This book examines female genital mutilation (FGM)
in Africa and the global movement committed to
eliminate the practice. The international
community, guided by concerned UN organizations and
large donor groups, defines FGM as a violation of
human rights and follows a uniform goal to
completely eliminate all forms of FGM. By
coordinating actions from the international to the
local level, any alternatives raised by cultural
relativists are strictly excluded. However, less
attention is focused on the effectiveness of
messages that are being introduced to FGM-practicing
communities. In particular, introducing the concept
of human rights has largely failed to succeed. The
author argues that the abstractness of the concept
needs to be tailored to the realities and
experiences of FGM-practicing communities.
Implementation of theories and strategies that take
a participatory approach are suggested in order to
facilitate community-based and community-led
solutions to FGM. Finally, the author suggests a
decentralized model of behavior communication that
permits greater flexibility of approaches to anti-
FGM communication.
in Africa and the global movement committed to
eliminate the practice. The international
community, guided by concerned UN organizations and
large donor groups, defines FGM as a violation of
human rights and follows a uniform goal to
completely eliminate all forms of FGM. By
coordinating actions from the international to the
local level, any alternatives raised by cultural
relativists are strictly excluded. However, less
attention is focused on the effectiveness of
messages that are being introduced to FGM-practicing
communities. In particular, introducing the concept
of human rights has largely failed to succeed. The
author argues that the abstractness of the concept
needs to be tailored to the realities and
experiences of FGM-practicing communities.
Implementation of theories and strategies that take
a participatory approach are suggested in order to
facilitate community-based and community-led
solutions to FGM. Finally, the author suggests a
decentralized model of behavior communication that
permits greater flexibility of approaches to anti-
FGM communication.