Medicalisation of female genital mutilation/Cutting in Sudan: Shifts in types and providers (2018)
This study is a Comparative research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Bedri,N.,Sherfi,H.,Rodwan,G.,Elhadi,S.,& Elamin,W.
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: This study aimed to inform the development of future interventions by generating evidence on the drivers of the shifts in the practice of FGM/C in Sudan.
Study Population: Families who practised medicalised FGM/C,families that did not practise medicalised FGM/C,HCPs offering medicalised FGM/C,and TBAs
Findings: Social and gender aspects emerged as major reasons for the continued practice of FGM/C. The most common reason given by all categories of participants was marriageability. Ethnicity and an adherence to tribal/cultural norms or identity were also noted to have an impact on the practice,especially among those living in ethnically homogenous communities. The perception that type I has no complications and was safer was also reported to drive the shift from the pharaonic type. For some,the cutting of girls at a very young age,such as three years,was because mothers were told that it would improve the health status of their girls. Reasons for the increase in medicalisation included changes in people’s reference groups and social networks due to migration,and the availability of practising HCPs. While some participants were very confident that the practice would and should continue because it is a favourable and “useful” practice for girls,others highlighted a number of interventions including: awareness raising lectures and events,particularly in rural areas; the involvement of the government and media in FGM/C abandonment campaigns; enforcement of the law against FGM/C; and strengthening the role of school teachers,who were perceived to be effective in educating young girls who,in turn,were believed to have a role in convincing families to abandon the practice.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Africa
Country(ies):Sudan