to support mainstream services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Maternity care experiences and health needs of migrant women from female genital mutilation–practicing countries in high‐income contexts: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis.
- Author
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Turkmani, Sabera, Homer, Caroline S.E., and Dawson, Angela
- Subjects
FEMALE genital mutilation ,ANXIETY ,CINAHL database ,DECISION making ,DISCRIMINATION (Sociology) ,FEAR ,MATERNAL health services ,MEDICAL needs assessment ,MEDICAL quality control ,MEDLINE ,ONLINE information services ,PHYSICIAN-patient relations ,QUALITY assurance ,RESEARCH funding ,SOCIAL stigma ,TRANSCULTURAL medical care ,TRUST ,PATIENT participation ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,DEVELOPED countries ,CULTURAL awareness ,CULTURAL identity ,NOMADS ,PATIENTS' attitudes ,PSYCHOLOGICAL vulnerability ,META-synthesis ,PSYCHOLOGY - Abstract
Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice defined as the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for nontherapeutic indications. Due to changing patterns of migration, clinicians in high‐income countries are seeing more women from countries where the practice is prevalent. This review aims to understand the sociocultural and health needs of these women and identify opportunities to improve the quality of maternity care for women with FGM. Methods: We undertook a systematic review and meta‐synthesis of peer‐reviewed primary qualitative research to explore the experience and needs of migrant women with FGM receiving maternity care. A structured search of nine databases was undertaken, screened papers appraised, and a thematic analysis undertaken on data extracted from the findings and discussion sections of included papers. Results: Sixteen peer‐reviewed studies were included in the systematic review. Four major themes were revealed: Living with fear, stigma, and anxiety; Feelings of vulnerability, distrust, and discrimination; Dealing with past and present ways of life after resettlement; and Seeking support and involvement in health care. Conclusions: The findings suggest that future actions for improving maternity care quality should be focused on woman‐centered practice, demonstrating cultural safety and developing mutual trust between a woman and her care providers. Meaningful consultation with women affected by FGM in high‐income settings requires cultural sensitivity and acknowledgment of their specific circumstances. This can be achieved by engaging women affected by FGM in service design to provide quality care and ensure woman‐focused policy is developed and implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
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43. Who's policing whom? A look into the policing responses to harmful practices and the role of civic society.
- Author
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Harrar, Polly
- Subjects
FEMALE genital mutilation ,POLICE ,FORCED marriage ,GENDER ,SUFFERING ,SEX discrimination - Abstract
The United Nations defines harmful practices as: '... persistent practices and behaviours grounded on discrimination on the basis of sex, gender and age and other grounds as well as multiple and/or intersecting forms of discrimination that often involve violence and cause physical and/or psychological harm or suffering'. They are commonly perceived to be based on tradition, culture, custom and practice, religion and/or superstition, and in certain communities and societies these practices have been established for so long that they are considered or perceived to be part of accepted cultural norms. Where they have gone unchallenged for multiple generations, they have become 'normalised', which often makes it difficult to make the distinction between cultural/traditional norms and enforced harmful and controlling behaviour. Examples of harmful practices include, but are not limited to, female genital mutilation, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, dowry violence and abuse linked to faith and belief, such as witchcraft, possessions and breast ironing – all of which are practiced and are prevalent in the UK today. The focus of this paper is honour based abuse (HBA), which is often applied as a precursor to other harmful practices and which lends itself to highlighting the intersectionality of this largely gendered practice. The role of affected communities is explored, as is how this can lead to a culture of self-policing. A panoptic framework is adopted before conclusions are drawn as to the future of policing in addressing these hidden harms. The aim of this paper is not to provide a comprehensive critical analysis of policing responses to an ever evolving and highly complex crime type, nor is it to present all BAME women and communities as a homogeneous group, but rather to further explore some of the key concepts that arose from discussions and which may go some way to understanding hidden harms that exist in relation to honour and shame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. How to ensure policies and interventions rely on strong supporting facts to improve women's health: The case of female genital cutting, using Rosling's Factfulness approach.
