Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation—A Public Health and Cultural Perspective

by Dr. Belkis Giorgis, Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

February 11, 2013 - 12:51 pm

Culture is one of the most sensitive aspects of people’s lives, particularly as it relates to sexual and reproductive behavior, attitudes, and norms. Therefore, when we talk about female circumcision (I still cannot call it mutilation), we should always look at this cultural practice as one of many good and bad things that happen to women universally, and not only to African women but women worldwide.