Legislative impact on the fight against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in The Gambia (2019)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Stenberg,J.,& Thorsson,C. (2019).
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine and analyse what experiences and perceptions NGOs in The Gambia have with using legislative action against FGM /C,how their work has changed due to the legislation as well as examine their perception on local community attitudes towards the law. This has been done using the theories of Cultural Relativism vs Universalism and through selected concepts within Hofstede’s Theory of Cultural Dimensions. This study will theorise what happens when a law representing western norms and values gets implemented in a society where culture,traditions and the collective group is highly important
Study Population: The primary data of the study consists of four in-depth interviews with selected NGOs. Our selection of participants was based on the following criteria; the respondents are to be working within an NGO in which the subject of FGM/C is the core business,and the respondents should have a high-ranking position within the organisation to be able to possess a broad knowledge of the work being done
Findings: Findings show that The Gambia,in particularly local communities,holds a strong cultural relativistic mentality and is characterized by a collectivistic culture in which the power distance is high. This society puts emphasis on collective identity,solidarity and collective decisions as well as traditional heritage and cultural values. Implementing a law that promotes western values thus brings problems and a lack of efficiency
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Gambia