A religious oriented approach to addressing FGM/C among the Somali Community of Wajir,Kenya (2007)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding I FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Abdi Maryam Sheikh
FGM/C Type(s): I
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To utilize a religious approach to educate the community on the harms of FGM/C,both religiously and medically,so that they question the rationale for its continuation. This strategy is meant to generate discussion with respect to the correct position of Islam on FGM/C and hopefully build consensus among the religious scholars on this matter
Study Population: Women,Men,Youth,Religious Leaders,Primary School Teachers,Police Officers
Findings: Religious leaders agreed that sunnah type of FGM/C is actually a mubaah practice. This is an act that is permissible for Muslims,but for which there is no religious benefit if practised and no harm if not practised. This is very different from a sunnah act,which does have religious rewards and virtues associated with its practice. This agreement was a break-through,because it is easier to use this position to publicly question the continuation of the practice as it has no authentic basis in Islam and no associated rewards,and so all the physical and psychological harms are incurred without any corresponding benefit
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Kenya