Persuasion and persistence:Female Circumcision among the Embu, Kisii and Somali of Kenya

Abstract

This is a comparative study of female circumcision (Fe) among the Embu, Kisii and Somali societies of Kenya. This study was both exploratory and explanatory in nature. The main objective of the study was to describe, analyze and explain the practice of female circumcision within the contexts of persuasion and persistence. Five main lines of investigation were pursued in this study, viz. (1) the cultural institution of female circumcision from a comparative perspective and within the context of persuasion and persistence; (2 ) the manifestations of persuasion against the practice of female circumcision; (3) the capacities of the recipient communities to be persuaded to abandon the practice of female circumcision; (4) the forces of persuasion against the practice of female circumcision and (5) the tools of persuasion against the practice of female circumcision. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection. Comparative data were collected from women and men in three districts, l.e among the Kisii, the Aembu and Somali of Kenya. A total sample of 369 women was selected through purposive sampling. To complement the survey data, Focus Group Discussions (FGDS) , in-depth interviews and case studies were conducted. The study findings show that the practice of female circumcision is prevalent in all three districts, with the majority of the respondents mainly attributing the prevalence to varied socio-cultural determinants. Other related findings indicate that female circumcision is an important rite of passage, thus confirming the theory that the practice is governed by social norms and played out

within socially defined gender roles in which women merely play a normalized role. Findings on the past abandonment efforts show that the champions of the Fe abandonment campaigns have usually invented monolithic approaches that have negated the diversities and histories of the communities practicing Fe. Additionally, their approaches have been coercive and insensitive to the felt needs of the communities who practice Fe, resulting in the persistence of the practice. Further, the study found that individuals become defensive when they feel their culture and personal identities are under attack. The fear of losing the psychological, moral and material benefits of "belonging" is one of the greatest motivators of conformity. Findings on the tools of persuasion that have been used in the past show that there have been several government bans placed on the practice of Fe since independence. These have usually been contained in official policy documents. Other pronouncements against the practice of Fe have been contained in political speeches and the content of the mass media. The FC practicing communities have perceived these persuasion efforts as being external. In conclusion, this study argues that persistence of FGMs. not only due to the practice being deeply rooted in the social and cultural systems where it is practiced. Rather, it is the failure to base abandonment strategies on an understanding of the meanings of FC itself, the female power dynamics within which it is played, the social normalization of power and control and the way these variables are socially constructed and organized. Arising from these findings several recommendations have been made. In order to promote balanced development in the country, an integrated and all embracing policy approach to the abandonment of the practice of FC should be incorporated into mainstream government work. Further, there is need for research on the existing legal, policy and institutional frameworks related to the abandonment of the practice of the female circumcision. There is also a need for broad based education on FC, including issues of women's human rights.