- Author
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Essén, Birgitta and Mosselmans, Luce
- Subjects
FEMALE genital mutilation ,WOMEN'S health ,EVIDENCE-based education - Abstract
Rosling et al's book Factfulness aims to inspire people to use strong supporting facts in their decision‐making, with 10 rules of thumb to fight dramatic instincts. In this paper, the Factfulness framework is applied to female genital cutting (FGC), in order to identify possible biases and promote evidence‐based thinking in studies on FGC, clinical guidelines on management of FGC, and interventions aimed at abolishing FGC. The Factfulness framework helps to acknowledge that FGC is not a uniform practice and helps address that variability. This framework also highlights the importance of multidisciplinarity to understand causalities of the FGC issue, which the authors argue is essential. This paper highlights the fact that FGC is a dynamic practice, with changes in the practice that are ongoing, and that those changes are different in different contexts. The "zero tolerance" discourses on FGC fail to acknowledge this. Factfulness encourages us to be more critical of methodologies used in the area of FGC, for example when estimating girls at risk of FGC in migration contexts. Factfulness provides the tools to calculate risks rather than judgments based on fear. This may help limit stigmatization of women with FGC and to allocate resources to health problems of migrant women based on real risks. The framework also calls for more research and production of less biased facts in the field of FGC, in order to improve interventions aimed at abolishing FGC, and clinical guidelines for the treatment of FGC. Factfulness is a useful and structured foundation for reflection over constructs, biases and disputes surrounding FGC, and can help improve the quality of future evidence‐based interventions and education that address the actual needs of women with FGC and girls at risk of FGC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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- View/download PDF
45. VIOLATIONS OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS IN SUDAN AND THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES: THE CURRENT SITUATION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF SOLUTIONS.
- Author
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KARAMALLA-GAIBALLA, NAGMELDIN
- Subjects
CHILDREN'S rights ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,IMPRISONMENT ,CHILD trafficking - Abstract
This paper aims to demonstrate the main aspects and weaknesses of children's rights in Sudan and describe how to work towards enhancing the immediate response to violations against children. This discussion will help develop future plans to strengthen the enforcement of children's rights in Sudan and create an environment that protects children's rights against all kinds of violations. This paper presents the current situation of children's rights violations in Sudan and factors that have a great and direct impact on these situations, especially social and cultural factors concerning female circumcision, genital mutilation, and marriage of underage girls; and laws that violate the dignity of Sudanese children, such as laws related to flogging, imprisonment, and death. The article also addresses issues of wars and internal conflicts and their impact on children, including their recruitment and trafficking. It also discusses the weaknesses of laws in place to protect children in Sudan and the changes these laws have undergone in recent years, especially the fundamental changes following the revolution that broke out in Sudan in 2018, which replaced the dictatorial military regime with Islamic orientations and trying to find objective solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Gender norms in a context of legal pluralism: Impacts on the health of women and girls in Ethiopia.
- Author
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Cohen, David, Jasper, Kyra, Zhao, Alisha, Moall, Khadija Taoufik, Nwuke, Kasirim, Nesamoney, Sophia, and Darmstadt, Gary L.
- Subjects
- *
GENDER role , *GENDER identity , *DECENTRALIZATION in management , *GENDER inequality , *HUMAN rights , *WOMEN'S health , *RULES , *CULTURAL pluralism , *FEMALE genital mutilation - Abstract
To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 for gender equality by 2030, it is crucial for health and development professionals and governmental officials to understand how legal systems empower or oppress populations on the basis of gender worldwide, including opportunities and challenges of statutory provisions created by legal pluralism. Using Ethiopia as a case study, this paper examines how local laws applied in Sharia and Customary Dispute Resolution courts impact gender equality and the health of women and girls inspite of the inculcation of human rights statutes into national legislation, including the Constitution. We identify several key issues with the substantive law and its enforcement. First, laws which have been instituted at the national level to improve gender equally have been poorly enforced at the local level. Second, there is a sustained enforcement of laws that oppress women and that protect male perpetrators of gender-based violations. Third, local courts limit female representation and uphold patriarchy. To improve the health of women and girls, stakeholders must take into consideration the ways in which legal systems uphold harmful gender norms and obstruct and/or advance progress towards equal representation, opportunities, and constitutionally-mandated protections for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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- View/download PDF
47. Descifrando los mensajes de la violencia de género: un abordaje tipológico y su aplicación en el contexto de la violencia de género en África.
