Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 30
Full-Text Articles in Women's Health
"No To Circumcision": The Road To Effective Social Marketing Campaigns In Egypt, Salma Abou Hussein, Sarah Ghattass
"No To Circumcision": The Road To Effective Social Marketing Campaigns In Egypt, Salma Abou Hussein, Sarah Ghattass
Reproductive Health
To inform the design and scale up of initiatives that can drive a change in attitudes and behaviors toward FGM/C abandonment, there is a rising need to understand the perspectives of individuals who are exposed to social marketing campaigns (SMCs), which are a key intervention to promote the abandonment of the practice. This working paper presents the findings of a study that sought to understand how, where, and why SMCs for FGM/C abandonment are working, and with what impact, to inform design and scale-up of campaigns that can foster new perspectives, expectations, and behaviors.
Fgm/C And Ecm: Drawing Lessons From Research, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Fgm/C And Ecm: Drawing Lessons From Research, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Reproductive Health
No abstract provided.
Associations Between Fgm/C And Hiv In Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, And Sierra Leone: A Limited Analysis Of Demographic And Health Survey Data, Yetunde A. Noah Pinheiro, Zhuzhi Moore, David Gathara
Associations Between Fgm/C And Hiv In Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, And Sierra Leone: A Limited Analysis Of Demographic And Health Survey Data, Yetunde A. Noah Pinheiro, Zhuzhi Moore, David Gathara
Reproductive Health
Studies investigating the association between male circumcision and HIV have demonstrated the protective effect of male circumcision. In some settings, FGM/C and male circumcision are considered “equivalent” procedures. This working paper presents findings of a study that investigates the effect of FGM/C on the likelihood of HIV infection for women in practicing communities in Ethiopia, Gambia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone.
Exploring The Association Between Fgm/C And Fistula: A Review Of The Evidence, Pooja Sripad, Charity Ndwiga, Kaji Tamanna Keya
Exploring The Association Between Fgm/C And Fistula: A Review Of The Evidence, Pooja Sripad, Charity Ndwiga, Kaji Tamanna Keya
Reproductive Health
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and fistula are both conditions that have a range of health, socioeconomic, and lifestyle causes and consequences for women globally. There have been sparse empirical and conceptual efforts to look at how these two conditions manifest and relate to one another. This rigorous review of the literature aims to fill this research gap by assessing the state of evidence on the association of FGM/C and fistula and conceptually mapping this association within broader social, political, and health-systems contexts. Based on the findings, the authors of this report have developed a conceptual mapping framework to situate the …
Exploring The Association Between Fgm/C And Early/Child Marriage: A Review Of The Evidence, Jamlick Karumbi, David Gathara, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Exploring The Association Between Fgm/C And Early/Child Marriage: A Review Of The Evidence, Jamlick Karumbi, David Gathara, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Reproductive Health
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has been frequently linked to marriageability and thought to be associated with child marriage, yet there is remarkably little rigorous research to clarify the relationship between these two practices to inform discussions and responses. Furthermore, trends are also shifting in the timing of FGM/C from adolescence to early childhood, and the implications this might have on the links between early/child marriage and FGM/C are not well understood. This review of current available evidence aims to assess the association between FGM/C and early/child marriage in contexts where both practices are carried out. The social and cultural norms …
A State-Of-The-Art Synthesis On Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: What Do We Know Now?, Bettina Shell-Duncan, Reshma Naik, Charlotte Feldman-Jacobs
A State-Of-The-Art Synthesis On Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: What Do We Know Now?, Bettina Shell-Duncan, Reshma Naik, Charlotte Feldman-Jacobs
Reproductive Health
Efforts to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) are a rising priority on many national and global agendas. Thus it is imperative to have a clear understanding of the scale and scope of the practice, and where it occurs, as well as the dynamics of change and the broader context surrounding it. This state-of-the-art synthesis offers a snapshot of the most recent data available as of July 2016 and the most relevant contextual information on key FGM/C issues in clear, nontechnical language that can help inform policymakers, donors, program planners, and other key stakeholders. The data point to “hot spot” geographic …
Evidence To End Fgm/C: Research To Help Girls And Women Thrive, Population Council
Evidence To End Fgm/C: Research To Help Girls And Women Thrive, Population Council
Reproductive Health
This factsheet describes a new Population Council–led research program, funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, which will join the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM/C: Accelerating Change and the Girl Generation in the Campaign to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) within One Generation. The program will generate high-quality evidence to influence strategic investment, policy, and programming to end FGM/C. This five-year program will work in 6–9 sub-Saharan African countries to dramatically expand the body of evidence on the most effective approaches to ending FGM/C. The research program will be organized around four themes: building the picture of where, …
Evidence To End Fgm/C: Research To Help Girls And Women Thrive [Arabic], Population Council
Evidence To End Fgm/C: Research To Help Girls And Women Thrive [Arabic], Population Council
