Harmful traditional practices in diaspora communities (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1108)

Abstract

Query What is the evidence of the continuation or cessation of (or changes to) harmful traditional practices by diaspora communities contrary to trajectories of change in their countries of origin. Please include evidence on female genital mutilation/cutting and child, early and forced marriage. Overview This paper draws together evidence on the factors affecting change in carrying out harmful traditional practices (HTPs). It focuses only on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and early, forced and child marriage. There are very few studies which specifically compare trajectories of change in home countries and diaspora communities. As such, this report collates evidence into categories which are known to affect change in diaspora communities, both towards and away from HTPs. In general, the trajectory of change among the diaspora communities discussed in the literature surveyed for this report is away from carrying out HTPs. There are fewer examples identified of communities wishing to uphold these practices in their new countries