A Study of Female Genital Mutilation of African-Descent Iranians in Qeshm Island

BACKGROUND: This article investigates the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) as a long-held custom in Qeshm Island, which makes many African-descended women face different physical and psychological health problems. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of female genital mutilation in Qeshm Island and the traditional mode of thinking of Afro-Iranian people of the Island about this practice. METHODS: This study is based on the descriptive analysis method. The questions of the study are (a) Why female genital mutilation is still practiced in Qeshm Island; (b) What are the mental and physical effects of female genital mutilation on women; and (c) How government or NGOs are fighting against this tradition. THE RESULTS: This article has found out that female genital mutilation resulted in many lifelong diseases and sexual degradation in African-descended women of Qeshm Island. This article also illustrates that the best way to combat this wrong tradition is to inform people by gradual training without any insult to their beliefs. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the prevalence of a false tradition and the necessity of behavioral change. In doing so, the government and NGOs' strong actions and attracting the support of the community elders are also needed.