Reproductive Health
[In Arabic] This factsheet describes a new Population Council–led research program, funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, which will join the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM/C: Accelerating Change and the Girl Generation in the Campaign to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) within One Generation. The program will generate high-quality evidence to influence strategic investment, policy, and programming to end FGM/C. This five-year program will work in 6–9 sub-Saharan African countries to dramatically expand the body of evidence on the most effective approaches to ending FGM/C. The research program will be organized around four themes: building the picture …
Root Causes And Persistent Challenges In Accelerating The Abandonment Of Fgm/C, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Root Causes And Persistent Challenges In Accelerating The Abandonment Of Fgm/C, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Reproductive Health
No abstract provided.
Ending The Medicalization Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting In Egypt [Arabic], Sarah Ghattass, Nahla G. Abdel-Tawab, Salma Abou Hussein
Ending The Medicalization Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting In Egypt [Arabic], Sarah Ghattass, Nahla G. Abdel-Tawab, Salma Abou Hussein
Reproductive Health
[In Arabic] This policy brief examines the extent of medicalization of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Egypt, the characteristics of girls who were cut by medical personnel, factors that may have contributed to increased medicalization, and potential interventions that could influence both physicians and the public to completely abandon the practice. The data show that younger cohorts of women, those from higher wealth quintiles, higher levels of education, and living in urban regions are more likely to have been cut by medical personnel. More importantly, the analysis shows that despite medicalization being more common among young women with the above-mentioned …
Programme De Recherche Pour Mettre Fin Aux Mgf/E, Population Council
Programme De Recherche Pour Mettre Fin Aux Mgf/E, Population Council
Reproductive Health
Cette fiche technique décrit un nouveau programme de recherche sous la direction du Population Council, financé par le Département pour le développement international du Royaume-Uni, qui s’associera au Programme conjoint UNFPA-UNICEF sur les mutilations génitales féminines/excisions (MGF/E) et Girl Generation pour mener une campagne pour mettre fin à la MGF/E en une génération. Le programme de recherche produira des données probantes de haute qualité pour influencer l’investissement stratégique, les politiques, et les programmes visant à mettre fin à la MGF/E. Ce programme établi sur cinq ans sera mis en œuvre dans 6 à 9 pays d’Afrique sub-saharienne afin d’augmenter considérablement …
Health Impacts Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Synthesis Of The Evidence, Samuel Kimani, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan, Carolyne Njue
Health Impacts Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Synthesis Of The Evidence, Samuel Kimani, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan, Carolyne Njue
Reproductive Health
The Africa Coordinating Centre for the Abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, with support from the Population Council, sought to synthesize the evidence on the health impacts of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), identify recommended interventions, and compile and analyze the existing reference materials. The goal of this review is to inform the development of a comprehensive set of training guidelines and materials for frontline healthcare providers so they can manage the care of women and girls who have undergone FGM/C, prevent the practice at the community level, and accelerate abandonment of FGM/C practices. This analysis underscores the health impacts associated with …
Ending The Medicalization Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting In Egypt, Sarah Ghattass, Nahla G. Abdel-Tawab, Salma Abou Hussein
Ending The Medicalization Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting In Egypt, Sarah Ghattass, Nahla G. Abdel-Tawab, Salma Abou Hussein
Reproductive Health
This policy brief examines the extent of medicalization of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Egypt, the characteristics of girls who were cut by medical personnel, factors that may have contributed to increased medicalization, and potential interventions that could influence both physicians and the public to completely abandon the practice. The data show that younger cohorts of women, those from higher wealth quintiles, higher levels of education, and living in urban regions are more likely to have been cut by medical personnel. More importantly, the analysis shows that despite medicalization being more common among young women with the above-mentioned characteristics, it …
Considerations On The Use And Interpretation Of Survey Data On Fgm/C, Bettina Shell-Duncan
Considerations On The Use And Interpretation Of Survey Data On Fgm/C, Bettina Shell-Duncan
Reproductive Health
This technical brief was written as an addendum to the trends presented in the “State of-Art-Synthesis of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: What Do We Know Now?” published in October 2016. This brief describes important sources of reliable data that have been generated in recent years, to provide accurate information on FGM/C practices and attitudes. The majority of these data are derived from cross-sectional survey research, and the brief notes the strengths and limitations of this research approach which should be borne in mind when using and interpreting these data. Table 1 summarizes nationally representative data on FGM/C available from a number …
The Fgm/C Research Programme, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
The Fgm/C Research Programme, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Reproductive Health
No abstract provided.
