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Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Key Factors, Drivers and Gatekeepers of Female Genital Mutilation in Ethiopia: A Meta-synthesis of National and Regional Studies

Olusola Oladeji, Julia Battle, Haithar Ahmed

Advances in Research · pp. 30–37 · Published 18 Oct 2022

10.9734/air/2022/v23i6919

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that consists of all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This meta-synthesis aimed to identify and describe key factors, drivers, and gatekeepers of FGM practices in Ethiopia and was conducted using systematic searches in electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) and grey literature published from 2012 to 2021. The main factors and drivers of FGM practices were cultural and traditional practices including marriageability and religious obligations. Other drivers were poor enforcement of laws against the practice including medicalization of FGM practice. The key gatekeepers included traditional birth attendants who were also mostly female circumcisers; mothers, grandmothers, and older women who were reported as major promoters, circumcisers, and key decision makers on the practice. Religious leaders and health workers also played pivotal role in the prevention of FGM as trusted source of information dissemination. It is therefore important that Programme and policy strategies to eliminate the practice are tailored to the local context, not only addressing these factors and drivers but involving the gatekeepers.

Female genital mutilation actors drivers gatekeepers meta-synthesis

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Cited by 3

Effectiveness of a multimedia campaign in shifting community knowledge, attitudes, social norms, and practices of female genital mutilation and child marriage in Ethiopia

Kumilachew Melak, M. El-Afandi, Y. Kebede · BMC Public Health · 2026

Effectiveness of health education intervention on intention not to perform female genital mutilation/cutting in the future among key decision-makers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Wubareg Seifu, Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta, Girum Shibeshi Argaw · BMC Women's Health · 2024

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