Programs

Circumcision

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is usually carried out on girls between infancy and age 15 and is often considered a rite of passage into womanhood in some cultures.

  1. Harms and Consequences of FGM

FGM has no health benefits and causes both short-term and long-term physical and psychological harm:

  1. Immediate Effects:
  • Severe pain
  • Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage)
  • Infections including tetanus and sepsis
  • Spread of diseases like HIV/ AIDS
  • Shock and sometimes death
  1. Long-Term Effects:
  • Chronic pain
  • Urinary problems
  • Menstrual issues
  • Increased risk during childbirth, leading to complications for both mother and child
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Psychological trauma, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety
  1. Why FGM is Inappropriate and Unacceptable
  • It violates human rights: FGM is a form of gender-based violence and a violation of the rights of girls and women.
  • No medical justification: It has no health benefits and is often performed without proper sanitation or anesthesia.
  • It enforces gender inequality: FGM is rooted in attempts to control women’s sexuality and reinforce male dominance.
  • It endangers girls’ futures: Survivors often face early marriage, school dropout, and limited economic opportunities.
  1. How to Prevent and Eliminate FGM in the Maasai Community

To effectively combat FGM in the Maasai community and other practicing societies, a culturally respectful and community-driven approach is essential:

  1. Community Education and Awareness
  • Educate community members—especially parents, elders, and traditional leaders—on the dangers of FGM.
  • Use culturally relevant education tools such as storytelling, theatre, and local leaders’ advocacy to shift mindsets.
  1. Involve Traditional and Religious Leaders
  • Engage respected figures in the community to speak out against FGM and promote positive alternative rites of passage.
  • Leaders can influence large populations if they support abandonment of FGM.
  1. Alternative Rites of Passage (ARPs)
  • Introduce ARPs that celebrate girls’ transition to womanhood without cutting.
  • These can include education on health, hygiene, family life, and leadership skills.
  1. Empower Girls Through Education
  • Keeping girls in school helps delay marriage and empowers them to make informed decisions about their lives.
  • Educated girls are more likely to resist harmful practices and influence change in their communities.
  1. Enforce Laws and Protection Policies
  • Support implementation of anti-FGM laws and ensure that cases are reported and prosecuted.
  • Provide safe spaces and support services for girls at risk or who have undergone FGM.
  1. Engage Men and Boys
  • Educate boys and men on the harms of FGM and the importance of respecting women’s rights.
  • Their support is crucial in challenging the social norms that uphold the practice.
  • Public voice by

1. Educate Men and Boys on the Realities of FGM

  • Many men are unaware of the physical, emotional, and psychological damage caused by FGM. Awareness programs should explain:
    • The health consequences such as childbirth complications and infections.
    • The psychological trauma and fear women experience.
    • How FGM negatively affects intimacy and relationships in marriage.
    • Men should not marry circumcised women.

2. Address Myths and Misconceptions

  • Some men believe FGM is necessary for a woman to be faithful, clean, or acceptable for marriage. These are myths passed down through generations.
  • Open discussions and education sessions should debunk these harmful myths using facts and testimonies from survivors and medical professionals.

3. Promote Gender Equality and Respect for Women’s Rights

  • Teach boys from a young age to respect the rights of girls and women.
  • Encourage the idea that a woman’s worth is not tied to her genitalia, but to her character, dignity, and ability to contribute to society.
  • Reinforce that real manhood includes protecting and uplifting women, not supporting harmful practices.

4. Create Male Champions and Role Models

  • Identify and support male champions—men who publicly reject FGM and advocate for change.
  • These may include local chiefs, teachers, fathers, religious leaders, or even young men who use their voice on social media or in schools.
  • When men speak out, they challenge the social acceptance of FGM and create new norms.

5. Involve Men in Alternative Rites of Passage

  • Men can be encouraged to support alternative ceremonies that celebrate girls without cutting.
  • This shows unity within the community and helps break the cycle of silence.

6. Facilitate Peer Dialogues and Safe Spaces

  • Organize peer discussions where men and boys can share their beliefs, ask questions, and hear the experiences of others.
  • In these safe environments, they can confront traditional expectations and consider new ways of thinking.

7. Reinforce the Role of Fathers and Brothers

  • Fathers play a vital role in protecting their daughters. Encourage fathers to make the commitment not to subject their girls to FGM.
  • Brothers can also be allies by standing up for their sisters and advocating for their education and health.