[5] Having gained multiple degrees overseas, Thiam returned to Senegal, and became assistant professor of Research at the Fundamental Institute of Black Africa at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar.

In 1987, Thiam petitioned the institution to build a Department of Anthropology of the Sexes, but her idea was ultimately rejected by the administration.

[6] She speaks extensively on the topic of female genital mutilation (FGM), claiming that the practice is merely a thinly-veiled form of patriarchal control.

In her article for International Social Science Journal, Thiam states: "the purpose of these practices, whether it is admitted or not, is to control female sexuality.

In any case the result remains the same: to make the young girl essentially a future reproductive and productive element.

[5] Though there were many factors involved in the decision, the country of Senegal did, in fact, ban FGM in January 1999 in response to female activist speaking out against the practice.

[11] However, it is reported that while this is a political victory, it may have come due to the fact that the largest people group in power at that point, the Wolof, did not practise FGM.