Research Article
Perceptions of Women on Female Genital Mutilation in Kapchorwa District, Uganda
Jabeth Ayeko, Peace Tibagonzeka and
Alice Norah Ladur
Correspondence Address :
Alice Norah Ladur
Department of Community Health
Africa Renewal University
P. O BOX 35138 Kampala Uganda
Faculty of Health and social Sciences, Bournemouth University
Royal London House, Christchurch Road,
BH1 3LT
United Kingdom
Tel: +256706067006
Email: aladur@africarenewaluniversity.org
Received on: July 24, 2019, Accepted on: July 29, 2019, Published on: August 02, 2019
Citation: Jabeth Ayeko, Peace Tibagonzeka, Alice Norah Ladur (2019). Perceptions of Women on Female Genital Mutilation in Kapchorwa District, Uganda
Copyright: 2019 Alice Norah Ladur, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which
permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been considered as a gross violation of Human rights and a direct manifestation of gender inequalities and discrimination. Women and girls who have undergone FGM suffer both short and long-term health risks. Despite this, FGM is persistent in Eastern Uganda. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of women regarding the practice of female genital mutilation in Kapchorwa district. This study used an exploratory qualitative design to collect data. One focus group discussion was held with 12 women in rural Uganda. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the findings from the qualitative data. This study found out that women undertake FGM as a pre-requisite for marriage, to obtain respect, cultural identity and acceptance. Participants mentioned the health effects of FGM such as severe bleeding, painful childbirth experiences and infections. There were mixed perceptions regarding the practice of FGM in society which may reflect the need for more health education programs targeting communities within the Sebei region so as to eliminate this practice that is still common in this society.