Evidence To End Fgm/C Research Programme: Presentation At The Sixtieth Session Of The Un Commission On The Status Of Women, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Evidence To End Fgm/C Research Programme: Presentation At The Sixtieth Session Of The Un Commission On The Status Of Women, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Reproductive Health
No abstract provided.
Monitoring And Evaluating Fgm/C Abandonment Programs, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan, Carolyne Njue
Monitoring And Evaluating Fgm/C Abandonment Programs, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan, Carolyne Njue
Reproductive Health
No abstract provided.
Evaluation Of The Long-Term Impact Of The Tostan Programme On The Abandonment Of Fgm/C And Early Marriage: Results From A Qualitative Study In Senegal, Nafissatou J. Diop, Amadou Moreau, Helene Benga
Evaluation Of The Long-Term Impact Of The Tostan Programme On The Abandonment Of Fgm/C And Early Marriage: Results From A Qualitative Study In Senegal, Nafissatou J. Diop, Amadou Moreau, Helene Benga
Reproductive Health
In 1998–99, a village empowerment program was implemented in the Thiès/Fatick and Kolda regions of Senegal by the nongovernmental organization Tostan, to mobilize communities to hold public declarations in support of abandoning harmful traditional practices, including female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and child marriage. The information presented in this report indicates that many did end the practices following a public declaration, however, the lack of follow-up in the field and the absence of support mechanisms pose a large obstacle. Nevertheless, the program achieved significant results: knowledge of life skills resulting in positive changes and a shift in the perception of FGM/C …
Analysis Of The Evolution Of The Practice Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting In Burkina Faso, Nafissatou J. Diop, Zakari Congo, Aina Ouedraogo, Alphosine Sawadogo, Lydia Saloucou, Ida Tamini
Analysis Of The Evolution Of The Practice Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting In Burkina Faso, Nafissatou J. Diop, Zakari Congo, Aina Ouedraogo, Alphosine Sawadogo, Lydia Saloucou, Ida Tamini
Reproductive Health
This study was undertaken as a collaboration between the Population Council’s Frontiers in Reproductive Health program and the Comité National de Lutte contre la Pratique de l’Excision (CNLPE) within the Ministry of Social Action and National Solidarity in Burkina Faso. The creation of a favorable environment for the campaign against excision in Burkina Faso has facilitated various anti-cutting activities over the past two decades and enabled the achievement of gains, both in terms of awareness and behavior change. However some of the strategies need further readjustment: among the reasons why excision still continues in Burkina Faso is a certain view …
Technical Assistance To Organizations In Guinea Seeking To Reduce Female Genital Cutting, Nafissatou J. Diop
Technical Assistance To Organizations In Guinea Seeking To Reduce Female Genital Cutting, Nafissatou J. Diop
Reproductive Health
This reports details the technical assistance the Population Council’s FRONTIERS program provided to WHO’s Africa Bureau to implement a project addressing medicalization of female genital cutting (FGC), and to support Tostan in replicating its program in Guinea. Technical assistance had several aims: to improve the effectiveness of strategies to abandon FGC in Guinea, to assist WHO in developing and implementing a project to reduce FGC medicalization by health providers, to build the capacity of Guinean organizations to appropriately monitor and evaluate their FGC-related activities, and to enable the Comité de Lutte contre les Pratiques Traditionnelles portant Atteinte aux Femmes (CPTAFE) …
Female Genital Cutting Among The Somali Of Kenya And Management Of Its Complications, Jaldesa Guyo, Ian Askew, Carolyne Njue, Monica Wanjiru
Female Genital Cutting Among The Somali Of Kenya And Management Of Its Complications, Jaldesa Guyo, Ian Askew, Carolyne Njue, Monica Wanjiru
Reproductive Health
The Somali community living in Kenya (and in their native Somalia) has practiced the severest form of female genital cutting (FGC)—infibulation—for centuries. To understand the context within which the practice takes place, and how its complications are managed, the Population Council’s Frontiers in Reproductive Health Program undertook a diagnostic study that confirmed that FGC is a deeply rooted and widely supported cultural practice. Several closely related reasons are used to sustain the practice: religious obligation, family honor, and virginity as a prerequisite for marriage; an aesthetic preference for infibulated genitalia was also mentioned. The study also found that the health …
