pelviperineology. 2014; 33(2): 49-53 | DOI:

Female genital mutilation Crossing the cultural and gender divides

NESRIN VAROL¹, MOUSTHAPA TOURE^2
1Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia, ²Associate Professor, University of Bamako, Mali; Mali Hospital, Bamako, Mali

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a global issue, as it is practiced in 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East, Asia, South America, as well as by diaspora in the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. It causes well-known immediate and long-term physical and psychosexual complications to girls and women, and male partners of women with FGM. Two of the main reasons for continuation of this practice are pressure of social obligation in communities and lack of discourse in the public arena and between men and women on this private and sensitive issue. However, overall the prevalence of and support for FGM is declining. Recent data suggests a focus of intervention programs on the role of men and communities’ priorities to achieve better education for all and raise the status of girls and women. Approaching communities with a true sense of equality and partnership is important in building trust and achieving an understanding of their culture, and tailoring intervention programs.

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Cite This Article

VAROL N, TOURE M. Female genital mutilation Crossing the cultural and gender divides. 2014; 33(2): 49-53

Corresponding Author: VAROL N.

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