Case report Clinical,sexual and psychopathological changes after clitoral reconstruction in a Type II female genital mutilation_cutting A case report (2019)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding II FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Mestre-Bach,G.,Tolosa-Sola,I.,Barri-Soldevila,P.,Jiménez-Bonora,M.,Lasheras,G.,& Farré,J. M. FGM/C Type(s): II Health area of focus: Gynecology. Objective: aim was to assess sexual function,psychopathology and genital self-image in a type II FGM/C patient Study Population: FGM patient Findings: The patient was assessed prior to FGM/C reconstructive surgery and at a 6-month follow-up. At followup,she reported an improvement in sexual function and a clear improvement of the psychopathological state. However,a worsening in genital self-image was also endorsed after the surgery. Our findings uphold that FGM/C reconstructive surgery can lessen psychopathological and sexual distress,although more research is needed in order to increase awareness of the potential benefits of genital reconstruction and to perfect the surgery procedure Geographical coverage Region(s):Southern Europe Country(ies):Spain Source

September 8, 2023

Case Report: Huge inclusion cyst as a long term complication of female genital mutilation (2019)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding II FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Takpe,R.,Bello,O. O.,& Onebunne,C. A. FGM/C Type(s): II Health area of focus: Gynacological. Objective: We describe the successful management of a huge painless vulva mass measuring 10cm by 8cm in a 40-year-old woman. She had excision of the cyst with histological diagnosis of epidermal inclusion cyst Study Population: 41 year old woman presenting with a 7 year histoy of progressively increasing swelling in the external genitalia Findings: There is need for medical practitioners to have a high index of suspicion of epidermal inclusion cyst for vulva swelling especially in Nigeria where FGM is prevalent. However,public enlightenment and enforcement of laws on eradication of FGM as well as management of its complications are crucia Geographical coverage Region(s):Western Africa Country(ies):Nigeria Source

Case Study on the End Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) programme in the Republic of Kenya (2021)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Pia V. of Child Frontiers with contributions from UNICEF Kenya Country Office staff,the Anti-FGM Board,NGOs and other partners. FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: The purpose of this case study is to highlight a promising programme,service or approach that is supported by UNPFA-UNICEF Joint Programme and is contributing to the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya. It provides an outline of the work that is being done,and an analysis of its successes and challenges Study Population: The information presented is based on a documentary review and interviews with those involved and available. Its intended audience includes those working in the areas of research,programmes and policy to eradicate FGM in Kenya,in the region,and elsewhere,such as UNICEF and UNFPA,regional institutions such as the African Union,governments,donors,NGOs and academics. Findings: Community engagement and dialogue. The importance of community engagement and dialogue cannot be underestimated as these processes ultimately form the basis of genuine programme contextualization – a central focus of FGM programming in Kenya. Organizations working in country have underscored the need to take a longer term view,to build relationships with communities over time and to use these to enable and support iterative programming. This grounded means of understanding FGM and the essential role of the community in its eradication is believed to be one of the greatest successes of FGM programming in Kenya. Multi-faceted and multisectoral approach. Rather than seeing communities’ issues and needs in isolation,including as they relate to FGM,government and NGOs have endeavoured to develop contextualised understandings of the social,political and economic factors that shape the lives of children and families in different settings. Doing so has included conceptualizing drivers and needs within a framework of vulnerability. Taking an integrated approach has allowed for a range of actors – depending on the specific needs and context – to work together to articulate appropriate strategies, including in collaboration with those working to address livelihoods,safety and security, justice,education,and health.Collaboration and coordination with relevant national level ministries,county governments and sub-county officials have ensured better resource utilization,avoided duplication of work among partners and reduced a sense of competition. Critically, working in this way has enabled stakeholders to deliver a shared message to communities on FGM as well as on broader child protection and welfare issues.Access to justice for girls at risk of FGM or who have undergone FGM. To strengthen coordination and cooperation between child protection bodies,the police, prosecutors’ offices,and courts,the Joint Programme facilitated the 2nd Annual FGM conference in 2019,where a six-bench panel headed by the Office of the Public Prosecutions and Judiciary deliberated and made a series of recommendations on the role of prosecution and the law in ending FGM in Kenya. As a result,76 persons (59 females and 17 males) were arrested in connection with the cutting of 50 girls. In 2019,5 girls and women were provided with legal aid,counselling and representations. These prosecutions have served to deter to others in the community.There is much to be learned from the successes and challenges of ongoing efforts to develop and implement contextually-appropriate interventions to end FGM in Kenya. If the ambitious targets set out in the SDGs are to be achieved,all efforts to eradicate the practice need to be accelerated, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include the importance of: Strengthening collaboration among those working to combat harmful practices,such as FGM,with others in allied areas,such as emergency-related programmes,alternative care,social protection and education. Strengthening community level reporting and supporting interlinkages among community surveillance teams and other existing structures. Procuring nationally coordinated standby emergency supplies,including dignity kits for girls and women. Leveraging,linking and supporting the capacities of the workforce addressing harmful practices into the national project of strengthening the social service work force. Registering a pool of trained community resource persons to be activated during emergencies. Documenting lessons learned during COVID-19 to inform guidance related to how to develop and implement an emergency response for FGM in the future. Geographical coverage Region(s):Eastern Africa Country(ies):Kenya Source

