Using feminist methodologies to explore female genital mutilation/cutting and child marriage in low- and middle-income contexts

This paper discusses how harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) can be effectively explored through feminist methodologies that center the lived experiences of girls and young women affected by these issues. Eliminating harmful practices, which are rooted in gender inequality and have myriad life-course consequences for those who experience them, has become a global priority in recent years. However, dominant conceptualizations of the drivers and consequences of child marriage and FGM/C often fail to adequately engage with or reflect adolescent girls' own nuanced experiences and perceptions. A feminist epistemology underlines the need for research methods that can uncover and address dynamics of power and inequality, as well as the complexities of voice and agency surrounding these practices, both of which perpetuate harmful practices and marginalize the voices of those who are most affected.

Suggested citation

Jones, N., Pincock, K. and Alheiwidi, S. (2024). 'Using feminist methodologies to explore female genital mutilation/cutting and child marriage in low-and middle-income contexts' Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics 9: 1330289 (https://www.gage.odi.org/publication/using-feminist-methodologies-to-explore-female-genital-mutilation-cutting-and-child-marriage-in-low-and-middle-income-contexts/)