Socio-Anthropological Determinants of the Practice Persistence of Female Genital Mutilation in Conakry, Guinea in 2021

Abstract

: Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the socio-anthropological determinants of the persistence of the practice of female genital mutilation in Conakry. Methods : A one-month qualitative study (May 1-31, 2021) involving seven categories of people (mothers and fathers, imams, Christian religious leaders, local elected officials, young girls and boys) in Conakry. Results : This study shows that 81% of participants consider FGM to be a customary and traditional practice and a legacy of their ancestors to be perpetuated. More than half of the respondents (52%) considered FGM to be a religious prescription. Others thought that FGM was intended to ward off bad diseases and reduce the odor of young girls' urine. The majority (66.7%) saw uncut women in a negative light, as free women who could not control their sexual urges. Nearly half (46%) of the participants did not know that FGM could lead to complications and 31% of them did not know that there was a law in the country prohibiting the practice of FGM. Conclusions : Religious beliefs, customs, traditions, and the stigmatization of uncircumcised women contribute to the persistence of FGM in Conakry. The fight against this scourge requires that these aspects be taken into account in all response strategies.