Knowledge,Attitudes,Beliefs and Practices of Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia/land (2004)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Novib Somalia
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To examine Knowledge,Attitudes,Beliefs and Practices of Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia/land
Study Population: Religious leaders,young males aged 15- 25,and three age groups of women,6-15 years,16-45 years and over 45.
Findings: The research participants cited religious requirement and a set of related beliefs around the need to suppress female sexuality (purity,honour,chastity etc.) as the primary reasons for the practice of FGM. These are therefore the issues that need to be addressed in campaigning to eradicate FGM. The underlying social and economic conditions of women were also highlighted by the networks as key factors. The study participants’ knowledge of FGM was often contradictory or confused. Medical language is used to describe FGM,which reflects the translation undertaken by the women’s networks,but also serves to distance the speaker from the actual practice of FGM. Respondents were familiar with the side effects of FGM and primarily identified the health consequences of FGM as the reason to abandon the practice (if they felt that it should be abandoned). This indicates that this may be the most effective initial entry point in addressing FGM. However,the more ideologically charged issues of FGM,sexuality,religion and the status of women,will have to be considered in the campaigns at some point. The study data indicates a possible reduction in the incidence of infibulation among the younger generation in Hargeisa,in contrast to a seeming increase in Mogadishu,this may imply a relationship between perceived security and the type of FGM performed. It may also indicate some success in efforts in Somaliland to combat the most severe forms of FGM.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Somalia