Cervical dysplasia among migrant women with female genital mutilation/cutting type III: A cross-sectional study (2021)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding III FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Frick A,Azuaga A,Abdulcadir J FGM/C Type(s): III Health area of focus: Gynaecological. Objective: To assess the rate of cervical dysplasia in a population of migrant women with female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) type III who attended a specialized clinic for FGM/C. Study Population: Patient records of infibulated women who attended a specialized clinic for women and girls with FGM/C at Geneva University Hospitals (2010–2016) Findings: Out of 360 women reviewed,188 women with FGM/C type III were included. Mean age of the women was 37.7 (±5.14) years. They were mostly from East Africa (n = 116,61.7%). A total of 113 (60%) had undergone defibulation,the majority (105; 92.9%) without undergoing re-infibulation. Cervical dysplasia was found in 20 (10.6%): 16 (8.5%) had a low-grade grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or HPV-positive atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance,Four (2.1%) had a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions,of which one was a carcinoma in situ. Seven (35%) of the women with dysplasia underwent colposcopies regularly,five (25%) irregularly,and eight (40%) dropped out of colposcopy follow up. Cervical dysplasia is frequent among women with FGM/C type III and efforts should be made to guarantee follow up for migrant women.In conclusion,the present study shows that cervical dysplasia is frequent among women with FGM/C type III and highlights the importance of facilitating access,information,and adapted care and follow up for infibulated women,which includes cervical cancer screening. Further studies might investigate if defibulation can decrease the risk of chronic genitourinary inflammation and trauma as well as facilitate screening,follow up,and treatment.Cervical dysplasia is frequent among women with FGM/C type III and efforts should be made to guarantee follow up for migrant women. Geographical coverage Region(s):Western Europe Country(ies):Switzerland Source

Challenges faced by primary schools head teachers in female genital mutilation prone zones: A survey of Chepareria Division in West Pokot County (2013)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Kaliakamur Emmanuel FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: . Objective: Study Population: Findings: Geographical coverage Region(s):Eastern Africa Country(ies):Kenya Source

Challenges in combatting female genital mutilation: narratives of black Sub-Saharan African (BSSA) women in the English west Midlands regio (2021)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Nyashanu,M. and Mguni,M.  FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To explore the challenges in combatting FGM as experienced by Black Sub-Saharan African (BSSA) women in Diaspora. Study Population: BSSA(Black Sub-Saharan African) women from 20 Sub-Saharan African countries living in the English West Midlands region Findings: The research study found that stigmatisation of survivors,utilisation of graphic images in FGM awareness,exclusion of practising communities’ gatekeepers in FGM interventions,conflation of religion and FGM practice and obsession with securing a conviction were obstacles in combating FGM. Diaspora community-driven studies exploring FGM and contested notions in addressing it from women perspectives are scarce.This study pulls together the experiences of BSSA women and their perspectives on contested notions in combating FGM in the UK. The debate asserts the growing need to consider gender sensitive radical interventions,which involves educating perpetrators and gatekeepers among FGM practising communites Geographical coverage Region(s):Northern Europe Country(ies):United Kingdom Source

Challenges in providing quality care for women with female genital cutting in Sweden –a literature review (2018)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Jordal,M. & Wahlberg,A. FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: This literature review aimed to identify challenges involved in providing quality care for circumcised women in Sweden. Study Population: Relied on articles Findings: Two themes were identified: a lack of technical skills and communication difficulties,as well as ethnocentric views. Midwives and gynecologists lacked confidence in their ability to deal with infibulated women during childbirth due to a lack of technical expertise,which frequently led to improvised treatments. This insecurity was attributed to a lack of theoretical and practical knowledge about FGC-related health issues. In communication problems and ethnocentric attitudes,both health care providers and circumcised women reported having trouble communicating about FGC,primarily due to language limitations and a perception of the issue’s sensitivity. In conclusion,the abilities of Swedish health care providers caring for circumcised patients may be improved. This should be considered when designing midwifery and gynecology curriculum and training health care providers who are likely to encounter circumcised women in their practice. Geographical coverage Region(s):Northern Europe Country(ies):Sweden Source

