Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful traditional cultural practice involving the ‘injury, partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons’ (WHO, 2014). FGM/C is associated with a number of significant short-term health effects including pain, bleeding and risk of infection. FGM/C also results in many long-term consequences which may include chronic pain, infections, decreased sexual enjoyment, psychological problems and a significant increased risk of complications during childbirth (WHO, 2008).
This is a preliminary report from a baseline study that examined trends, barriers and opportunities to eliminating FGM/C among the Kisii and Maasai peoples of South-western Kenya. The study’s focus was on the villages within the Nyamagwa, Igare, Kilgoris and Poroko areas. It was conducted by Mpanzi, a Kenyan NGO, in collaboration with the University of Nairobi and Tearfund, a UK based Christian international NGO. Data was collected from women, men and girls using interview guides, questionnaires, focus group discussions and storytelling.
The goal of the study was to identify practical actions to engage survivors, men and children, as well as identify and deploy religious resources in efforts to eliminate the practice.
The aims of the research were to:
- Establish baseline data
- Establish perceptions regarding the benefits and significance of FGM/C in south-western Kenya
- Describe changing trends in the practice of FGM/C in the study area
- Determine understanding of the legal status of FGM/C in Kenya
- Examine obstacles to eliminating FGM/C in the study area
- Map out the potential of faith communities to end the practice.