Female genital mutilation/Cutting in Basse-Casamance (Senegal): Multiple voices from a plural South (2018)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Tomas,J.,Kaplan,A.,& Le Charles,M. A.
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The main objective of this study was to gather different narratives of the practice of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C),in the Basse-Casamance region of Senegal.
Study Population: Teachers,health professionals,representatives of the administration,members of NGOs,students,civic leaders and leaders of religious associations,and senior circumsisers.
Findings: As a result of being made aware of the many difficulties or their own personal experiences,several women and men have altered their attitudes,and even some circumcisers have ceased doing the practice. However,many others continue to believe that excision and initiation are necessary for full participation in the local community as a woman with full rights. In order to escape legal prosecution,the ceremonial phases have been altered,and circumcision is now performed at a very young age. On the one hand,this underscores the vital role women play in validating ethnic and gender identities through the continuation of the practice. In contrast to the strong influence of the traditional society,the lack of confidence of the local population in government policies and,by extension,in the government itself,as well as in the involved NGOs,enables and necessitates women’s participation in an organization and an operation that they perceive as being more necessary,useful,and relevant.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Senegal