Female circumcision in Sudan: Future prospects and strategies for eradication (2001)
This study is a Correlation research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Islam Mazharul,Mosleh Uddin
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To find information about attitudes towards the FGM/C practise ,rreasons why women suport it and the social demographic predictors needed for the development of eradication strategies
Study Population: Women
Findings: Some 87% of respondents in Haj-Yousif,almost 100% of those in Shendi and 7% of those in Juba have been circumcised. Pharaonic circumcision-the most severe type-was reported by 96% of circumcised women in Shendi and 69% of those in Haj-Yousif,but only 31% of those in Juba. However,a small but significant shift from Pharaonic to Sunna circumcision appears to have occurred in Shendi and Haj-Yousif in recent years. Overall,67% of respondents in Haj-Yousif,56% of those in Shendi and 4% of those in Juba support continuation of the practice; more highly educated and economically better off women are less likely to be supportive in the two high-prevalence areas. Social custom is the most commonly cited reason for favoring continuation of female circumcision in Haj-Yousif and Shendi (69-75%),while better marriage prospects are the most frequently given reason in Juba. Based on the women’s perceptions,men are more likely than women to favor discontinuation. Conclusions: Female circumcision seems to be declining slightly in some areas of Sudan. A culturally accepted policy and political commitment to eradicate the practice are needed. Education and economic empowerment of women would help lower support for the practice. A mass media campaign publicizing the risks of female circumcision and the fact that female circumcision is not obligatory for Islamic women would also be helpful.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Africa
Country(ies):Sudan