The male role in Female Circumcision: some experiences from Kisii District (2000)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Stella Nyaboke Nyakundi
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: this study sought to investigate the role that men play in the persistence of female circumcision among the Abagusii of Kenya and also The study examines male attitudes towards the practice and the socio-cultural factors responsible for their participation in female circumcision
Study Population: Men and women
Findings: The results indicated that female circumcision is prevalent in Kisii,as the majority of the people still practice it. Men were also found to be reinforcing the persistence of the practice in various ways,which included: making decisions on whether or not a daughter has to be circumcised,financing the ceremony and paying fees for the initiation. The men’s authority and participation are founded on their superior positions in the family by virtue of the fact that Kisii is a patriarchal society where male dominance prevails. The study further revealed that in some cases the decision as to whether or not a girl undergoes circumcision is made by both parents. Socio-cultural factors based on preservation of cultural traditions were also found to influence men’s attitudes and participation in female circumcision. Thus the desire to preserve one’s tradition was cited by most respondents as the single most important reason for circumcising their daughters. The majority of the people were also found to be unaware of the dangers associated with the practice
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Eastern Africa
Country(ies):Kenya