Challenging imperialism in the discourse of female genital cutting (2011)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Smith Courtney FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To challenge the hegemony of traditional Western feminist discourse in framing the debate surrounding female genital cutting (FGC). The argument is that FGC is not a “barbaric,uncivilized,and mutilating practice” that happens in uniform,primordial societies. The article critiques this ethnocentric rhetoric and also provides an alternative approach to studying,discussing,and understanding FGC Study Population: Women Findings: The study found that engaging with and privileging women affected by the practices,and exercising cultural reflection in the process,could result in a new discursive framing based upon equal participation in the discussion and nonimperialist,transnational feminist activism Geographical coverage Region(s):Not specified Country(ies):Not specified Source

Change and continuity in the practice of clitoridectomy : a case study of the Tharaka of Meru East District. (2001)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Kanake Angeline Karithi FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish the reasons behind the continued practice of clitoridectomy among the Tharaka people,despite the presence of various agents of change like Christianity and formal education in the Tharaka.  Study Population: Tharaka people Findings: The major findings from the study revealed that clitoridectomy is prevalent among Tharaka people and is practiced as a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood. Due to various factors such as formal education,urbanization and Christianity,the practice has undergone several changes. The study observes that clitoridectomy had a major social and religious role that worked best in the indigenous Tharaka community. Nevertheless,in view of the dangers that result from it,those who undergo clitoridectomy suffer more harm than good. Geographical coverage Region(s):Eastern Africa Country(ies):Kenya Source

Changes in FGM/C in Somaliland: Medical narrative driving shift in types of cutting (2018)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Powell,R. A. & Yussuf,M. FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: The study aimed to explore views and experiences of married and unmarried men and women on FGM/C and potential changes in its practice (in terms of age,cut severity,and medicalisation); Individual,family,and societal factors contributing to any changes,or continuation,of FGM/C; The knowledge,views,and experiences of health care workers who offer FGM/C services (including corrective services as well as potentially medicalised versions) and their role as change agents rather than providers,and; How health care systems’ capacities can be strengthened for management and prevention. Study Population: Married (not dyads) and unmarried men and women of reproductive age (20-49 years),from rural and urban areas with varying levels of formal education,and health care workers (20-60 years) with familiarity managing FGM/C procedures in two regions of Somaliland. Findings: This study uncovered significant evidence of a fundamental shift in the FGM/C procedures performed in Somaliland. This transition,which may have been more noticeable in urban areas,was from the invasive pharaonic cut to the less severe Sunni version. This transition in cut severity appears to be accompanied by a downward trend in the age at which the procedure is performed (currently between 5 and 8 years old) as well as an increase in the medicalization of the practice,with health professionals serving as cutters and cuttings taking place in facilities or in the homes of individuals. It appears that the transition from the pharaonic to the Sunna version of FGM/C is,at least in part,an attempt to address the medical narrative advanced by many anti-FGM/C campaigns (that the practice is detrimental to the health of the girl or woman). Existing sociocultural expectations stipulate that a cut of some description (if not pharaonic,which is increasingly viewed as not being an inherent part of Somaliland culture and is not mandated by religious teachings) must be performed to ensure,for example,the girl’s chastity,to decrease her sexual arousal levels,to maintain her clean reputation,and to increase her marriageability prospects. Many have become receptive to current religious teachings that promote the Sunna cut as an acceptable and desired type of FGM/C as a result of the need to establish a balance between health preservation and sociocultural normative standards. Even if the normative landscape for renouncing FGM/C is challenging in Somaliland,the fact that social norms are in a contentious state of change means that supporters have opportunities to contribute to the discourse. However,this contribution should go beyond the medical narrative and advance the discussion to physical autonomy and informed consent issues. The population of Somaliland appears to be undergoing normative shifts,and there is an increasing readiness for change. However,the nature of this transition is not the abandonment of the practice,but rather its transformation into a version that is more socially acceptable. In Somaliland,a new norm is evolving,yet it appears to be altering mainly to promote the continuation of the practice. Geographical coverage Region(s):Eastern Africa Country(ies):Somalia Source