Measures influencing eradication of female genital mutilation practices among the Maasai community in Maparasha constituency Kajiado county, Kenya

Abstract

This research study aimed at investigating the measures influencing eradication of female genital mutilation practices among the Maasai community in Maparasha constituency in Kajiado County. In respect to this, the background of the study highlights the global regional and local perspective of FGM. On the other hand the statement of the problem identifies the need to concentrate on acknowledging the contributions made towards eradication of FGM despite the numerous research studies that have been done. There was need to carry out the study as there are many measures in place to eradicate FGM which the researcher have tackled in the study with very little results from the people on the continued practice to date. The consequence of not carrying the study may lead to more people in Maparasha constituency especially the women being taken for granted and denied their rights, thus the need to enlighten them. Regular studies are an important tool for highlighting new evidence that eventually contributes to the improvement of existing strategies and government policy. The purpose of the study was to investigate the measures influencing the eradication of female genital mutilation practices among the Maasai community. Key factors influencing eradication of FGM are such as: girl child education, international regulatory institutions, introductions of alternative rites of passage, the new legal framework and community based rescue centres formed the objectives of the study and the research questions. The study has both policy and academic significance. The research findings are expected to assist the Maasai community and community based organizations in effectively advancing eradication of FGM, and scholars may also use the findings to expand other areas of research. The target population was 666 which comprised of male village elders- 60, women village elders- 40, girls from the community who were employed-396 and community members-170. All of these respondents came from Maparasha constituency in Kajiado County. Probability sampling technique and specifically stratified random sampling was adopted. Furthermore the selection of the sample from each category was done using stratified random sampling with a sample size of 250. A descriptive survey research design was used. The study used questionnaires as the main data collection instrument. Completed instruments were assembled, edited, coded and interpreted in relation to the research objectives. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics for quantitative data by use of Statistical Package of Social Scientists Program (SPSS) and content analysis for qualitative data. The following statistical measures were used to draw inference from the responses of the respondents: percentages and frequency counts, the study had a response rate of 91.2%. The study had 250 respondents as the sample size. Out of 250 questionnaires distributed to the targeted population 228 questionnaires were returned. From the study, basing on gender, majority (68 percent) were female while the remaining (32 percent) of the respondent were male. Furthermore, that majority of respondents were of the age category of 19-29 with 42.1%. The study also revealed that girl-child education had played the most important part in FGM eradication among the Maasai. It also revealed that majority of the respondents (56.1%) agreed that the current Constitution of the Republic of Kenya (2010) protects children from FGM. Alternative Rites of Passage was also considered as a vital FGM eradication measure since majority of the respondents 48.2% agreed that public ceremonies were held to celebrate girl’s entry into womanhood without necessarily going through FGM. Majority of the respondents (46.9) also agreed that CBRC’S had created awareness on the need to eradicate FGM, majority of respondents. Conversely, 42.5% agreed that the international organizations have educated them on the dangers and harms associated with FGM.