Cultural Relativism: Perspectives on Somali Female Circumcision in Mombasa (2011)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Whitney Harkness
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The following study looked at Somali circumcision and its roll in their culture as well as how their culture has been influenced by living in Mombasa. Also,it will examine how social and political biases play a large part in how other groups,such as NGOs,the Swahili and the Barawa view Somali female circumcision
Study Population: Male and female
Findings: Infibulation was practiced so that mothers can be sure that their daughters remain pure and chaste,and so that new husbands can know that their wives are exclusively theirs. Unfortunately it does carry with it a number of very negative side effects and social stigmas. It is therefore very important to take into consideration the positive benefits of infibulation,namely,creating a sense of camaraderie and preserving a community’s values. Barawa and Swahili women present a very nice context for how Somali women enforce essentially the same cultural and religious ideals. All three groups of these are Muslim,and thus have very similar values and pursuits as a community. Despite being uncircumcised,Swahili women remain chaste until marriage. And although they disagree with the theological perspective,Swahilis still have a strong sense of community and chose not to circumcise their women in favor of raising their daughters and allowing them to make their own decisions,not limiting them or keeping them in line by performing a risky procedure.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Kenya