Cultural protection against traumatic stress: traditional support of children exposed to the ritual of female genital cutting (2014)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Jon-Håkon Schultz,Inger-Lise Lien FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: Explores the factors addressed in folk psychology in The Gambia for protecting the girl-child from the potential traumatic stress of female genital cutting (FGC Study Population: professional circumcisers,Mothers,Women Findings: The findings indicate that the girls have largely managed to handle the potentially traumatic event of FGC. The event is placed in a meaningful system of understanding,and the stress is dealt with in a traditional way that to a great extent follows empirically-based and evidence-based principles of crisis intervention. However,the approach tends to be culturally encoded,based on the local cultural belief system. This puts circumcised individuals in a potentially vulnerable position if they are living outside the homeland’s supportive cultural context,with consequences for psychological and culturally competent FGC health care in exile. Geographical coverage Region(s):Northern Europe Country(ies):Norway Source

September 8, 2023

Cultural Relativism: Perspectives on Somali Female Circumcision in Mombasa (2011)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Whitney Harkness FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: The following study looked at Somali circumcision and its roll in their culture as well as how their culture has been influenced by living in Mombasa. Also,it will examine how social and political biases play a large part in how other groups,such as NGOs,the Swahili and the Barawa view Somali female circumcision Study Population: Male and female Findings: Infibulation was practiced so that mothers can be sure that their daughters remain pure and chaste,and so that new husbands can know that their wives are exclusively theirs. Unfortunately it does carry with it a number of very negative side effects and social stigmas. It is therefore very important to take into consideration the positive benefits of infibulation,namely,creating a sense of camaraderie and preserving a community’s values. Barawa and Swahili women present a very nice context for how Somali women enforce essentially the same cultural and religious ideals. All three groups of these are Muslim,and thus have very similar values and pursuits as a community. Despite being uncircumcised,Swahili women remain chaste until marriage. And although they disagree with the theological perspective,Swahilis still have a strong sense of community and chose not to circumcise their women in favor of raising their daughters and allowing them to make their own decisions,not limiting them or keeping them in line by performing a risky procedure. Geographical coverage Region(s):Eastern Africa Country(ies):Kenya Source

Cultural Significance and Side Effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) In Central Tanzania: A Case of Gogo Women in Chalinze Ward in Dodoma Region (2016)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Kappia Richard,D.K. Buberwa FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To examine cultural significance of FGM among the Gogo and side effects caused,particularly in Chalinze ward Study Population: Women Findings: The findings of the study suggested that the practices of Female Genital Mutilation have been associated to a number of causes ranging from numerous social,traditional,customary,and economical to ideological justifications Geographical coverage Region(s):Eastern Africa Country(ies):Tanzania Source

Cultural transformation: sociocultural aspects of female circumcision among the Gusii people in Kenya (2014)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Kaori Miyachi FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To examine a specific case of FGM/C specifically,the case of the Gusii people living in the western part of Kenya,the area with the highest prevalence of FGM/C in Kenya Study Population: Relied on case study of 1 community Findings: This case study of the Gusii people demonstrated the continued importance of FGM/C as a rite of passage. Although the sociocultural significance of this practice had not changed radically,the procedure itself and the rituals surrounding it have changed. One major change had been the medicalization of the operation,which became especially widespread after the presidential ban in 1982. Another change related to FGM/C is the emergence of the anti-FC movement among local women who view this practice as harmful. These women oppose not only FC but also other customs such as “widow inheritance” Geographical coverage Region(s):Eastern Africa Country(ies):Kenya Source

Culturas y género: prácticas lesivas,intervenciones feministas y derechos de las mujeres-Cultures and Gender: harmful practices,feminist interventions and women’s rights (2008)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Guerra Palermo FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To analyze the phenomenon of reactive cultural identities that has operated in the case of the challenged practice of female genital mutilation in some African enclaves Study Population: Relied on articles Findings: The study concludes that contexts and means of intervention are relevant to the commitment to effectively eradicate cultural practices that violate women’s rights while a transnational and intercultural feminism consolidates Geographical coverage Region(s):Not specified Country(ies):Not specified Source

