Attitudes, knowledge and people’s perception on female genital mutilation in Kapchorwa district: a case study of Kaptwanya Sub County

Abstract

This study is sought to examine Attitudes, knowledge and people’s perceptions on Female Genital Mutilation in Kaptanya Sub County, Kapchorwa district. The objectives were to; Find out peoples knowledge, Attitude and perception of FGM. Examine the social cultural issues attached to FGM and to determine the contributions of anti FGM actors. The study used a case study research design and both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data. The sampling was cluster and simple random sampling techniques that was used to collect data from women of any category. The research findings indicated that due to higher levels of ignorance about the FGM harmful effects among women of Kaptanya Sub County, adjacent to low levels of education and low income among women, they are subjected to mistreatment like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The Findings also indicated that a government effort to stop the practice is highly criticized by indigenous people of Kapchorwa district. More so the organizations which are against the act of FGM face challenges while advocating for change in the communities. Findings indicated that FGM has inflicted many victims to shame, suffering, pain, labor complications and long term and unforgettable memories resulting from shock and torture of FGM as per Health records of patients that need to be stopped with an immediate effect. Lastly, findings showed that FGM started as a culture way back in 17th century by some few Sebei fore fathers who sought could reduce immorality among women and make them stick to only one man by mutilating. Researchers also found out that, the spirits demanded for blood from the private part of a girl around Sippi falls as narrated by Mr. Kamuron Peter a member of sea