Perceptions and experiences of female genital mutilation after immigration to Sweden: an explorative study (2013)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Isman,Elisabeth,Cecilia Ekéus,Vanja Berggren
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The aim of this study is to explore how women from part of the world where female genital mutilation (FGM) is normative perceive and experience FGM after immigrating to Sweden.
Study Population: Women
Findings: The women’s feelings were ambivalent: though they opposed FGM,on the one hand,because of its negative effects on health,they acknowledged the practice’s positive cultural aspects on the other hand. The themes that emerged from the interviews are the role of FGM in ensuring virginity and protecting a family’s honor,its role in avoiding shame and enhancing purity,social pressure experienced after immigration,an understanding of FGM as a symbol of the country of origin,and support for changing the tradition.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Europe
Country(ies):Sweden