The Place of Women in the Implementation of FGC Interventions on the Psychosocial Wellbeing of the Girl Child in Marani Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGC) is a cultural practice that is widely practiced. Despite interventional efforts to end FGC, progress has been limited both in preventing it and caring for girls and women who have already undergone the cut. The practice has persisted, albeit with some changes. This study sought to examine the place of women in the implementation of FGC interventions on the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child in Marani Sub-County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the step change theory. The study used interviews and questionnaires to collect qualitative and quantitative data. In this context, quantitative data was collected using questionnaires, analyzed quantitatively. Qualitative data (words/propositions) was collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and analyzed descriptively. The study revealed that stress, stigma, isolation, and marital problems were main psychological effects. Findings from this study conclude that FGC is an ongoing practice within the Gusii community with women and health professionals being the main perpetrators though its practice has reduced drastically compared to previous years. The study recommends an adoption of alternative rites of passage to eliminate the practice. This can be possible through re-socialisation of community members on the need to change this negative tradition for the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child.