Women, violence and tradition taking FGM and other practices to a secular state

Includes bibliographical references (p. [205]-208) and index.

A look into contemporary life histories of women from ethnic minority communities in the West, focusing specifically on their experiences of under-researched cultural practices. The book gives insight into how ethnic minority women today navigate between their religious and cultural traditions and the secular state in which they live. The volume illuminates areas of tension and difficulty when some women actively try to reform aspects of their tradition while remaining fiercely loyal to their cultural identity. Other examples highlight how young women are choosing to endorse traditional practices, seeing this as an important way of demonstrating the legitimacy of their religion and culture in the face of increasing hostility.