Document Type
Brief
Publication Date
2007
Abstract
Female genital cutting is strongly supported among the Somali ethnic community in Kenya, and the severest form (infibulation) is primarily practiced. This type of cut is associated with increased incidence and seriousness of obstetric and gynecological problems relative to uncut women and those with less severe forms of FGM/C. As stated in this brief, efforts to encourage abandonment should begin with community discussion about the socio-cultural reasons for cutting. Simultaneously, health-care providers need training in how to manage complications of FGM/C. In 2004, FRONTIERS collaborated with UNICEF on a four-month diagnostic study on FGM/C practices among the Somali community in Kenya. The study sought to better understand the community’s perception and practice of FGM/C, determine approaches to encourage its abandonment, and identify how the health system could be more actively engaged in managing complications and discouraging the practice. FRONTIERS and the Kenyan Ministry of Health used findings from this study to develop training that improves safe motherhood care, with a specific focus on managing complications associated with FGM/C.
Recommended Citation
"Kenya: Begin community dialogue on FGM/C by discussing cultural justification," FRONTIERS OR Summary no. 59. Washington, DC: Population Council, 2007.
DOI
10.31899/rh14.1070
Language
English
Project
Frontiers in Reproductive Health
Included in
Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, International Public Health Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons, Women's Health Commons