Abstract

Objectives: Despite well-documented negative consequences, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) continues to be widely practised. In this systematic review, we investigated women's views of why FGM/C exists and persists. Methods: A meta-ethnographic approach was used in this systematic review of qualitative research. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included in this review and they represented the views and experiences of 823 women. FGM/C was considered a ‘rite of passage’ which was enforced to curb the expression of their sexuality and maintain social and gender norms within its communities. Nevertheless, attitudes towards FGM/C were changing among migrant populations. Conclusions: Creating community awareness projects, enforcing strict laws coupled with increasing health professional involvement may reduce the incidence of FGM/C.

摘要

目标：尽管有充分的证据证明负面影响，但切割/切割女性生殖器官（FGM / C）仍在广泛地进行。在这项系统的审查中，我们调查了女性对女性生殖器残割/生殖器为何存在并持续存在的看法。方法：在此系统的定性研究综述中使用了元民族志方法。结果：本研究纳入了27项研究，它们代表了823名女性的观点和经验。FGM / C被认为是一种“通过仪式”，被强制执行以遏制其性行为的表达并在其社区内维持社会和性别规范。然而，在移徙人口中，对女性外阴残割/女性割礼的态度正在发生变化。结论： 建立社区意识项目，执行严格的法律，并增加卫生专业人员的参与，可以减少女性生殖器切割/生殖器切割的发生。