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Perceptions and experiences of female genital mutilation after immigration to Sweden: An explorative study

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Author

  • Elisabeth Isman
  • Cecilia Ekeus
  • Vanja Berggren

Summary, in English

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore how women from part of the world where female genital mutilation (FGM) is normative perceive and experience FGM after immigrating to Sweden. Method: Interviews were conducted with eight women from Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The women's feelings were ambivalent: though they opposed FGM, on the one hand, because of its negative effects on health, they acknowledged the practice's positive cultural aspects on the other hand. The themes that emerged from the interviews are the role of FGM in ensuring virginity and protecting a family's honor, its role in avoiding shame and enhancing purity, social pressure experienced after immigration, an understanding of FGM as a symbol of the country of origin, and support for changing the tradition. Conclusion: These findings indicate that women originating from communities where FGM is normative live in a context in which the practice is viewed as an important aspect of life even after immigration. More research concerning this complex and deeply rooted cultural issue is recommended. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Publishing year

2013

Language

English

Pages

93-98

Publication/Series

Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare

Volume

4

Issue

3

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Elsevier

Topic

  • Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine

Keywords

  • Female genital mutilation
  • Midwife
  • Ethics
  • Prevalence

Status

Published

Project

  • Promoting early childhood health; supporting parents, vulnerable children and challenged families
  • LUC3 - Lund University Child Centered Care

Research group

  • Child and Family Health

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1877-5764