“Between Two Cultures” A Rapid PEER Study Exploring Migrant Communities’ Views on Female Genital Mutilation in Essex and Norfolk,UK (2016)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Kate Norman,Seblework Belay Gegzabher and Naana Otoo-Oyortey
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To Shed light on the lived realities of migrants from these countries and gain insights into their communities’ views on FGM in the UK as well as back in their country of origin.
Study Population: migrant men and women living in both Essex and Norfolk
Findings: Ability to adapt to life in the UK depended on the type of life people had left behind,with those escaping conflict and oppression more likely to have positive experiences. For the most part,people found integration difficult,and in some cases they perceived the social,cultural and religious differences in the UK as too hard to overcome. Some interviewees said that they chose not to integrate as the cultural and religious differences were too great. Many more felt that they wanted to integrate but were faced with isolation,discrimination and language barriers. Almost all interviewees felt that gender roles in the UK had changed,with women experiencing more freedom and empowerment and men often feeling emasculated. Accounts of domestic violence were very common amongst interviewees and could be aggravated by the perceived change in gender roles. Interviewees also felt that the rights of children were more widely protected in the UK and many felt that this was a positive. Others expressed concern over the sexualisation of children and the interference of the State in the affairs of the family
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Europe
Country(ies):United Kingdom