Document Type
Chapter
Publication Date
2006
Abstract
This article explores efforts to encourage abandonment of female genital cutting (FGC) in Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The strategy of encouraging traditional practitioners to stop performing FGC is not effective as community-level support for the practice remains high. Training health staff significantly improved healthcare providers' levels of knowledge about FGC and its complications. Consequently, it was recommended that such training be incorporated into preservice medical training. The use of community-based strategies like the Village Education Program (VEP) showed the most promise, as their multifaceted approach addresses knowledge, attitudes, actions, and communal support in an integrated manner. The way forward lies in implementing interventions that are based on a thorough understanding of the communities involved and on facilitating grassroots involvement in the process of social change.
Recommended Citation
Diop, Nafissatou J. and Ian Askew 2006. "Strategies for encouraging the abandonment of female genital cutting in West Africa: Experiences from Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Mali," in Rogaia Mustafa Abusharaf (eds.), Female Circumcision: Multicultural Perspectives. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
DOI
10.31899/rh2.1096
Language
English
Project
A Research Agenda to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in a Generation
Included in
Community-Based Research Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, International Public Health Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Women's Health Commons