| This phenomenological study investigated the experience of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) abandonment among women in Sierra Leone. There is a lack of awareness and documented information about the experience of abandonment from the perspective of abandoners. Participants included 2 groups, the first group comprised of 10 women who have abandoned the practice; the second group which provided triangulation, included 3 members of a local coalition that works to eradicate harmful practices. In learning experiences from the first group, the aim was to discover commonalities, factors, and motivators that led to their decision to abandon; the second group provided another perspective of the experience of abandonment. Through one-on-one interviews with the first group, participants' stories confirmed the importance of education because knowledge of the practice and related consequences motivated them to go against FGM. Findings also revealed the difficulties in their experience due to shunning. However, the need for support prompted them to find friendship among other abandoners, which helped them cope with the social difficulties. Through a focus-group interview, the second group confirmed a difficult experience among abandoners. By continuing to raise awareness to abandonment stories and by supporting women who abandon the practice, these abandoners can further pave the way toward FGM abandonment in Sierra Leone. |
