Geographic variation of female genital mutilation and legal enforcement in sub-Saharan Africa: a case study of Senegal
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Authors
Kandala, Ngianga-Bakwin
Komba, Paul N.
Issue Date
2015-04-01
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Geographic Variation , Female Genital Mutilation , Legal Enforcement , Sub-Saharan Africa , Case Study , Senegal
Alternative Title
Abstract
This paper draws on household data to examine the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Senegal and the effectiveness of the country's anti-FGM law in dealing with actual breaches and providing protection to the victims. The 2010–2011 Senegal Demographic Health Survey and Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (SDHS-MICS) covers 14,228 women and their daughters. Logistic regression was used to investigate the geographic distribution of FGM across regions. For the enforceability of anti-FGM, desk research was used. Overall prevalence among women and daughters was 28.1% and 6.2%, respectively. Significant factors were sociodemographics, ethnicity, and region. This analysis shows both advantages and vulnerabilities of the anti-FGM law in relation to the issue of enforcement. It indicates that the law falls short of offering adequate protection to potential victims. FGM is a cultural and social norm imbedded predominantly in rural settings and as such, drives resistance to jettisoning FGM. Legislation has been one of the driving forces behind the eradication of the practice.
Description
Citation
Kandala, N. B., & Komba, P. N. (2015). Geographic variation of female genital mutilation and legal enforcement in sub-Saharan Africa: a case study of Senegal. The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 92(4), 838–847. https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.14-0074
Publisher
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine And Hygiene