Plurality of Beliefs About Female Genital Mutilation amidst Decades of Intervention Programming in Narok and Kisii Counties,Kenya (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: to identify social norms surrounding the practice of female genital mutilation,as well as consensus or contestation with respect to these norms
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: Findings showed that norms associated with female genital mutilation such as sexuality and marriageability were actively contested by community members. This change may provide a useful starting point for programmes that seek to create dialogue and critical reflection on female genital mutilation to accelerate its abandonment. In conclusion,our findings demonstrate that the lack of large-scale abandonment in the two
communities does not mean that beliefs and attitudes associated with female genital
mutilation are static. People are rethinking and reassessing female genital mutilation in light
of changing social circumstances. This cultural heterogeneity may provide a useful starting
point for programmes that seek to create dialogue and critical reflection on the practice of
female genital mutilation and other harmful gender-related practices to accelerate their
abandonment. Such dialogues if well-structured could lead to ‘organised diffusion’ whereby
participantsshare their new knowledge,thoughts,and experiencessystematically with others
in their social networks (Cislaghi et al. 2019). Critical reflection and community dialogue that
include strategies to ensure a shift in gender relations and increase girls’ agency may be
helpful.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Kenya