The Health Implications of Female Genital Mutilation on the Somali Women - Research Proposal Example

The Health Implications of Female Genital Mutilation on the Somali Women Introduction Approximately twenty-seven countries in Sub-Saharan and Northeast Africa practice Female Genital Mutilation (WHO, 2010). Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) constitutes the act of operating the private parts of girls and women as one way of meeting the requirements of cultural traditions. FGM causes injury to female genital organs, which endangers the girls’ lives both immediately and in the future (WHO, 2010). FGM causes severe panic and pain among almost to 130 million women annually across the world (Waris, 2005). Apart from this, FGM has adverse emotional, social and psychological effects on the females involved. Further, FGM causes severe panic and pain among almost 130 million women annually across the world (Waris, 2005). Among the reasons for widespread FGM in Somalia include deeply rooted Somali traditions, religions endorsement and the need to preserve femininity (Forward, 2002). Somalia also exemplifies countries that adhere strictly to cultural traditions and practices perhaps compounding the desire to stick to FGM. Meanwhile, the country faces severe economic, financial, infrastructural and political challenges, necessitating humanitarian services offered by community workers from the West (Lightfoot-Klein, 2008). The implication of the presence of these foreign workers has been the introduction of liberal practices, which the Somali women and men seem to be acquiring. As a result, the Somalis have started showing reluctance to letting their female children undergo FGM. The study focuses on FGM in Somalia because approximately 6.5% of girls in Somalia have been circumcised. Somalia has the largest percentage (98%) of the women subjected to FGM as evidenced in the bar graph below (Ahmed, 2013). Thus, due to the prevalence of FGM in Somalia, the study will provide first-hand information and findings concerning the ramifications associated with FGM. A bar graph showing the percentages of FGM in selected African Countries (Source: http://www.childinfo.org/fgmc_progress.html) Statement of the Problem Female genital mutilation is considered illegal in most countries in the world (Benjamin & William, 1992). It is necessary to create awareness of the implications of this practice if other countries like Somalia are to discontinue FGM and consider is illegal as well. The primary objective of this research is to familiarize the society about the perils associated with Female Genital Mutilation (Boyle, 2002). Further, research is needed to further investigate into FGM to reveal the challenges that the Somali women undergo in silence due to stigmatization. Literature Review This literature review identifies the past researches concerning health implications FGM, factors that motivate the continuity of practicing FGM, and possible strategies that can be used to reduce the act of Female Genital Mutilation. Health Implications of FGM Boyle (2002) contends that Female Genital Mutilation is associated with a myriad of health complications; these include psychological, emotional and social consequences of the practice on the victims. Psychological complications constitute the disturbances and lifelong stress caused by the practice on the victims. The uncircumcised girls suffer stigma arising from what is considered disobedience to the cultures of the community. Psychological implications of stigmatization include suicide attempts and insanity (Waris, 2005). World Health organization recognised some of the implications of female genital mutilation on the fitness of women and girls. This included death resulting from bleeding, life-threatening pain that is caused by the cutting, and psychological stress caused by those undergoing the cut (WHO, 2008). Moreover, severe infections can attack the victims due to the tools used in clitoridectomy. Clitoridectomy is the act of circumcising girls. As documented by WHO, other effects include urine retention, damage to sexual and reproductive organs, agonising sexual intercourse, and difficulties in labour and hurting periods. A study comprising of 28,000 participants on female genital mutilation specified that other problems such as extraordinary risks of caesarean sections and post-partum haemorrhage was stated to be higher among women who had undergone FGM (SOAT, 1999). Compared with those who were not mutilated (WHO, 2008), studies done by Toubia and Rahman (2000) from Sudan and Somalia showed reduced self-esteem and self-identity among women and girls who underwent FGM. Factors Contributing to FGM Momoh (2005) points to the fact that female genital mutilation is one of the oldest traditions practiced in some Africa communities such as the Hittites, Sonalis, Ethiopians and Egyptians. Other countries of the world where FGM is practiced include Asia, Middle East, and immigrant communities that practice female circumcision. Further, he identifies factors that contribute to the continuity of Female Genital Mutilation practice in the world to include cultural beliefs, customary rites, social pyramids, and religious backgrounds (Momoh, 2005). Cultural beliefs constitute the customs, ways of life and social background of particular communities (Lightfoot-Klein, 2008). According to Dorkenoo (1995), female genital mutilation is