Critical Thinking Questions for Individual and/or Group Study
FGM/C is a complex and sensitive issue. While this book aims to inform, it also aims to stimulate critical thinking and debate.
Readers will find, in this book, perspectives with which they agree, and others with which they disagree. The questions below are possible starting points to be used by individuals and groups as triggers for personal exploration and/or group discussion. In groups, participants could be invited to read a particular chapter or chapters. In group sessions, selected questions could then be used for informal discussion, or formal debate. Alternatively, participants could make mini-presentations in response to their chosen question/s, or use them as the basis of written assignments.
The authors of this book have very different preferred terminology and perspectives on FGM/C. These range from viewing it as a harmful practice which should be eradicated, to supporting women’s rights to make informed choices about their bodies, including choosing to undergo genital modifications. How would you describe your current position? Has it changed through reading and discussion?
How strong is the evidence that FGM/C is sufficiently harmful to justify its eradication? If it is harmful, why not reduce the harm (as with other harmful interventions, e.g. abortion) rather than have a target of eliminating the practice, i.e. a zero-tolerance approach?
If female genital mutilation, cutting or modification was carried out with minimal physical harm or adverse effects on women’s mental health and sexuality, would you oppose the practice? If yes, would you also oppose male circumcision? Why or why not?
What should the role of international organisations, like UNICEF, UNESCO, UNFPA, the WHO, and the World Bank, be in relation to FGM/C? In what ways is the use of their power to bring about change in relation to FGM/C acceptable, and not acceptable?
How do you understand the relationship between male and female circumcision (FGM/C)? What are the benefits and drawbacks of comparing the two practices?
What do you see as the most effective means of reducing FGM/C? Who do you feel should be most closely involved in programmes to promote its abandonment? Why?
What do you see as the role of (a) laws that ban the practice; and (b) a strong human rights approach? How do you see legislation supporting a human rights approach?