Civilizing Women

Focusing on the period between 1920 and 1946, the book delves into the clash of cultures between British colonial officers and Sudanese Muslims, particularly regarding the contentious issue of female circumcision. Janice Boddy utilizes colonial documents and popular culture to provide ethnographic insights, while also highlighting women's roles in zâr spirit possession rituals as a form of resistance and cultural expression. This exploration reveals the complexities of colonialism and the nuanced experiences of women in Sudan.