Female circumcision: the practice and its prevention. A minor field study on the organised campaign against excision in Senegal. Report.

A 2-month field study (1994-95) conducted in Senegal mapped the occurrence of female genital mutilation (FGM) and examined the strategies that are being used to eradicate this practice. Study methodologies included a literature review interviews with those involved in FGM eradication and a review of IEC (information education and communication) materials on FGM. Politicians social researchers journalists physicians midwives nurses psychologists religious and village leaders excisers womens groups and youth groups are among the forces involved in FGM eradication campaigns in Senegal. FGM eradication efforts are grounded in a broader focus on the health of women and children. Organizational methods include educational seminars training of traditional birth attendants in the harmful effects of FGM and mass media campaigns. Field actions have been organized in Southern and Northern Senegal where the practice is most widespread to sensitize village leaders and community members who may not be reached by mass media campaigns. Many women receive information on the harmful effects of FGM from midwives at maternal clinics. Although the focus of FGM eradication campaigns is on health organizers are aware of the need to address the religious social and cultural significance of the custom. As a result of these efforts FGM is increasingly viewed as an act of violence against women and a human rights violation.