Beyond the surface: unpacking the methodological and ethical challenges of researching into a sensitive female genital mutilation practice

While the complexities associated with sensitive research across various domains have garnered significant scholarly attention, there remains a noticeable gap in the literature concerning the methodological and ethical challenges of investigating a sensitive female genital mutilation (FGM) practice. Drawing upon our research experience and relevant literature, this paper provides a reflective analysis of the methodological and ethical challenges encountered during our data collection in Tarime, Tanzania. The paper delves into four interrelated themes: access to the field, researcher’s identity, research timing, and the power of sensitive topics, and reflects on their implications for methodological design and ethical conduct in FGM research. In addition to examining these challenges, the paper offers judicious choices and practical strategies we employed to address them in the field. The paper offers valuable insights into the importance of FGM researchers’ preparedness and flexibility in applying culturally sensitive strategies tailored to the unique local contexts to mitigate the potential challenges that may arise when researching a potentially sensitive and illegal FGM practice.