SOCIO-CULTURAL INFLUENCE ON FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION PRACTICE IN NAROK COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is known to bring about many serious medical problems, is a financial burden to the families, and causes gender inequalities, however, the question on how the sociocultural factors that contribute to the practice are interrelated is still partly answered. The main areas of investigation of the study were: the impact of religion on FGM frequency, family socioeconomic position curtains the family structure's influence on FGM, and education levels in the communities where FGM laws are practiced. The study used both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (focus group and interviews) data collection methods. The Structural-Functionalist Perspective, which considers FGM as a necessary evil that must be tolerated as a means to maintain social order, and the Social Exchange Theory, which regards FGM as a matter of choice depending on the perceived benefits and costs, were the two theoretical frameworks that guided the research. The study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach and a descriptive survey methodology was used to draw a combination of qualitative insights from focus groups and interviews and quantitative data through questionnaires. Through cluster and purposive sampling 85 participants were selected comprising women, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, and affected girls. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, and then finding a large number of insights was the result. The researchers see FGM as a cultural aspect that still needs to be dealt with through multiple methods of eradication. Among the suggestions were the following strengthening the position of religious leaders in the fight against FGM, setting up economic empowerment programs such as microloans and vocational training, conducting education campaigns targeting both adults and kids, and offering alternative rites of passage instead of FGM. Next researchers should perform longitudinal studies that will look at the impact of alternative rites, the effectiveness of anti-FGM law enforcement, and the psychological consequences for survivors. In the end, the research pointed out how urgent it is for different sectors to work together to eliminate FGM and promote gender equality in Narok County.