How the methods used to eliminate foot binding in China can be employed to eradicate female genital mutilation (2013)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Wilson Ann-Marie
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To analyse elimination of foot binding and apply to the eradication of FGM. A model is created to identify the features which are most likely to lead to success. Three
case studies taken from Somalia,Ghana,and Ethiopia are assessed against the success criteria for the eradication of foot binding. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn for future work in the stand against FGM.
Study Population: None
Findings: There are considerable parallels between Cha´nzu´ and FGM as shown in this study,with eight key identical elements (they are performed on girls,they give rise to pain and ill-health,this pain has significant duration,there is a possibility of fatality,sexuality of the female is controlled,they were/are used to achieve an aesthetic appeal,they were/are accepted with little dissent,and they are done without the recipient’s consent). Lessons have been drawn from how the elimination of a thousand years of Cha´nzu´ was achieved. Cha´nzu´ was extensive in 1889,yet by 1907 it had all but disappeared. The small group of people who led this dramatic change possessed the insight to understand the mechanics of perpetuating knowledge in a way that enabled its end. The experiential impact of such efforts cannot be underestimated. The opportunity now exists for national and international communities to eradicate FGM for the tens of millions of girls and women in around 40 countries using the key findings of field studies,such as this research.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Not specified
Country(ies):Not specified