Investigation of successful interventions in mitigation of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) among selected Kenyan communities: Maasai, Kisii and Kuria

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as “the practice that comprises all the procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”. It is estimated by WHO that approximately 100-140 million women worldwide are affected by FGM and about 3 million women in Africa are assumed to be at the danger of undergoing the practice every year. FGM is widely practiced in many Kenyan communities. The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2008-09) revealed that approximately 27% percent of Kenyan women had undergone female genital mutilation by the year 2008/2009. However, there are variations in prevalence between different ethnic groups. The practice is a deeply rooted cultural practice, with tradition being a powerful driver in many societies. It is often motivated by beliefs such as preservation of family´s honour, fidelity in marriage, maintaining chastity, rite of passage into womanhood and reducing female sexual desires. The practice poses serious physical, social, sexual and mental health risks for women and young girls, especially for those who have undergone extreme forms of the procedure. Many local NGOs, CBOs, faith-based organizations, international organizations and multilateral agencies are working in Kenya to eradicate FGM. There are still many challenges though to overcome the practice due to lack of clear interventions that are effective. The author of this thesis aimed to present a systematic review summary of the literature about successful interventions designed to reduce the prevalence of FGM among the selected Kenyan communities: Maasai, Kisii and Kuria. The primary method of study identification was electronic searches: PubMed, Medline, Google, The lancet, African Index Medicus, Global Health, Science Direct and MSN Search. Electronic database searches were supplemented by studies of organizations engaged in the FGM projects such as WHO, UNICEF, UNPFA, UNWOMEN, Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the Population Council and Kenya Demographic Health Surveys (KDHS). Kenyan newspaper articles, books, journals and brochures were also used in this research. It is concluded that through a combination of effective comprehensive campaigns with involvement of powerful people in the society, FGM can be eradicated.