A qualitative assessment of women’s perspectives and experience of female genital mutilation in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

BMC Women's Health

Hamdia M. Ahmed¹  Nazar P. Shabila²  Sherzad A. Shabu² 

[1]0000 0004 0417 5553, grid.412012.4, College of Nursing, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

[2]0000 0004 0417 5553, grid.412012.4, Department of Community Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

关键词: Female genital mutilation;    Tradition;    Sexual desire;    haram;    Awareness;    Erbil governorate;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12905-019-0765-7

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is prevalent in Iraqi Kurdistan Region, but there is a lack of adequate knowledge about how the practice is perceived by the women population who are the direct victims of the practice. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and attitude of a sample of Kurdish women of FGM and identify the main enabling factors for performing this practice and the barriers to ending it.MethodsThis qualitative study was based on six focus groups involving a sample of 51 women. We used a topic guide to lead discussions, which included questions on women’s perspectives of different aspects of FGM such as the reasons for practicing it, the positive and negative consequences, the continuation of the practice and tackling this problem in the community. Content analysis was used for the qualitative analysis of the data.ResultsThe women had poor knowledge about different aspects of FGM particularly concerning the procedure and the consequences. The mutilated participants revealed the devastating experience of the pain and the psychological effects they have experienced. Reducing sexual desire, having halal (permissible by Allah) hands, and religious requirement were the main reasons for practicing FGM. Reduction in women’s sexual desire and the related social problems with the husband were the main problems identified to be associated with FGM. Most women did not support the continuation of FGM practice, but some women still think that FGM should be left to the people’s preference. The participants identified raising people’s awareness, active involvement of religious leaders in prevention efforts and the issuance and enforcement of legislation against FGM as the primary measures to reduce FGM practice.ConclusionPassing through FGM at childhood is an overwhelming experience with long-term effects for women. There is still a significant segment among the women population that do not oppose the continuations of FGM and need religious and scientific evidence against FGM. Some reasons for practicing FGM are deeply embedded in the culture and traditions, and there is a need for extensive efforts to raise the awareness of the population and change their thoughts and behavior about FGM.

【 授权许可】

CC BY