Key Factors, Drivers and Gatekeepers of Female Genital Mutilation in Ethiopia: A Meta-synthesis of National and Regional Studies

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that consists of all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This meta-synthesis aimed to identify and describe key factors, drivers, and gatekeepers of FGM practices in Ethiopia and was conducted using systematic searches in electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) and grey literature published from 2012 to 2021. The main factors and drivers of FGM practices were cultural and traditional practices including marriageability and religious obligations. Other drivers were poor enforcement of laws against the practice including medicalization of FGM practice. The key gatekeepers included traditional birth attendants who were also mostly female circumcisers; mothers, grandmothers, and older women who were reported as major promoters, circumcisers, and key decision makers on the practice. Religious leaders and health workers also played pivotal role in the prevention of FGM as trusted source of information dissemination. It is therefore important that Programme and policy strategies to eliminate the practice are tailored to the local context, not only addressing these factors and drivers but involving the gatekeepers.

Prevalence of female genital mutilation and associated factors among daughters aged 0–14 years in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis of recent demographic health surveys

“…Over the past two decades, there has been a notable rise in efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation ( 16 , 49 ). This growing interest has led to the World Health Organization (WHO), governments of numerous African countries, and human rights organizations joining forces in a collaborative endeavour to put an end to FGM ( 50 , 51 ). Despite the longstanding practice of FGM spanning centuries, there is a belief that it could be eradicated within a single generation and the international community has set its sights on achieving full elimination of FGM by 2030, in line with the spirit aspiration of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) framework ( 3 , 16 ).…”

“…Despite the longstanding practice of FGM spanning centuries, there is a belief that it could be eradicated within a single generation and the international community has set its sights on achieving full elimination of FGM by 2030, in line with the spirit aspiration of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) framework ( 3 , 16 ). The collective global efforts to eliminate FGM have yielded significant progress, resulting in a noticeable decline in the likelihood of a girl being subjected to FGM compared to three decades ago ( 50 , 51 ). Nevertheless, due to factors like population growth, resource constraints, and other challenges, a considerable number of girls and women continue to be at risk of FGM.…”