Introduction

Abstract

During the colonial era female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) had been a concern of the governments in power. In more recent years it has again attracted increasing global attention. The chapters in this book are the result of discussions among researchers who have been conducting field research in Africa and Asia for many years regarding FGM/C and who have taken the time to exchange their field notes. The current international movement to abolish FGM/C, the diversity of the people involved and the complex intertwining of politics, economics, society, culture and religion, will be revealed through concrete examples in this book. In this section, I introduce the reader to some central discussion points and background knowledge to facilitate understanding.