A Comparative Study on the Role of Mass Media and Interpersonal Communication in Anti-fgm Campaings in Kajiado District.

Autor/Urheber	Lucy, Okiya Masika
Titel	A Comparative Study on the Role of Mass Media and Interpersonal Communication in Anti-fgm Campaings in Kajiado District.
Quelle	University Of Nairobi (2006) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	online; Monographie
Abstract	Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the term used to refer to the removal of part or all of the female genitalia. The practice is deeply embedded in African culture and has continued for thousands of years. The origins are not fully understood but it is thought to have existed since 3000BC Religion is often given as the reason for the practice, especially Islam. However according to the World Health Organization (WHO) FGM predates all modem religions. It is estimated that over 130 million girls and women have been subjected to FGM and that a further 2 million girls are at risk each year. Most of them live in 287 African countries and increasingly in Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand, among immigrant communities. The Anti FGM proponents in Africa and elsewhere have made great progress in challenging the practice: by pointing to the physical and psychological health risks of the practice; its impact on girl education, early marriages and general development of the community as a w hole; and by calling for respect for the human rights of girls and women. African women's organizations at the forefront state that FGM is rooted and perpetuated in the unequal relationship between women and men in African societies making women passive and to comply with traditions and the stress generated by accepting these practices as right and/or inevitable in order to belong to the society. UNICEF notes and urges that change can only come from within. Thus it is vital for the anti- FGM campaigners to raise the debate within communities practicing it. Transformation will come when people recognize and understand the wider benefits that change will bring to the health and well being of girls and women, as well as their whole community. The main aim is to build positive motivation for people to change. Kenya's campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) dates back to 1913 when missionaries observed that FGM was a severe practice. In 1989 former President Daniel arap Moi asked Meru and communities stiil circumcising girls to stop the practice forthwith. The criminalization of FGM caused it to go underground, necessitating a different approach to its eradication. nder vui For this reason, the study was commissioned to and examined role played by media and interpersonal communication channels among the Maasai of Kajiado District with special reference to the subject of FGM. The results will guide policy makers, campaign designers in laying campaign communication strategies and by bringing up issues on health, education, gender inequalities, marginalization of women and its impact on development. The study assessed the community's perceptions of FGM; its effects; and factors influencing FGM such as knowledge, attitude, practices and other socio-economic and cultural factors. Study findings indicate that a part from interpersonal communication, radio is the most accessible medium among the Maasai of Kajiado. It is, therefore, vital to use a local radio station in the local language to facilitate awareness amongst the Maasai is vital. Open debates would be more effective in deliberating on various FGM related issues. It becomes apparent that anti-FGM advocates must counter the myth and belief that FGM provides protection, pleasure and hygiene. Public declaration by leaders and elders which has a strong psychological should be encouraged. Interplay of interpersonal communication and mass media will be more advantageous to the anti-FGM campaigns. Study findings imply that alternative initiation should be established in order to completely eradication of FGM. It was found that significant efforts have been achieved in creation of awareness but more needs to be done to internalize the anti-FGM messages. Communication activities must be tailored and integrated to suit the local people. Focusing solely on women while completely ignoring the rolc-playcd by men in perpetuating the practice is not enough. There is need to shift attention to the male since they are the decision makers. Maasai traditional birth attendants should be trained to give up the misconceptions about attending to uncircumcised mothers. Midwives should be trained to be advocates of anti- FGM campaigns. Networking with all stakeholders is vital for no single organization or individual can effectively succeed. Campaigns should target the following beneficiaries: Men; young girls and women; TBAs; midwives; grandmothers; community leaders and clan elders; women activists and women groups; governance officers; and NGOs Eradication of FGM practice among the Maasai, as a whole, needs openness in communication and attitudinal change in the community. The overall goal, to improve gender relations, further women rights, change attitudes and behaviour of the community towards FGM is envisioned in community involvement and enhancement of informal communication rather than the classic media.
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