Sexual health counselling targeting girls and young women with female genital cutting in Sweden: mind–body dualism affecting social and health care professionals’ perspectives (2019)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Palm,C.,Essén,B.,& Johnsdotter,S.
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine how professionals reflect upon and talk about sexuality and the promotion of sexual wellbeing in young circumcised women and girls. Policy documents guide their obligations,yet they are also influenced by culture-specificnotionsaboutbodiesandsexualityandwhatcanbecalled “theFGMstandardtale”.
Study Population: 20 professionals. Included were school physicians,school nurses,and nurses in primary care and residential childcare,welfare staff in school and social services,as well as health educators. All had experience with providing sexual health counselling,including FGC information aimed at girls and young women
Findings: Thestudy found thatprofessionals showedgreatcommitment tohelpingthegirlsandyoungwomeninthebestpossible way. Their basic starting point,however,was characterised by a reductionist focus on the genitalia’s role in sexuality,thus neglecting other important dimensions in lived sexuality. In some cases,such an attitude may negativelyaffectanindividual’sbodyimageandsexualself-esteem.Futurepolicymakinginthe fieldofsexual health among girls and young women with FGC would benefit from taking a broader holistic approach to sexuality. Professionals need to find ways of working that promote sexual wellbeing in girls,and must avoid messages that evoke body shame or feelings of loss of sexual capacity among those affected by FGC
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Europe
Country(ies):Sweden