Medicalization Of Female Genital Cutting Among The Abagusii In Nyanza Province, Kenya, Carolyne Njue, Ian Askew
Medicalization Of Female Genital Cutting Among The Abagusii In Nyanza Province, Kenya, Carolyne Njue, Ian Askew
Reproductive Health
This study sought to understand the role that health providers play in the medicalization of female genital cutting (FGC) among the Abagusii community in western Kenya, among whom the practice continues to be almost universal. Interviews with service providers and their clients revealed an overwhelming belief that FGC fulfills a traditional cultural obligation among the Abagusii, and that it limits a woman’s sexual desire and confers respect on girls. New approaches are needed within this community to present FGC as violating human rights and national laws, as well as threatening girls’ and women’s health. The study recommends measures such as …
Testing The Effectiveness Of Integrating Community-Based Approaches For Encouraging Abandonment Of Female Genital Cutting Into Care's Reproductive Health Programs In Ethiopia And Kenya, Jane Chege, Ian Askew, Susan Igras, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Testing The Effectiveness Of Integrating Community-Based Approaches For Encouraging Abandonment Of Female Genital Cutting Into Care's Reproductive Health Programs In Ethiopia And Kenya, Jane Chege, Ian Askew, Susan Igras, Jacinta Muteshi-Strachan
Reproductive Health
CARE International, with technical support from the Frontiers in Reproductive Health Program completed a study in Ethiopia and Kenya designed to test the effectiveness of education activities using behavior change communication (BCC) approaches and advocacy activities by religious and other key leaders to abandon female genital cutting (FGC). In Ethiopia, the increased knowledge of harmful FGC effects and human rights issues translated to a positive attitude in support of FGC abandonment and an intention not to cut their daughters in the future. In Kenya, the analysis indicated mixed results in attitude and intended behavior change.
Renforcement Des Capacites Villageoises: Comment 23 Villages S'Initient Aux Droits Humains Et Abandonnent La Pratique De L'Excision Au Burkina Faso, Nafissatou J. Diop, Edmond Bagde, Djingri Ouoba, Molly Melching
Renforcement Des Capacites Villageoises: Comment 23 Villages S'Initient Aux Droits Humains Et Abandonnent La Pratique De L'Excision Au Burkina Faso, Nafissatou J. Diop, Edmond Bagde, Djingri Ouoba, Molly Melching
Reproductive Health
This document is a summary of the process followed in implementing a community-based education program in Burkina Faso. The Population Council initiated a collaboration between two NGOs, Tostan in Senegal and Mwangaza Action in Burkina Faso, to replicate the program for improving women’s reproductive health and contributing to the end of female genital cutting (FGC). In Burkina Faso, the participants (men and women) held discussions to analyze the problems faced by their communities and to find appropriate solutions. Many positive changes occurred in the participating villages: the communities now promote reproductive health and human rights and work to improve public …
Replication Of The Tostan Programme In Burkina Faso: How 23 Villages Participated In A Human Rights-Based Education Programme And Abandoned The Practice Of Female Genital Cutting In Burkina Faso, Nafissatou J. Diop, Edmond Bagde, Djingri Ouoba, Molly Melching
Replication Of The Tostan Programme In Burkina Faso: How 23 Villages Participated In A Human Rights-Based Education Programme And Abandoned The Practice Of Female Genital Cutting In Burkina Faso, Nafissatou J. Diop, Edmond Bagde, Djingri Ouoba, Molly Melching
Reproductive Health
This document is a summary of the process followed in implementing a community-based education program in Burkina Faso. The Population Council initiated a collaboration between two NGOs, Tostan in Senegal and Mwangaza Action in Burkina Faso, to replicate the program for improving women’s reproductive health and contributing to the end of female genital cutting (FGC). In Burkina Faso, the participants (men and women) held discussions to analyze the problems faced by their communities and to find appropriate solutions. Many positive changes occurred in the participating villages: the communities now promote reproductive health and human rights and work to improve public …
