9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford. 9 December 2024*

The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation envisions 2030 as the end of this egregious abuse. Evaluation of progress toward, and obstacles preventing, this ambitious objective constitutes the central theme of a gathering of international, interdisciplinary scholars who contributed to The Routledge International Handbook of Harmful Cultural Practices (2024).

The editors invite all contributors as well as other scholars in the field to come together in Oxford on 9 December 2024 to discuss reception of the Handbook and review the impact of academic scholarship on concrete grassroots initiatives, political and public will, medical and legal practice, immigration studies, cross-border engagement, inter-generational cooperation, religious or ritual dimensions, literary initiatives and more relevant vectors to illuminate a complex as well as controversial issue. It is controversial by virtue of conflicting viewpoints as to appropriate and effective opposition. It is of enduring complexity as it raises questions relating to politics of identity, legitimacy of voice, epistemic injustices, and pedagogy of change. Participants’ interests and specialties, as expressed in your responses, will inspire the format and scope of the programme.

PLEASE RESPOND by email to Dr. Tobe Levin von Gleichen tlevin@fas.harvard.edu of UnCUT/VOICES Press and Dr. Ruhina Jesmin Ruhina.khulna@gmail.com

*Although no funding is available, there is also no fee for attendants. Donations for refreshments will be appreciated but left to participants’ discretion. Regarding virtual attendance, given our contributors’ vast geographical spread, this is at present not envisioned, but we are looking at options.