| Abstract: | Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful tradit
ional practice which involves the partial or
total removal of the external female genitalia for
cultural and traditional reasons. It is a criminal
offence as it causes pain, violates the human right
s and the health of women; and puts girls at
risk. This study focuses on the prevalence of FGM,
cultural beliefs and magnitude of the
practice, consequences involved after the mutilatio
n, and challenges and critical institutional
gaps in fighting FGM in Shebedino and Gorichie dist
ricts in Ethiopia. A total of 140 informants
(120 reproductive women, 10 community leaders & 10
government officials of the two districts)
took part in the study. Survey questionnaire and se
mi structured interview are employed to
collect the data. Both quantitative and qualitative
data analysis were used to analyze the data.
The results indicated that the practice and experie
nce of FGM is highly prevalent in Shebedino
and Gorichie districts. All people including the di
strict officials, religious leaders, community
elders, teachers and civil servants (educated or no
t educated) are practicing it upon their
children due to cultural beliefs and long standin
g societal attitude/culture characterized by
imbalanced gender relations, economic factors, lack
of awareness on the adverse effects of the
practices and legal and policy frameworks. The resu
lts further indicated that females suffer from
a number of physical, psychological and social prob
lems as a result of being a victim of genital
mutilation. Therefore empowering people in the com
munity with knowledge on the issue of FGM
and providing the necessary resources will help eli
minating the practice. |
