Girls' innocence and futures stolen: The cultural practice of sexual cleansing in Malawi

Findings emanating from the literature review indicate that children undergoing this sexual cleansing ritual belong to an already vulnerable Malawian population of the “rural girl child” requiring care and protection, as the fisi ritual is abusive in nature and has adverse consequences. In conclusion, governments and child protection advocates working in remote areas in Malawi face challenges brought about by poverty and culture(s), subsequently impeding realization of children's rights. In addition, renewed progressive practice approaches are required for rigorous exploration of the best pragmatic pathways when intervening with complex moral and cultural-based child protection challenges.