believed to be one of the most crucial rites of passage in communities where it is practised; communities that practice it are reluctant to abandon it because it marks the transition of women from childhood to adulthood. A map showing the percentage of FGM in selected African Countries (Source : http://www.islamophobiatoday.com/2012/06/07/loon-victory-muslim-doctor-ousted-for-fgm-thought-crime/) Another core factor motivating the continuity of FGM the believe that it controls the sexual needs of women and young girls before marriage. Dorkenoo (1995) shares her opinion on psychosexual motives towards FGM by providing examples of particular African nations such as Mali, Kenya, Sudan and Nigeria. In these countries, there is a conviction that if women undergo the practice, they are expected to be faithful to their prospective husbands. Societies believe that if a woman’s clitoris is not mutilated, it may cultivate and bear a resemblance to the men’s penis (Lightfoot-Klein, 2008). The elders hold myths that female genital mutilation lessens the growth rate and aids the women to preserve their femininity. This belief, though not proven, is employed to lure girls into acceptance of the practice. Thus, girls who do not undergo circumcision have maintained their femininity and have not shown signs of developing male reproductive organs (Momoh, 2005). Suggested Strategies to end FGM Dorkenoo (1995) suggests that the practice of female genital mutilation can only be stopped if all communities assume a collective responsibility to combat it. Collective responsibility involves forming collaborations across cultures and religions to call for an end to FGM in unity. According to Forward (2002), most societies that practice FGM have remained separated for many years. Community members, therefore, need to form groups and organizations to address the issue under one voice (Amnesty International, 1997). Seminars, workshops and conferences should be organized in the affected communities and bring people together to share the facts about FGM and benefits associated with dropping the practice (Polit, 1997). Additionally, governments of the nations that practice FGM should consider the fact that the practice is against human rights and illegalize it (World Bank &UNFPA, 2004). Strict laws should be implemented and instituted in these countries. The law should specify strict fines and penalties for people who arrested practicing FGM. To add to the literature on FGM, the researcher will focus on the following research questions: Research Questions What are the health implications of Female Genital Mutilation on girls and young women in Somalia? What are the factors motivating continuity of Female Genital Mutilation among the Somali community? Which are the possible strategies that can be used to alleviate the practice of Female Genital Mutilation among the Somali community? Research Design This research study will adopt a systematic research design. Systematic research design refers to the process of sampling the population from a specific location to provide primary information concerning a study issue (Liamputtong, 2013). This study will involve sampling members of the Somali women living in London and interrogating them about their historical experiences with FGM. Thus, the study will mainly focus on women who have undergone FGM since they have first-hand knowledge. The research design types that the research will use include comparative research and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis will primarily concentrate on comparing and contrasting data from various victims over time to find out patterns and relationship changes among these women (Silverman,2005). Both evaluative and prescriptive research strategies will be applied in this research study. Evaluative research will be concerned with the assessment of beliefs, traditions and opinions of the Somali women in order to understand the consequences, outcomes, and challenges that the Somali women suffer in silence because of being subjected to FGM. Evaluative research strategy will be suitable for this study because the researcher will concentrate on evaluating the implications of FGM in relation to health development of Somali women (Seidman, 1998). Prescriptive strategy will be intended to explain the protective measures for curbing FGM and avoiding psychological problems to women who refuse to undergo FGM. Methods of Data Collection The researcher will use interviews in collecting data. Interviews are advantageous because they enable the researcher to ask questions to clarify responses from the interviewees (Passer, 2013). Additionally, interviews are motivational, ensure flexibility, and helps the researcher to collect additional information through studying non-verbal and paralinguistic behaviors. The researcher will interview the Somali women who were mutilated from their country before immigrating to London. Historical experiences narrated by the victimised women will be explained based on available models, theories and frameworks of anthropology. The researcher will also interview the Somali women who did not undergo female genital mutilation to compare responses with those who were victimized. Thirty Somali women living in London will be selected for the interviews. These women will be accessed through visiting Mosques. The interviewees will be contacted and interviewed taking precautions not to expose them to harm. In addition, FGM is a sensitive issue that warrants extra caution in investigating it. Some of the questions proposed for the interviews with the women include: 1. In what way can you define female genital mutilation (FGM) ? 