Effectiveness of the Policy Interventions in Eradicating FGC Practices in Marani Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful practice that violates the human rights of women and girls. Despite global efforts to restrict the practice, there have been few reports on major positive changes to the problem. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy interventions in eradicating FGC practices in Marani Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. The study was guided by the theory of Reasoned Action. This study used a quasi-experiment design. The researcher used cluster sampling to identify 200 households and purposive sampling procedures, to identify 13 key informants for the study. The study used questionnaires, key informant interview and focus group discussion to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. In this context, quantitative data was analyzed quantitatively. Qualitative data (words/propositions) was analyzed descriptively. The study revealed that stress, stigma, isolation, and marital problems were main psychological effects. Findings from this study concludes that in spite of various interventions, FGC is still an ongoing practice within the Gusii community with women and health professionals being the main perpetrators. The study recommends an adoption of alternative rites of passage to eliminate the practice. This can be possible through the re-socialisation of community members to change their negative tradition for the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child