FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION PRACTICES: A CASE OF KAJIADO SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

ABSTRACT In societies where FGM is practiced, it is considered a cultural norm and tradition, and hence used as an argument and justification for its continuation. The main purpose of this study therefore, was to assess the influence of local women groups‘ preventative initiatives on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice in Kajiado South Sub County, Kajiado County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to establish the roles of anti-FGM women on the FGM practice in Kajiado South, Sub County; to determine the influence of women advocacy on the FGM practice in Kajiado South Sub County; to assess the influence of women‘s education support on the FGM practices in Kajiado South Sub County; and to establish the influence of women funding on FGM victims on FGM practices in Kajiado South Sub County. A descriptive survey research design was used in the study. This was because descriptive research accurately allowed the researcher to obtain information that helped describe population, phenomenon, and situations. The target population was 45 registered women groups with an estimated 675 members. The researcher used a purposive sampling approach to pick 30 percent of the women groups, leading to 18 registered women groups, each with a chairperson, hence a total of 18 chairpersons. Each group had an estimated number of 15 members, leading to a total 270 members, who were all selected through census approach. 18 women chairpersons of the groups were selected using census approach for answering interviews, leaving out 252 women members who were also picked through the census approach to answer questionnaires. Therefore, the total sample size was 270 members from groups. Data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide. Quantitative data comprised descriptive (means, median and frequencies) and inferential analysis (Pearson chi-square correlation and simple linear regression) which was done with the help of the SPSS version 25. The findings showed that at bivariate level, Anti-FGM role models and the role of women education had statistically significant correlation with FGM practice, while women funding and women advocacy had the least correlations. At multivariate level, role of women advocacy was found to have positive significant effect on FGM practice, while role of women education and funding on women had significant negative effects on practicing of FGM in the study area. Anti-FGM women models had no significant effect. It was established that majority of the women interviewed (87.3%) indicated that they had been circumcised. Further, a significant number of women (36.5%) indicated they were not aware of the FGM associated risks; hence, the need for sensitization and community awareness on the dangers of FGM. Awareness campaigns, on the other hand, increased funding and women education were recommended as enablers towards eliminating FGM practice, which is prevalent in Kajiado south sub-county. This study is significant as it helps in understanding the significance women groups play in taming FGM by education women and young girls on the dangers associated with the practice.