Objectives: Despite well-documented negative consequences, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) continues to be widely practiced. In this systematic review, we investigated women's views of why FGM/C exists and persists. Methods: A meta-ethnolography approach was used in this systematic review of qualitative research. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included in this review and they represented the views and experiences of 823 women. FGM/C was considered a ‘rite of passage’ which was enforced to curb the expression of their sexuality and maintain social and gender norms within its communities. Nevertheless, attitudes towards FGM/C were changing among migrant populations. Conclusions: Creating community awareness projects, enforcing strict laws coupled with increasing health professional involvement may reduce the incidence of FGM/C. © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Gender-based violence sexual attitudes and behaviors qualitative studies Sexual health promotion

male female ethnography awareness sexual health Incidence systematic review Article female genital mutilation gender based violence health practitioner qualitative research human adult migrant human experiment