This book examines female genital mutilation in Africa and the movement committed to eliminate the practice. It focuses on the effectiveness of messages that are being introduced to the FGM-practicing communities to completely eliminate all forms of FGM. In particular, the case studies found that introducing the concept of human rights, in most cases, failed to succeed. The human rights argument does not correspond to the local reasons for practicing FGM and need to be tailored to the realities of local communities. The author suggests a new and more flexible model of behaviour communication to be used during  anti-FGM campaigns.

The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) in Dar Es Salaam provides, through its programs, follow up of human rights violations. In accordance with this activity, the female genital mutilation case in Morogoro, reported in this study, was followed-up and prosecuted in the courts in order to show the public that FGM is against the law. According to the LHRC, this case should be a great tool for anti-FGM campaign in Tanzania to advocate for change in tribes that still practice FGM.

The problem of male and female circumcision is one of the most difficult and complex problems ever to face the humanity, but legal and even medical opposition to circumcision is rapidly increasing. This book explores the problem in modern society from religious, anthropological, psychological, medical, legal and ethical perspectives. It provides a thoughtful and detailed analysis of the devastating impact of circumcision on bodily integrity and human rights. Many of the papers in the book reflect the experiences and insights of African women in the United States and they trace the transformation of the worldwide movement to abolish male and female circumcision, thanks to the efforts of African activists together  with European activists.