Table 2.

Data analysis.

Themes	Subthemes
Midwives' encounters when providing FGM counselling	Midwives feeling confident and supported Midwives being challenged by culture and religion Women's delay in seeking care
Benefits of own FGM experience when counselling women	Sharing a common experience Changing opinions regarding FGM
Midwives' views on challenges and problems in future anti-FGM work.	Female decision makers still performing FGM in spite of being against it Importance of reaching out with information about virginity and religion