Kenya - Mobilising men against female genital mutilation in KenyaThis project took place in two districts of Kenya, the Gucha (Kisii) and the Tharaka Nithi districts. The project ran between July 1998 and January 2000 and was conducted by PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology in Health), a Kenyan organisation, in partnership with FORWARD. The project was also conducted in collaboration with Maendeleo Ya Wanaake, a grassroots women's organisation. The aim of the project was to mobilise men in the campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). In most cases girls are subjected to FGM in order to be suitable for marriage and men's support is necessary to enforce adherence to FGM, thus a change in attitudes among men is very important in diminishing the practice. Research was conducted in the two districts to determine the role that the attitudes and roles of men play in encouraging, perpetuating, or discouraging FGM and whether these differ with age. This of course also necessitated assessing men's awareness of the harmful effects of FGM. Research also investigated men's willingness to participate in FGM elimination programmes and the actual roles they would want to play. An intervention strategy was developed and implemented. The aims of the strategy were as follows:
The dissemination of these research findings and the training component of this project began in July 1999. A workshop entitled 'FGM: Communication for Change' was held to train men. This training provided men with information on FGM, allowing them to understand the harmful effects and the extent of the practice as well as share their attitudes and feelings on the issue. They also came to understand the broader social, physical, ethical and human rights context. The research findings were also discussed and well as approaches and strategies towards FGM elimination. By the end of the workshop men drew up action plans for their participation in community FGM elimination interventions. Men were able to acquire skills to make them effective advocates and agents of change within the community. In both regions men and boys held meetings and discussions and shared information about FGM with other men in their communities. They have done this through School Parent Teachers Associations, church groups and youth meetings. Men are now effectively mobilising other men in the campaign. Men and boys are also publicly supporting and taking part in �alternative rites of passage� ceremonies which mark the transition of girls into adults without subjecting them to FGM. This project was supported by The World Bank, The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Comic Relief. More informationIn addition to the information about past programmes provided in this section, further information about these, and other past programmes can be found on the following pages: |
