Female genital mutilation and transcultural nursing: adaptation of the Rising Sun Model

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a widespread practice mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and is considered an affront on the dignity and health of women and young girls. Objectives: To establish a theoretical model, inspired by that of Madeleine Leininger, in order to examine the reasonings used to justify FGM. Methods: Theorization through bibliographic review. Resuts and conclusions: The factors used to justify this act are diverse and convert the tradition into a form of cultural care. From this viewpoint, nurses might evaluate the supposed justifications via the Rising Sun Model in order to redirect such a practice through nursing interventions such as: research into propagating factors, sensitizing through hindering factors or health education, highlighting the contradictions existent in the justification of FGM.