Culture,Tradition,Power and Sexuality: The Difficulties in Understanding and Ending female Circumcision (2008)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Jennifer Watson FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To determine the link between FGM and (Culture,Tradition,Power and Sexuality) Study Population: NA Findings: The day’ movement to stop female circumcision is based on perceived gender inequalities in the societies where it is practiced. While some societies might have had gender inequalities,according to the cultural relativism theory,those who used this argument needed to realize issue of gender equality might have been irrelevant or unimportant for the women who practiced female circumcision. Alternatively,as some researchers had suggested,FGM was an expression of gender equality. For many women it gave them an identity and a power over men. In some societies where they were unable to have jobs or might otherwise feel powerless,circumcision made them feel superior to men,at least sexually. In addition,women used their sexuality as a bargaining chip against men. This point also related to Foucault’s theory of power relations. When looking at ways to abolish female circumcision,it is important to remember that circumcision is a part of the culture in the areas where it was practiced. It is a part of the cultural identity for many. Rather than belittle its significance to culture,those who wish to end it have to accept its importance to other cultures. Dealing with circumcision does not have to include accepting the practice but accepting that others might want it. Raising awareness of the problems involved with female circumcision had proven effective in getting individuals and communities to stop the practice. While most of the awareness raising had been done at a local level,international groups and national bodies can work along with local organizations in distributing information. Geographical coverage Region(s):Not specified Country(ies):Not specified Source

Curbing the Surge of Female Genital Mutilation (2014)

This study is a Explanatory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Odeku Kola O FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To highlight the need to classify FGM as torture in order to strengthen the law against FGM and bring perpetrators to justice. Study Population: None Findings: Classifying an act as torture has significant implications,as there are well-established international legal obligations and consequences that flow from torture. These include the obligations to criminalize acts of torture,to prosecute perpetrators and provide restitution to victims. The article highlights that these obligations derive from the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 1984 (CAT). It is against the backdrop of these harmful and destructive tendencies specifically targeted at women and girls that there is need to bring this act within the purview of the CAT. The article emphasizes that CAT is considered as the instrument that is most potent in dealing with this practice because it prohibits in entirety any act or acts of torture; it also strengthens women’s claims with regard to the prevention,protection and rehabilitation of torture victims. Geographical coverage Region(s):Not specified Country(ies):Not specified Source

Curing Cut or Ritual Mutilation?: Some Remarks on the Practice of Female and Male Circumcision in Graeco-Roman Egypt (2001)

This study is a Correlation research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Mary Knight FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: N/A. Objective: To compare FGM with ancient Egyptian male circumcision and consider motivations for the practice so as to contribute to the understanding of FGM Study Population: Relied on articles Findings: The documented association between male circumcision and generative ability suggests a novel comparison with a natural process in the female-the breaking of the hymen on first intromission-and ultimately a new hypothesis for the origin of ancient FGM Geographical coverage Region(s):Northern Africa Country(ies):Egypt Source

Current global status of female genital mutilation: a review (2000)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): Magoha GA,Magoha OB FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To provide an overview of the current global status of female genital mutilation (FGM) or female circumcision practised in various countries. Study Population: Major published series of peer reviewed journals writing about female genital mutilation (FGM) over the last two decades were reviewed Findings: FGM remains prevalent in many countries including African countries where over 136 million women have been ‘circumcised’ despite persistent and consistent efforts by various governments,WHO and other bodies to eradicate the ritual by the year 2000 AD. This is as a result of deep rooted cultures,traditions and religions. Although FGM should be abolished globally,it must involve gradual persuasion which should include sensitisation and adequate community-based educational and medical awareness campaign. Mere repression through legislation has not been successful,and women need to be provided with other avenues for their expression of social status approval and respectability other than through FGM. Geographical coverage Region(s):Not specified Country(ies):Not specified Source

Current situation of female genital mutilation in Spain (2012)

This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics: Author(s): The European Institute for Gender Equality FGM/C Type(s): All Health area of focus: None. Objective: To map the current situation and trends of female genital mutilation in 27 EU Member States and Croatia Study Population: Relied on articles Findings: The study found that general laws with regard to professional secrecy and disclosure may be applied to report cases of performed or planned FGM. Article 450 of the Penal Code states that every person has the duty to impede,when possible,a crime affecting a person’s life,integrity or health,liberty or sexual liberty and/or report it to the public authorities Geographical coverage Region(s):Western Europe,Eastern Europe,Southern Europe,Northern Europe,Western Asia Country(ies):Italy,Cyprus,Latvia,Lithuania,Luxembourg,Hungary,Malta,Netherlands,Austria,Poland,Portugal,Romania,Slovenia,Slovakia,Finland,Sweden,Czechia,Denmark,Germany,Estonia,Bulgaria,Belgium,United Kingdom,Croatia,Ireland,Greece,France,Estonia Source