The Persistence of Female Genital Mutilation (Fgm) And Its Impact on Women’s Rights of Kajiado South Constituency, Rift Valley Province, Kenya

ABSTRACT This study was undertaken to find out the factors that have contributed to the persistence of FGM in Kajiado South Constituency were female genital mutilation is still prevalent despite numerous efforts by various entities like the government, non governmental organizations as well as community based organizations, towards abolishment of this harmful cultural practice. The study was based on a qualitative methodology that employed the use of questionnaires and interviews in data gathering. The research design was a descriptive survey that set out to establish a relationship between the persistence of FGM and the abuse of women’s rights in Kajiado south constituency, The study pinpointed a number of women’s rights violated by this practice and concluded that culture was the main reason for the persistence of this practice. Other factors like illiteracy, patriarchy and male dominance as well as lack of a popular alternative rite of passage for young girls also contributed heavily. Recommendations made included: use of the media for an active anti FGM campaign and forming and popularizing an alternative right of passage for the girls, churches and schools should also take an active role in campaigning against this practice and systems set for the rescuing girls and reporting to the police and concerned forces.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

Declaration A

Declaration B ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Abstract

Table of contents vi

Acronyms viii

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 9

Purpose of the Study 10

Research Objectives 10

Research Questions 11

Sign ificance of the Study 11

Hypothesis 13

Scope of the study 13

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 14

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 17

Introduction 17

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions From Authors/Experts 17

Theoretical framework 26

Three METHODOLOGY 28

Research Design 28

Research Population 29

Sample Size 29

Sampling Procedure 29

Research Instrument 29

vi

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 30

Data Gathering Procedures 30

Data Analysis 31

Ethical Considerations 31

Limitations of the Study 32

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

OF DATA 33

Introduction 33

Data analysis 34

Social theory 35

Research findings 36

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 46

Findings 46

Conclusions 54

Recommendations 57

Areas for further Research 58

References 59

Appendices 66

Appendix I Transmittal Letter for the Respondents 66

Appendix II Informed Consent 67

Appendix III Questionnaires on FGM for women and men

among the Masai Community 68

Appendix IV Questionnaires for Class Teachers 69

Appendix V Interview guide for Key Informants 72

Appendix VI Interview guide for local Organization 73

Appendix VII Interview guide for the community 74

Appendix VIII Focus group discussion Interview guide for

girls/women 75

appendix IX Pictorial representation on different form of FGM 76

Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 77