Effects of female genital mutilation on girls partipation in education curricullum in north pokot district, West Pokot County
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of circumcision on girl child school participation and
educational standards of girls in North Pokot District, West Pokot County through desktop
data review and interviews.
North Pokot for instance has no middle level college but only one vocational training
centre and one youth centre in Kodich and Alale trading center respectively. The number
of secondary schools is five and primary 73 while the ECD which is the most important is
eighty three in number. Despite this achievement; the illiteracy level is above par
standing at 48% at the same time the infrastructure available cannot accommodate the
local population. And in education equity the most pressing issues touches on girl child
since most of the locals still practice Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) early and forced
marriage as well as child labor.
The literature reviewed focuses on education of girls, cultural practices such as family set
up and beliefs, initiation and early marriage, attitude of parents towards education of
girls, domestic labor, gender roles in society and family economic status.
The data analysis, presentation, interpretation and discussion of the findings of this study
is focused and is divided into the following sections: General characteristics of the
respondents; the effect of circumcision (If girl's school participation
This study is aware that there are other underlying factors affecting education equally but
mostly convinced that circumcision was the only key factor in the decimal performance
of girls in school participation and especially at primary level
This study wishes to recommend a study on the alternative rite of passage in order to
enrich it and broaden it to taken into considerations conservation of good, culture and
enhance good community values. This study would provide meaningful insights that can
be shared with circumcision advocates and still maintain community harmony
Finally, the study evaluates school performance and draws lessons and best practices
borrowing heavily from success stories from other communities
Publisher
University of Nairobi