Psychosocial coping mechanisms among uncircumcised Pokot women in North-Eastern Uganda

Uncircumcised women continue to be stigmatised with their rights and social status contested in communities where the practice is cherished. This study explored the circumcision refusal coping skills of women from the Pokot community, North-Eastern Uganda. Informants were 25 uncircumcised Pokot women and five key informants. Following in-depth interviews, the thematic analysis revealed that women cope with circumcision refusal by cultural repositioning, desertion of their parental and matrimonial homes, and getting married to men from other tribes. Additionally, the women coped with circumcision refusal through social support from close relatives and social institutions and ignoring those that harass them. They also focussed on positive experiences associated with non-circumcision and employed a high self-esteem, positivity about their future, and knowledge of the legal framework. Integration of uncircumcised women in the fight against female circumcision is imperative since their coping mechanisms in the community are critical in enhancing resilience among those at risk of being circumcised.