Persistence and Resistance of Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) Perpetuated against Girls in Africa and Asia.

Background: Harmful traditional practices (HTPs) are deeply entrenched behaviours or actions that violate the human rights of affected individuals. They have negative consequences on the physical and psychological health, social rights and political equality of affected individuals and their communities. Despite legislation making HTPs illegal in many countries, these practices continue today, causing considerable health risks to women and girls. Whilst studies have sought to understand factors perpetuating different HTPs, a paucity of reviews synthesises these findings. Aims: The aim of this review is to consider son preference, female genital mutilation, and child marriage in relation to their persistence, including the underlying and other factors that facilitate resistance and control mechanisms. Method: Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review of 21 research studies. Results: Women of practising communities identified educational status of women, residential location, economic status, and a family history of practising HTPs as socio-economic factors perpetuating HTPs. Negative physical health consequences and women's autonomy were identified as facilitating resistance to HTPs, whilst religion and patriarchy were identified as mechanisms that prevented resistance to HTPs. Policy implications are considered.