Gender and trade

This document presents A Policy Recommendation for Ending Female Genital Mutilation in Egypt. The prevalence of women and girls who have had FGM hovers at around 91 percent, and although there is some decline in the overall numbers who practice, the prevalency rate remain alarmingly high and surveys show that many Egyptians believe the practice should continue.Nevertheless, Egypt is a signatory to countless human rights conventions, of which practicing FGM is in clear violation. Moreover, looking at the UNDP’s Human Development Report 1994, human security is threathened by the FGM practice. Health, personal, and community security is threatened when girls and young women are put through FGM, a practice that is medically unnecessary, can cause great, long-term physical and psychological harm, and is often perpetuated within the community.

This document presents a paper on the study "Ethical and Sociocultural Aspects of Sexual Function and Dysfunction in Both Sexes" by Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum. This study aimed to highlight the salient sociocultural factors contributing to sexual health and dysfunction and to offer recommendations for culturally sensitive clinical management and research as well for an ethically sound sexual health care, counseling and medical decision-making. Background: There are limited data on the impact of sociocultural factors on male and female sexual function as well as on ethical principles to follow when clinical care falls outside of traditional realms of medically indicated interventions.

This document presents a thesis on Female Circumcision and the Self-Other distinction: An Effective Vehicle for the Re-Inscription of the Western Narrative Across the Worl. Trough an analysis on the Western-based discourse on ‘African’-assumed Female Circumcision (“FC” hereinafter), this thesis suggests that the controversiality of this issue allows for an uncriticized re-inscription of culture, which falls along the lines of a colonial imperialism. Several sub-narratives of this re-inscription are critically examined and debunked. Simultaneously, stereotypical narratives of the Other in the case of FC are disqualified. Through the disclosure of colonial roots operating in relation to FC, this thesis hopes to do its part in clearing up analytical confusions operative in (some) current scientific work on this topic, which are not addressed because the knowledge they propose is seen as ‘self-evident.’ Data was acquired through advice from several teachers and careful analysis of footnotes in books and articles on FC. Data was analyzed in a qualitative manner, through thematic analysis..

This document presents a study on female circumcision in Africa. This ethnographic study defines and explains the practice of female circumcision and some of the key concepts from an emic perspective. Different types of circumcision and the importance and relevance of each are also analyzed in the context of African societies. Also examined are consequences associated with the practice.

This document presents an article on Female Circumcision in Sudan: Future Prospects and Strategies for Eradication. Female circumcision seems to be declining slightly in some areas of Sudan. A culturally accepted policy and political commitment to eradicate the practice are needed. Education and economic empowerment of women would help lower support for the practice. A mass media campaign publicizing the risks of female circumcision and the fact that female circumcision is not obligatory for Islamic women would also be helpful.