Persistence of female genital mutilation/cutting in two Kenyan communities: What can we learn from change that falls short of abandonment? (2022)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Matanda,D.J,Kabiru,C.W,Okondo,C & Shell-Duncan,B.
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: This study asks: in counties where FGM/C persists at high rates,Kisii and Narok,are there changes in the way that FGM/C is performed? and what drives these changes?
Study Population: Ten FGDs were held with men and women from Maasai and Abagusii families that have traditionally practised female genital mutilation. FGDs split into 18 to 35yrs and 36+
Findings: Data showed five ways that FGM/C practices have changed: (1) reduction in severity of cutting,(2) medicalised cutting,(3) performing FGM/C at younger ages,(4) cutting in secret,and (5) occasionally,abandonment of FGM/C. Messaging on health risks of FGM/C and fear of criminal punishment have motivated less severe cutting and medicalisation. Legislation has also driven the practice underground. Programmes aimed at ending FGM/C should create a critical dialogue on changes in norms with the intent of reducing stigmatisation of uncut girls and their families,and the ways cutting practices are shifting,thereby building on change that is already underway.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Kenya