Somali/Somalilander Men in London Share Their Views on FGM—Towards a Male-Focused Continuum of Change
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe article is one of the few I know that have interviewed men regarding their thoughts on FGM and for this reason it should be published. There are however areas that need improvement. The last paragraph under introduction constitutes a long description of what will be included in the methodology including data, methods and analysis. In my view it should be enough to say “the next section describes the research design.”
Under methodology, a specific section on data analysis should be included in order to allow a discussion for example, on why thematic analysis was chosen and whether the sub-headings under the findings constitute the identified themes during the analysis as in necessary in qualitative research.
On data collection, it is also not clear whether the researcher/s used only focus group discussion as in some cases they talk of interviews.
Moreover, there is use of FGM/C, FGM and FGC. Is there any reason for this?
Under the subtitle, political-economy of FGM in Somalia/Somaliland: Is this a kind of conceptual framework? The focus in the text under this subtitle is on cultural and religious beliefs that enforce continuation of FGM in motherland and in the diaspora rather than political-economy. Here I think the researcher/s need to figure out again what they are describing. This is particularly critical as they describe the role of culture and religion a great deal in the findings.
Under the first theme in the findings, the author/s include references which essentially should be in the introduction section.
Under the findings: quotes should be presented in a similar format. Some are in italics while others are not and it is very hard to find them.
The section they call conclusion and discussion should instead be Discussion and Conclusion
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
The author/s will need to do a great deal of checking the English. If it is allowed in your journal I have made some changes in the text.
Author Response
Much gratitude go to the reviewers for their time and concern in giving feedback. We have addressed all comments as set out in the attached document.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe topic of the article is current and relevant both scientifically and socially. The text is highly original, as it addresses FGM from the perspective of men, which is unusual.
The theoretical basis and qualitative methodology were consistent with the topic under analysis. Finally, the conclusions of the study are well-founded in the interview data and reveal an articulate reflection.
In short, this is a good scientific work and, certainly, a significant contribution to combating FGM, therefore I suggest that the text be published in Societies.
Author Response
Thankyou for your review, we note you did not highlight any areas for revisions and really appreciate your positive feedback.
