Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation; a Viable Reality. Raising Awareness in the Men Involved

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is considered by a number of International Organizations as an affront on human rights and an act of violence against women and young girls. Furthermore, being the result of an intense discrimination between genders, it hierarchizes and perpetuates inequality and denies women the right to physical and psychosexual integrity. Aims. To endeavour towards the eradication of FGM via the testimony of men from countries where this practice is performed. Methodology. A qualitative methodology with an ethnonursing focus was utilized via semi-structured individual and group interviews in 25 men having some form of involvement with FGM. Results. Declarations have been identified in these interviews which display a continuous, albeit gradual rise in the awareness of the male population regarding the problems inherent in this practice and the sexist connotations harboured therein. These manifestations provide evidence of the advances supposedly achieved by anti-FGM policies, although it is noteworthy that legislative persecution alone may cause the practice to become a hidden, clandestine event, as well as provoking a defensive reaction in those in favour of this tradition, such as having the procedure performed at ever younger ages. Conclusions. The performing of FGM at increasingly younger ages belies the socio-cultural precepts used to justify its existence. This fact, together with the aforementioned process of concealment, suggests the beginning of the end of FGM.