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    Fluid identities : contextualising genital reconstructive surgery after female circumcision in Burkina Faso : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Anthropology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.
    (Massey University, 2016) Nyarango, Margaret
    Female circumcision procedures were traditionally performed on many girls and women in Burkina Faso. These practices were outlawed in 1996, and are now termed ‘female genital mutilation’ by the government and activists trying to stop them. About thirtyfive years ago, Pierre Foldès, a French urologist who was on a humanitarian mission to West Africa, developed a surgical procedure to alleviate health problems associated with these practices. He later refined his procedure and started using it to also restore clitoral anatomy and function. This surgery, which is presented as two distinct procedures in Burkina Faso, is now performed by some indigenous doctors in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. In this ethnographic study, I explore the reasons motivating some Burkinabe women to seek genital reconstructive surgery, the impact this surgery has on them and societal attitudes towards this surgery and these women. I discuss concepts of gender and embodiment in relation to Burkinabe girls’ and women’s health and sexuality by considering their understanding of what is normal, healthy, natural, complete, sexually attractive and feminine. I also consider the manner in which the meanings of these notions are changing depending on the prevailing discourse. I argue that the salience of the discourse promoted by the Burkinabe government and activists working to end female circumcision in the urban areas of Burkina Faso is compounding the harm associated with this practice. It has led some circumcised women to view themselves, and to be viewed by others, as unhealthy and sexually defective, and to believe that they need genital reconstructive surgery. Yet, limited information about this surgery, its cost and taboos associated with sex and sexuality limit women’s access to the surgery. I further argue that that some Burkinabe women in the Raëlian Movement are co-opting the discourse that paints circumcised women as victims to create spaces where they can remodel typical Burkinabe values, but also exercise those which are particular to their religion. They have thus embraced genital reconstructive surgery to reconstruct not just their bodies, but also their identity as healthy and sensual women.
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    Genitally mutilated women in the Wellington Region : a study of their health needs : a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Nursing, Massey University
    (Massey University, 2000) Kambaran, Nisha
    The purpose of this study was to explore the health care needs of a group of Somali women in the Wellington region. Using a qualitative research method, two open-ended questions were put to Somali women in a focus group setting. The health care needs of the Somali women in relation to female genital mutilation were explored. The data generated in the group discussions were recorded. Thematic content analysis was applied to the data. Categories and major themes were extracted from the data, which constituted the findings of this study. The findings of the study demonstrated that the identity of Somali women is defined by female genital mutilation (fgm). The findings also included physical health and childbirth perspectives that emerged and shaped the discussion. The findings are supported by some of the literature on female genital mutilation except that the Somali women in this study consider the consequences of fgm as a very normal part of their life and that of women. The Somali women do not view their health consequences as 'problems'. The findings also demonstrated a need for bridging the gap between the understanding of the cultural practice of female genital mutilation and the related health effects and the ways in which the health professionals can meet the health care needs of Somali women living in Wellington.
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    Patriarchy, power and tradition : third world women, human rights and gender violence in the context of global economic imperialism : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Social Anthropology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2000) Tanguay, Antoinette Mary
    Whether sanctioned by society, made into law, or simply tolerated, gender-based abuse and discrimination against women occurs in virtually every country throughout the world. Under democracy and dictatorship, in times or war and times of peace, the human rights of women and girls are violated daily, and often systematically. Although the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights", women's freedom, dignity and equality are persistently compromised by law and custom in ways that men's are not. Through the articulation of Third World women's writing and first person dialogue, this study seeks to explore the relationship between cross cultural violence against women, and the cultural or religious practices that are often used to legitimate its existence. Through the use of four specific case studies - women in Islam, the Taliban as an example of religious fundamentalism, female genital mutilation and the international trafficking of women for sex tourism - I attempt to position the international phenomenon of violence against women within today's globalised world economic structure. Through exploring and revealing the cross cultural nature of gender violence, this study attempts to illustrate how patriarchal values are reinforced through religious, cultural and political structures in both western and Third World society. Through the utilisation of human-centered anthropological methodology, this study aims to present a wide ranging discussion of these complex issues in such a way that the world view of the women who the study is about is presented as paramount. Through recognising and naming my location as a western woman writing about the lives of women in the Third World, I hope to make it clear from the outset of this study that I do not intend to speak for, or on behalf of, women whose experiences I have not shared, but aim instead to address and discuss a range of complex issues that are of vital importance not only to the discipline of anthropology, but to the wider world in which we live.