Female Genital Mutilation: a Male
Perspective
Introduction
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional
practice where female genital organs are altered for
non medical reasons. Under Australian Law any form
of FGM is illegal and constitutes criminal assault.
Despite this resolute stance, the practice is a growing
issue on Australian shores with the recent influx of
migrants particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa. The
perceptions young, migrant males have on FGM is a
vastly unchartered field with no research having
ever been conducted on the matter in Australia. By
building this knowledge base, we take a definitive step
towards abandoning this practice on Australian shores.
Thus saving generations of girls from the medical and
psychological complications of FGM.
Objectives
•
•
To elicit the attitudes of young, migrant males on
FGM and the socio-demographic variables
associated with these perceptions.
To quantify the effectiveness of an education
package as an interventional strategy in changing
attitudes towards FGM.
Usama Shahid, Ajay Rane
An activity day was run in Townsville,
Australia. 63 participants were consented and
filled out a pre and post education package
piloted questionnaire. Multiple logistical
regression was used to analyze the data.
Methods
Inclusion
Criteria:
• Male
• 16-30 years old
• Sub-Saharan
African migrant
Sociodemographics
• Age
• Number of years
spent in Australia
• Religion
• Education Level
Results
Support for the
continuation of
FGM
Would/did factor
FGM when
getting married
Support for FGM
Marriage
Conclusion
A substantial proportion of young, sub Saharan, migrant males support the continuation of FGM.
Having recently migrated (<2 years ago) and having a basic level of education (high school only)
were associated with an increased likelihood of supporting FGM. Education packages are an effective
way of challenging male perceptions on FGM.