A Review of Female Genital Cutting (FGC) in the Dawoodi Bohra Community:

Abstract

The aim of this second review in a three-part series is to provide a contextual overview of the cultural underpinnings of female genital cutting (FGC) in the South Asian and diaspora Dawoodi Bohra communities, a practice referred to as Khafd (pronounced khafz) and an update on global litigation involving FGC. In 2015, a group of Bohra women started two advocacy movements opposing the practice of FGC in the Bohra community: “Sahiyo” based in the USA and “We Speak Out” based in India. In 2017, in response to this opposition, a second group of Bohra women in support of the practice of Khafd was formed, the Dawoodi Bohra Women’s Association for Religious Freedom (DBWRF). There is simultaneously global litigation involving Dawoodi Bohras and the practice of FGC in Australia, India, and the USA. There is extreme polarization around the issue of Khafd within the Bohra community. Khafd is intimately intertwined in the Dawoodi Bohra culture. Khafd historically has been treated as a taboo topic of conversation within the community, but now Bohra women and Khafd are being swept into public conversation. The Bohra community’s cultural identity is explored. With regard to Khafd, there is very little information available other than studies prepared by advocacy organizations or individual testimonials. The available data is reviewed here. The current litigation involving the Muslim and the Bohra practice of FGC are reviewed. There is a need for large, high-quality studies, taking into account past and current practices, investigating both the short- and long-term physical, emotional, and psychological risks, harms, and benefits experienced by Bohra women as well as stratification of data by women’s age, education, socioeconomic status, and location. Cultural competency and sensitivity combined with high-quality data will be the best way for this dialogue to move from extreme polarization to a constructive arena that considers the future health and well-being of all Bohra women and children.