Eliminating the practice of female genital mutilation: Awareness raising and community change in four districts of Kenya

Type Report
Title Eliminating the practice of female genital mutilation: Awareness raising and community change in four districts of Kenya
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2000
Publisher Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH)
URL http://www.gtzkenyahealth.com/dms/publications/files/FGM_report_of_PATH.doc
Abstract
In the past, the practice of Female Circumcision (FC) went unnoticed except for recognition of its cultural value to various communities where it was practiced. Recently the practice has attracted attention, as a public health issue within the context of Reproductive Health. This is due to the complications that are currently known to be precipitated by the practice. Additionally the increase in activities directed at creating gender and sexuality awareness indicate that FC has began to be addressed as a human rights issue by Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and governments. It is in this context that the issues arising from the findings of this evaluation are discussed. The final evaluation of the MYWO/PATH Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) project in Kenya sought to establish the extent of progress achieved by the project as set out in its goal and objectives which, are stated below. Raise awareness about problems associated with FC. Promote a positive image of uncircumcised girls. Develop and install alternative ritual initiation practices for girls. Strengthen MYWO’s management capabilities and inter-agency relationships. The evaluation was conducted using sets of questionnaires that were administered at the household level, among youth in schools, service providers, peer educators and uncircumcised girls. Key stakeholders at various policy levels in the implementing and funding agencies and other interested parties, both in Nairobi and in the project districts, were interviewed.

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