Exploring Popular and Emerging Approaches to Abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation in Kenya

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a complex and dynamic issue. Its analysis requires human rights approaches, and social, religious and cultural sensitivity. The negative effects associated with the practice have been documented by the World Health Organization (WHO), in short and long-term. The efforts to end FGM by various agencies have been recently enhanced. However, the fruits of these efforts are yet to mature in most rural communities. This thesis has analysed popular and emerging approaches towards abandonment of FGM. It has sought to understand the intertwining international, national, and local interests, power dynamics, and collaboration efforts that are at play hindering the eradication of FGM. Basing its argument on the social norms and the social exchange theories; it specifically answered the following objectives: determining the social dynamics perpetuating FGM; identifying the main actors relevant in the efforts to end FGM generally and in Kenya; reviewing successes and failures of strategies and approaches used in the abandonment of FGM; and to assess the power dynamics at play in the quest to end FGM among donors, implementers, and government agencies. The study was conducted based on mixed methods particularly systematic review and discourse analysis. Data was collected through reviews and interviews, and analysed thematically. Findings indicate that effectiveness of FGM approaches is dependent on various contexts, however, emerging approaches like dialogues are generally reported to have greater impacts. As a result of these efforts, the national guidelines on community dialogue were developed by the Anti-FGM Board. This will promote an approach based on dialogue in any community set up. The power dynamics at play influence economic and social interactions on how interventions are promoted, and therefore play a critical role in how strategies are enforced. There is, however, need to establish concrete and evidence based strategies tested and proven for abandonment of FGM. This is a research area that should be explored further.