Being Victims or Beneficiaries? Perspectives on Female Genital Cutting and Reinfibulation in Sudan (2006)

This study is a Descriptive research regarding III FGM/C with the following characteristics:

Author(s): Berggren V,Musa Ahmed, Hernlund Y,Johansson E,Habbani B,Edberg A
FGM/C Type(s): III
Health area of focus: None.

Objective: To explore Sudanese women’s and men’s perceptions and experiences of FGC with emphasis on reinfibulation (RI) after delivery.
Study Population: Men and women
Findings: The results showed that both genders blame each other for the continuation of the practices,and the comprehensive understanding of the perceptions and experiences was that both the women and the men in this study were victims of the consequences of FGC and reinfibulation (RI). The female narratives could be understood in the three categories: viewing oneself as being “normal” in having undergone FGC and reinfibulation ; being caught between different perspectives; and having limited influence on the practices of FGC and reinfibulation. The male narratives could be understood in the three categories: suffering from the consequences of FGC and reinfibulation,trying to counterbalance the negative sexual effects of FGC and striving in vain to change female traditions. The results indicated that the complexity of the persistence of FGC and reinfibulation went far beyond being explained by subconscious patriarchal and maternalistic actions,related to socially constructed concepts of normality,female identity,tradition and religion in a “silent” culture between men and women.

Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Africa
Country(ies):Sudan

Source