Leadership among women working to eradicate female genital mutilation: the impact of transcultural moments

Abstract

BackgroundThe study aims to describe the transcultural process through which immigrant women who have experienced female genital mutilation become leaders against this practice. This study also aims to identify the incidence of female genital mutilation in the invisibility of health problems (especially sexual and reproductive disorders).MethodDescriptive research with cross-cultural principles and a qualitative approach. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection. Inclusion criteria: the women investigated had undergone female genital mutilation and were fully prepared to discuss the issue.ResultsStaying and social relations in a different country reduce cultural pressure and promotes critical thinking. Cultural moments reflect the different situations that affect the thinking and practice of female genital mutilation. Health problems associated with female genital mutilation (sexual, reproductive and psychological) become visible at transcultural moments.ConclusionsThe country change affects the cultural pressure that keeps this practice in minds, institutions, structures and bodies. These changes produce the transcultural moments. The practice of female genital mutilation constitutes a significant segment of gender-based violence.