THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN ERADICATING FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN MERU,ISIOLO,SAMBURU & THARAKA: AN INITIATIVE OF WOMEN FELLOWSHIP,METHODIST CHURCK IN KENYA (2021)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Kinoti,M.
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: This paper presents findings of a study that aimed at establishing socio-cultural factors influencing FGM and the role of church in ending the practice of FGM.This study was guided by the following specific objectives: effects of FGM on girls
and women,extent and prevalence of FGM in Samburu,Meru and Isiolo county,socio-cultural factors that influence
practice of FGM and church intervention on FGM and the role of the Methodist church in Kenya,Women Fellowship in
eradicating the practice.
Study Population: The sample was determined by the Snowball sampling where the researcher looked for initial key informants knowing FGM informants who are viewed as knowledgeable about the community and its practices and these recommended others they viewed could give the information
Findings: The findings collaborated the literature that FGM is harmful to the health to the girls and women and it violates the rights of the women and the leads to lose of dignity. It further revealed that cultural and religious beliefs are major promoters of the FGM and have hold on its adherents. The effects of FGM are detrimental on women’s health and total wellbeing. Findings also indicated that FGM acts as a barrier to women progress in education thus rendering them incompetent for leadership in the society. From theological perspective,FGM violates the woman’s body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Church has evident impact on FGM as areas dominated by the Christians showed lower prevalence compared to the where the church is not established. Alternative rites of passage (ARP) could subsidize other efforts among the traditionalist communities. The Church still has work to do especially among those of the Islamic religion by the offering advocacy to the women who are suffer from the dangers of FGM.The study did not encounter,nor even here of the impact of the FGM act 2011 law,It is not known if the law is being enforced or even
known,a study of the impact of this law should be contacted. Some information is muted when the approach on studies about FGM
majorly about an opposing campaign. Studies run the risks of silencing genuine concerns that could serve the course of openly having
healthy research that carries all. A study on focuses on the positive side of the FGM could reveal the uniqueness of this phenomenon.
This study could not tell the prevalence rate in the specific communities among those in Meru,Isiolo and Samburu. It should be
studied to verify if Islam has introduced FGM among converts from other faiths and cultures.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Kenya