dc.description.abstract | This study tries to investigate the factors influencing the practice of female genital mutilation
among women: a case of kajiado west constituency, Kajiado County. The main purpose of the
study is to identify factors influencing the practice of female genital mutilation among women in
Kajiado County. The study was guided by the following research objectives: to establish the
influence of traditional beliefs on the practices of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM); to assess
the influence of illiteracy level on the practices of FGM; to establish the influence of
sensitization on the practice of FGM; and to determine the influence of religion on the practice of
FGM in Kajiado West Constituency. The research design was a descriptive survey method. The
target population of this study consisted of the 30,500 resident from 2650 households in Kajiado
West Sub County. A sample of 335 respondents was picked using simple stratified random
sampling techniques from 2650 households in Kajiado West Sub County. In executing this study,
both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Qualitative methods was used included
individual interviews and questionnaires. Data was then be analysed using SPSS such as
descriptive statistics mean scores and standard deviations frequencies distributions and
percentages. The study found out that, Women are given the respect they deserve after
undergoing FGM. Also a woman is considered mature, obedient and aware of her role in the
family and society if they undergo that practice. It is recommended that the local leaders together
with other stakeholders should enforce women and girls’ rights through participatory/advocacy
for education-in-culture and culture-in- education. The study concludes that the practice of FGM
is a social consequence that is affecting a number of women and young girls socially,
psychological and physically. The campaigns needed to include topics on human rights
violations and the harmful effects caused by FGM. Issues dealing with culture are so sensitive
and therefore those planning to tackle the issue of female genital mutilation that is deeply rooted
in culture and traditional beliefs, should have enough knowledge on other people’s culture and
should not generalize culture. The study recommends that the local leaders together with other
stakeholders should enforce women and girls’ rights through participatory/advocacy for
education-in-culture and culture-in- education. | en_US |