Abstract
This article explores intersectional approaches in social work in the context of counseling and supporting migrants from FGM/C-practicing communities. The contribution is informed by a comprehensive research study conducted in 2020 and 2021, which involved both peer and professional experts from the social and health sector, and explored the process of attitudinal change regarding FGM/C. The findings demonstrate that an intersectional perspective at societal, institutional, and interactional levels serves as a crucial analytical tool to reveal the interwoven nature of power and inequality structures. In the context of social work practice, this entails a critical reflection of the public discourses concerning FGM/C as well as a scrutiny of state mandates and personal values to identify potentially discriminatory norms. Furthermore, the approach facilitates case analyses that not only contribute to the abandonment of FGM/C but also consider migration-specific experiences, discrimination, and the everyday concerns of clients. Consequently, intersectionally oriented social work contributes to the destigmatization of FGM/C, thereby creating conditions that make engagement and sustainable attitudinal change possible.
Keywords: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), intersectionality, social norms, intersectional social work, process of attitudinal change