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Attitude towards the practice of FGM in Ethiopia (completed)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful traditional practice. It harms the health of women and it is a violation of human rights. This study investigates the attitude on this practice among young Ethiopians in Harari and Somali regions.

About the project

This project is part of Strategic And Collaborative Capacity Development in Ethiopia and Africa (SACCADE).

Ethiopia is one of the countries where there is high prevalence of FGM; 74% among women aged between 15 to 45 years. Harari and Somali region of Jigjiga are the two regions where FGM is practiced. This study focuses on these two regions to investigate the attitude towards the practice of FGM of young Ethiopians age group 16-22.

Globally, over 140 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation/circumcision, with nearly 3 million girls at risk for the practice every year. All types of FGM have immediate and long-term health consequences.

The practice is most common in 28 countries in the eastern, north-eastern and western regions of Africa. Despite years of heavy investment, female genital mutilation has major support in countries such as Somalia and Ethiopia.

Broad objective

To investigate the attitude towards the practice of FGM among young Ethiopians age 16-22 in Harari and Somali regions in Eastern Ethiopia.

Specific objectives

  • To assess the attitude towards the practice of FGM among age group 16-22 in Harari and Somali regions of Ethiopia.
  • To compare the attitude towards FGM among young Ethiopians in Somali and Harari regions.
  • To determine the prevalence of FGM in young women age 16-22 in Harari and Somali regions.
  • To assess the difference in prevalence and to identify the factors associated with differences among young Ethiopians in Harari and Somali regions.
  • To identify barriers and facilitators to total abandonment of FGM in Harari and Somali regions.

Background

FGM refers to all procedures that involve the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, and other injury inflicted on the female genital organs for reasons that are not medical.

WHO classifies into four major types:

  • Type I (clitoridectomy)
  • Type II (excision)
  • Type III (infibulation)
  • Type IV includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purpose.

Historically it appears in ancient Egypt. Due to immigration and globalization it disseminated to all over the world. Today it is highly prevalent in 28 African countries including Ethiopia.

For FGM abandonment the best theoretical model is the social convention theory.

Financing

  • NORHED

Start - finish

2015 - 2018

Tags: Global South
Published Mar. 12, 2015 10:23 AM - Last modified June 15, 2022 8:56 AM

Participants

Detailed list of participants