Abstract
BackgroundAlthough Sudan has one of the highest prevalence of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C), there have been shifts in e practice. These shifts include a reduction in the prevalence among younger age cohorts, changes in the types of FGM/C, an increase in medicalization, and changes in age of the practice. The drivers of these shifts are not well understood.MethodQualitative data drawn from a larger study in Khartoum and Gedaref States, Family and Midwife individual interviews and focus group discussions. Analysis and categorization within a Social Norms theoretical framework.ResultsMajor findings confirmed shifts in the type FGM/C (presumably from infibulation to non-infibulating types) and increasing medicalization in the studied communities. These shifts were reported to be driven by social, professional and religious norms.ConclusionChanges in FGM practice in Sudan include drivers which will not facilitate abandonment of the practice instead lead to normalization of FGM/C. Yet professionalisation of Midwives including their oath to stop FGM/C has potential to facilitate abandonment rapidly if developed with other Sudan health professionals.
Highlights
Sudan has one of the highest prevalence of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C), there have been shifts in e practice
Shift from type III to type, FGM/C and perceived drivers Reduction in Type III FGM/C is being driven forward by religious teaching, awareness raising sessions in mosques and hospitals, the increasing recognition of complications and recovery time so a safer procedure is needed, and the Oath taken by midwives to stop FGM/C which helps them justify stopping the practice and is helping communities to stop the practice of Type III
The results of our study indicated a clear shift less severe Type I of FGM/C and is continued by the involvement of health care providers and the deep religious conception attached to FGM/C Type 1, being more often the prevalent reason for the increased prevalence of Type I in Sudan by literature [14]
Summary
Sudan has one of the highest prevalence of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C), there have been shifts in e practice These shifts include a reduction in the prevalence among younger age cohorts, changes in the types of FGM/C, an increase in medicalization, and changes in age of the practice. Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting is a deeply rooted practice held in place by beliefs around controlling women’s sexuality and preserving girls’ sexual purity. It is often started and carried out by grandmothers in the family or social network, fearing social stigmatization and reduced opportunities for marriageability [4]. Sunna cuts, being of lesser severity, are believed to avert the health risks associated with more severe forms of the practice
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