Why are Indian ethics committees still hesitant to approve studies on FGM/C?
By Dr. Alifya In the past year, while making arduous efforts to obtain ethical approval for my research, I have come to understand the answer I was continuously receiving. “No.” My colleague and I, both doctors, sought out to survey Indian healthcare workers on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices about female genital mutilation or cutting […]
Being a researcher: Finding balance
By Huda Syyed The biggest challenge of being a researcher is to be impartial during the data collection process. However, for the researcher, conducting any area of research will come with some personal sentiment or perception regarding that topic. Oftentimes the researcher has to sit and contemplate how they will approach the subject despite their […]
An FGC researcher’s reflection on the first-ever Research Agenda and Ethical Guidance on Research for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation
By Hunter Kessous In my sophomore year of college, I decided to conduct research analyzing the knowledge, attitudes, and training of community health workers who work to end FGC. In the early stages of my research project, I held interviews with many wonderful leaders of organizations working to end female genital cutting (FGC). I also […]
Reflecting on the launch of the first-ever Research Agenda and Ethical Guidance on Research for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation
By Ellen Ince On January 27th, I attended the virtual launch of the first-ever Global Research Agenda on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and the launch of Ethical Considerations in Research on Female Genital Mutilation. This online event, hosted by UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, and the Population Council, Kenya. I immediately felt the […]