- Author
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LENINE, ENZO and GONÇALVES, ELISA
- Subjects
GENDER-based violence ,VIOLENCE against women ,SEX discrimination against women ,FEMALE genital mutilation ,INTIMATE partner violence ,SEX trafficking ,LITERATURE reviews ,SOCIAL hierarchies ,DOMESTIC violence - Abstract
Copyright of Relaciones Internacionales (1699-3950) is the property of Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain, International Relations Studies Group (GERI) Law Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2022
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48. Domestic Violence and Female Genital Mutilation in Kenya: Effects of Ethnicity and Education.
- Author
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Simister, John
- Subjects
DOMESTIC violence ,VICTIMS of domestic violence ,ABUSE of women ,FEMALE reproductive organs ,FEMALE genital mutilation - Abstract
This paper investigates domestic violence against women, including definitions of ‘domestic violence;’ and investigates “Female Genital Mutilation.” Data for this paper are from three national household surveys in Kenya: ‘Demographic & Health Survey’ (2003), Afrobarometer (2003), and ‘Work, Attitudes, & Spending’ (2004). Previous research in many countries has found convincing evidence of a tendency for domestic violence to be less common in households where the respondent and/or spouse have more education. This paper adds a new factor: the respondent’s mother’s education also seems relevant to prevalence of GBV (perhaps because of childhood socialization). This pattern applies to both experience of violence, and attitudes to such violence. There also appears to be a strong link between ‘Female Genital Mutilation’ (female circumcision) and mother’s education level. In each case, more education is associated with less violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
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49. Involving Men: The Multiple Meanings of Female Genital Mutilation in a Minority Migrant Context.
- Author
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Strid, Sofia and Axelsson, Tobias K.
- Subjects
FEMALE genital mutilation ,FEMINIST theology ,MASCULINITY ,INTERSECTIONALITY ,SOCIAL norms - Abstract
The paper explores the roles of men in the continuation/abandonment of female genital mutilation (FGM) in a migrant minority community in Sweden. The aim is to contribute to the under-researched area of men's attitudes towards and experiences of FGM, using frameworks on engaging men, feminist theories on men and masculinity, and intersectionality. It is based on an inductive qualitative design for data collection, including a focus group discussion with 13 male Somali migrants in Sweden. The analysis shows a window of opportunity for involving minority migrant men in prevention and to challenge a minority migrant gender regime. The ambivalent attitudes expressed are based on a will to reflect on roles, a desire to adjust to conflicting social norms and institutional rules, and an interest in the legal, health and medical consequences of FGM. The paper concludes that successful interventions and involvement need to consider local activism, gendered dynamics, masculinities and empowerment; attempts to eradicate FGM will be more successful if they empower women and men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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- View/download PDF
50. Critical Discussion on Female Genital Cutting/Mutilation and Other Genital Alterations: Perspectives From a Women's Rights NGO.
- Author
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Florquin, Stéphanie and Richard, Fabienne
- Abstract
Purpose of Review: The goal of this paper is to discuss the juxtapositions between FGM/C and other medically unjustified genital alterations performed on adult women (aesthetical genital surgeries) and on children (male circumcision and intersex genital surgeries). The authors join the debate from their position as professionals working in Belgium's main "anti-FGM organization" as well as researchers. Recent Findings: Recent research and contributions from scholars have raised critique of policies around FGM/C, particularly in the global North. Some of the concerns include critiques of laws that infantilize adult women, problematic use of genital examination, discourses that stigmatize migrant persons from FGM/C practicing communities, and professionals who are insufficiently trained to support women with FGM/C in a respectful and empowering way. Scholars have also argued that there is a lack of medical distinction between different types of genital cutting such as FGM/C type I and type IV, male circumcision, and aesthetical genital cutting. Authors have stressed the discrepancy in terms of both discourse on genital cutting, and called for equal protection of girl, boy, and intersex children from medically unnecessary genital cutting, without discrimination in regard to ethnicity, religion, or immigration status of their parents. Summary: The paper argues that the discussion on FGM/C and other genital alterations must consider existing socially constructed inequalities, particularly gender and "race", and how they affect those submitted to genital alterations. The authors highlight practical challenges raised in their daily work in a women's rights NGO and conclude with recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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