Female Circumcision In Indonesia. Extent, Implications And Possible Interventions To Uphold Women's Health Rights, Meiwita P. Budiharsana, Lila Amaliah, Budi Utomo
Female Circumcision In Indonesia. Extent, Implications And Possible Interventions To Uphold Women's Health Rights, Meiwita P. Budiharsana, Lila Amaliah, Budi Utomo
Reproductive Health
In Indonesia, the practice of female circumcision (FC) has long existed, but information concerning where and how it is carried out has been limited. The specific aims of the study conducted by the Population Council Jakarta were to provide research-based information on FC customary practices and their socio-cultural determinants, and if possible, to assess any long-term physical and psychological consequences. Study findings indicate that in general Muslim communities support the continuation of FC practice, because they perceive it as both a societal custom and a religious duty. The report strongly recommends that key donor agencies pressure the Ministry of Health …
An Assessment Of The Alternative Rites Approach For Encouraging Abandonment Of Female Genital Mutilation In Kenya, Jane Chege, Ian Askew, Jennifer Liku
An Assessment Of The Alternative Rites Approach For Encouraging Abandonment Of Female Genital Mutilation In Kenya, Jane Chege, Ian Askew, Jennifer Liku
Reproductive Health
Maendeleo Ya Wanawake (MYWO), with technical assistance from the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), has been implementing an Alternative Rite of passage programme as part of its efforts to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in five districts in Kenya. This study addressed the factors that influence some families and individuals to adopt the Alternative Rite while others, exposed to the same messages discouraging FGM, decide not to. It also evaluated the effect of the training component of the Alternative Rite on the girls who participated.
The Tostan Story: Breakthrough In Senegal Ending Female Genital Cutting, Population Council
The Tostan Story: Breakthrough In Senegal Ending Female Genital Cutting, Population Council
Reproductive Health
In Senegal, elements of the Tostan education program were fundamental to the ending of the practice of female genital cutting (FGC) which has persisted for centuries, despite outside efforts to abolish such a dangerous and harmful operation. This paper is an attempt by those who lived through these events to share the experience with others. At a time when there has been little reduction in the numbers of women ending FGC in 28 African countries, when different programs and strategies have rarely succeeded in making an impact on the number of women still practicing FGC despite laws abolishing the tradition, …
The Tostan Story: Breakthrough In Senegal Ending Female Genital Cutting [Arabic], Population Council
The Tostan Story: Breakthrough In Senegal Ending Female Genital Cutting [Arabic], Population Council
Reproductive Health
In Senegal, elements of the Tostan education program were fundamental to the ending of the practice of female genital cutting (FGC) which has persisted for centuries, despite outside efforts to abolish such a dangerous and harmful operation. This paper is an attempt by those who lived through these events to share the experience with others. At a time when there has been little reduction in the numbers of women ending FGC in 28 African countries, when different programs and strategies have rarely succeeded in making an impact on the number of women still practicing FGC despite laws abolishing the tradition, …
Clinic-Based Investigation Of The Typology And Self-Reporting Of Fgm In Egypt, Population Council
Clinic-Based Investigation Of The Typology And Self-Reporting Of Fgm In Egypt, Population Council
Reproductive Health
This clinic-based study of female genital mutilation (FGM) was designed and carried out by the Egypt Fertility Care Society to gather detailed information on the types of FGM practiced in Egypt. The study involved interviews with clinic clients to elicit information about their experience and attitudes concerning FGM, and gynecological examinations by specially trained OB/GYN physicians. In all, 93% of the women in this study were found to have some type of FGM. The study's findings were incorporated in the final report of the 1995 Egyptian Demographic and Health Survey, with the aim of contributing to the scientific understanding of …