2. Where and how did FGM originate from according to your culture? 3. Why do you think is FGM is practiced in your country? 4. Have you undergone FGM personally or you are directly affected by FGM? 5. What are the various effects of FGM in your country and yourself? 6. In your view, how would you recognize female genital mutilation as a human right abuse practice? 7. Do you consider that there is a modification in the way FGM is practiced in your country? 8. Do you support the continuation of the FGM practice? Data Analysis Data analysis will be done using qualitative data analysis. The researcher will analyse the responses to identify any similarities or inconsistencies in the data collected. The research will adopt both content analysis and narrative summary analysis. Content analysis refers to the systematic description of behaviour used for analyzing semi-structured interviews and cognitive progress (Liamputtong, 2013). Narrative summary analysis involves putting data back together in re-ordered forms to tell stories from perspectives of the participants (Passer, 2013). Data reduction will be followed by coding to make it easier in retrieving data sets. The open-ended questions that are not coded will be analyzed using qualitative abstraction. Data representation will be done using tables, graphs and flowcharts. The researcher will also use quotes from the respondents to present the study results. Since the Somali women will tell stories of the events that transpired during FGM, the researcher will use narrative method to present the either results in written or electronic records. Time Scale (Gantt Diagram) Week Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Proposal writing Submitting the proposal for confirmation Pilot study Data collection Data Analysis Report Writing Evaluation References Amnesty International. 1997. What is female genital mutilation?Available through:http//web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGACT770061997(Accessed on 30th October 2013). Benjamin F. & William, M. 1992. Doing qualitative research.SecondEdition. United Kingdom: Sage Publications. Boyle, E., 2002. Female genital cutting, cultural conflicts in the global community.The John Hopkins University Press. Dorkenoo, F.,1995. Female genital mutilation, cutting the rose.The practice and its prevention.United Kingdom minority right group. Forward, T., 2002. Female Genital Mutilation the facts.Available through: http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/(Accessed on 30th October 2013). Liamputtong, P. 2013. Qualitative research methods. South Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press. Lightfoot-Klein, H. 2008. Children's genitals under the knife: Social imperatives, secrecy, and shame. Eugene, OR: Nunzio Press. Majid, A., 2013. “Somalia leads world in per capita female circumcision.” [Online]. Available at Http://Sabahionline.Com/En_Gb/Articles/Hoa/Articles/Features/2013/07/31/Feature-01 (Accessed November 11, 2013) Mölsa, M., 2004. Times have changed an account of the Attitudes and intentions on the Circumcision of Women and Girls amongst Immigrants living at the HelsinkiMetropolitan Area.KokoNainen-project. Helsinki: Ihminisoikeusliiitto. Available through: http://www.ihmisoikeusliitto.fi (Accessed on 8th November, 2013). Momoh C., 2005.Female genital mutilation. United Kingdom Radcliffe Publishing Ltd. Parekh, B., 2005. Rethinking Multiculturalism, Cultural Diversity and politicalTheory.2nd Edition. Palgrave Macmillan. Passer, M. 2013. Research Methods. Worth Pub. Polit, H., 1997.Data Analysis and Trustworthiness in Doing Research. London: Redfern Press Rahman, A., &Toubia, N.,2000. Female genital mutilation; a guide to laws and policies worldwide. London, New York: Zed books. Ramsay, P., 1988. Research proposal. Hamilton [N.Z.], Education Dept., University of Waikato. Seidman, I., 1998. Interviewing as qualitative research. New York: Teachers College press. Silverman, D., 2005. Doing qualitative research.A practical handbook.Second edition. New York: Sage publications. SOAT, R., 1999. Female Genital Mutilation in Sudan. London: Sudan OrganizationAgainst torture. (Accessed on November 8, 2013) Waris D., 2005. Desert Children.International Best-selling.London WC2E 7EN. Warrior, M. & Walker, A., 1996. Female genital Mutilation and sexual blinding of women.New York: Sage publications. WHO., 1996.Female genital mutilation, report of WHO technical working group.Geneva World Health Organization. WHO., 1998.Female Genital Mutilation.An overview, Geneva.World Health Organization. WHO., 2008.Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation: An interagency statement.Available through: http://www.who.int/reproductive-health. (Accessed on 30th October 2013). WHO., 2010. Female genital mutilation Fact sheets no 241.Available through: http//www.who.int/mediacentre/facesheets/fs241/en. (Accessed on 30th October 2013). World Bank &UNFPA., 2004.Somalia Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Somalia.New York: World Bank & UN Population Fund. Available through: http//web.worldbank,org/website/external/topics/extgender/content mdk336868 html. (Accessed on 30th October 2013). Read More