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COVID-19 and Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and child marriage: An online multi-country cross sectional survey

Author

Listed:
  • Shania Pande
  • Simukai Shamu
  • Amr Abdelhamed
  • James Munyao Kingoo
  • Sarah Van de Velde
  • Marleen Temmerman
  • Tammary Esho
  • Samuel Kimani
  • Joyce Omwoha
  • Eneyi E Kpokiri
  • Joseph D Tucker

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and child marriage are prevalent in many countries in Asia and Africa. These practices are a violation of human rights and have significant impacts on the physical and mental well-being of those affected. COVID-19 restrictions such as lockdowns and closure of schools may have influenced the occurrence of FGM/C and child marriage. This analysis reported on the impact of these restrictions on FGM/C and child marriage. The International Sexual Health And REproductive Health (I-SHARE) research team organised a multi-country online survey. Sampling methods included convenience samples, online panels, and population-representative samples. Data collected included the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the occurrence, intention to practice and change in plans to organise FGM/C and child marriage. Data were analysed from 14 countries that reported on FGM/C and child marriage using basic descriptive statistics. Given it was an online survey, we had more responses from urban areas. Among the 22,724 overall participants, 8,829 participants (38.9%) responded to the survey items on FGM/C and child marriage and were included in this analysis. 249 (3.4%) participants stated that FGM/C occurred in their community during COVID-19. Out of this, COVID-19 affected the plans of 26 (20%) participants intending to organise circumcision and 15% of participants planned to organise FGM/C earlier. People with a worry about finances during COVID-19 were more likely to have an earlier plan to organise FGM/C during COVID-19. In total, 1,429 (13%) participants reported that child marriage occurred in their community. The pandemic affected plans of 52 (13%) participants intending to arrange child marriage and 7.7% (29/384) participants expressed intent to arrange the marriage sooner than planned. People with financial insecurities during COVID-19 were more likely to arrange a child marriage earlier. Thus, our study found that the pandemic impacted plans related to FGM/C and child marriage practices, resulting in many carrying out the practices sooner or later than initially planned.

Suggested Citation

  • Shania Pande & Simukai Shamu & Amr Abdelhamed & James Munyao Kingoo & Sarah Van de Velde & Marleen Temmerman & Tammary Esho & Samuel Kimani & Joyce Omwoha & Eneyi E Kpokiri & Joseph D Tucker, 2024. "COVID-19 and Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and child marriage: An online multi-country cross sectional survey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(10), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0304671
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304671
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