Somali women in western exile: Reassessing female circumcision in the light of Islamic teachings (2003)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Sara Johnsdotter
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To examines the practice of female circumcision among Somalis living in Sweden
Study Population: Women and men
Findings: Among the Somalis in this study,the general process seemed to be a different one. When it comes to practices in the field of female circumcision,those Swedish Somalis I have met during these years draw a clear line between ‘culture’ and ‘religion’,giving the preference to what is conceived as religious precepts. Western ideas about good reasons to abandon the practice of female circumcision—arguments based on feminist or human rights discourses,by way of example—may be beside the point or even counterproductive among those still in favour of the practice. Obviously,Islam has a key position in preventive work against the customs of female circumcision among Somalis,among whom the Muslim identification seems to be crucial to a great majority.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Europe
Country(ies):Sweden