Effect of female circumcision on retention, completion and performance of girls secondary education in Samburu county, Kenya
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Date
2014-08-08
Authors
Lelelit, Rose Ndimasi
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Abstract
The purpose of the study is to find out the effect of Female Genital Mutilation/cutting
on retention and performance of girls Secondary School's education in Samburu
County. The following objective guided the study; to find out the extent in which
FGM is practiced in the area; compare the level of performance of circumcised and
uncircumcised girls; assess the attitude toward education of circumcised and
uncircumcised girls and investigate the extent to which FGM contributes to girls drop
out in the County. The research design adopted for the study was Ex-post facto which
is a correlation type of research. The research was carried out in Samburu County.
The researcher targeted 400 students, 30 teachers, six head teachers and three DEOs.
A purposive type of sampling was used to select the entire sample. Questionnaires
were used to obtain information from students, teachers and headteachers. An
interview guide was also used to get information from DEOs. For data analysis both
descriptive and inferential data was used. The study revealed that 59.0% of the
circumcised students were from both parent families and 60.5% of the uncircumcised
students were from both parent families. Majority of the students (59.2%) indicated
that they were residents of Samburu County. Majority of the circumcised students
(67.6%) were from a family where parents had no formal education. The study also
revealed that there was no difference in performance before circumcision and after
circumcision. The study also revealed that from the ANOVA tables the p-value
,0.047<0.05 implies that there is significant difference between performance of girls
before and after circumcision. The null hypothesis is accepted while the alternative
hypothesis is rejected that female circumcision has impacted negatively on the
performance of girls. It also revealed that from the ANOVA tables the p-value
0.001 <0.05 implies that there is no significant difference between the attitude of girls
before and after circumcision on their performance. The study recommends that more
awareness be created on the dangers of FGM on the education of the girl child by reevaluating
the new challenges confronting FGM and speed up eradication campaign
so that a multi-sect oral approach is adopted such as integrating FGM awareness with
ante-natal and post-natal programs. Emphasize the importance and strengthen the
alternative rite of passage in the area. There should be more intensive campaigns
especially through the Media focusing on the dangers and negative effects of FGM on
the girl-child and women. It is essential for church leaders to take an active role in the
campaigns against FGM. There is need for the parents /guardians in Samburu County
to be sensitized on the importance and value of education. Anti-FGM crusaders and
NGOs need to be more active in Samburu County and set up more safe homes and
rescue centres for girls who do not want to undergo FGM. There is need for the
education fraternity to set up strong counselling units at both the district and school
levels to emphasize on the negative effects of FGM and reduce stigmatization on the
uncircumcised girls.
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Description
Department of Educational Management Policy & Curriculum Studies, 83p.2013