The effects of female genital mutilation on girls academic performance in Kajiado county: A case study of Ilmunkush Sub-Location

Abstract

Education is one of the child’s basic right and need. Any practice that negatively impact on child academic performance, should be dealt with accordingly. Every child is entitled to protection from all sorts of abuse such as physical, emotional, sexual, neglect and any other forms of exploitation and torture. Ninety five percent of primary school in Ilimungush Sub location, records at least 5 girls dropped from school in 2014, immediately after they were circumcised due to teenage pregnancy and early marriage while others grades drop significantly. The general objective of this study was to establish the impact of female genital mutilation on girls’ academic performance in primary schools in Ilmungush Sub-location Kajiado County. Objectives were to establish the cultural factors that support practices of female genital mutilation in Ilmungush sub-location, to evaluate the impact of female genital mutilation on the girl’s child’s academic performance in Ilmungush sub location, to suggest measures that can be used to cub female genital mutilation practice. The research employed a descriptive research design in assessing the impact of Female Genital mutilation on girl’s academic performance. The study targeted girls in primary school between in class 6, 7, 8 from single classrooms, teachers and parents from schools within Ilmungush Sub-location Kajiado County. From this population a sample of 9 schools and 50 homesteads was selected. The respondents comprised of a group of people randomly picked from different ages, educational level and sex. Teachers were very important people since they have the information on girl’s performance and school dropout records. The researcher used stratified simple random sampling process to select a number of individuals from the population for study since it may not be possible to study the all population. The sample was representative, valid and sufficient to give information that is reliable for decision making. Data was obtained through the following instruments; Questionnaires, Interview, and Observation. Questionnaires. Community leaders could play a critical role in the fight against the practice, if given proper approaches for intervention, as some chiefs, churches and other organization are already doing. However, there is some limitation pointed out in this study, as such some girls still do well even after they are circumcised. There is needed to find out why some are affected and others are not. This discrepancy gave the researcher a benefit of doubt that might be a psychological impact which counseling can be an appropriate approach of intervention The researcher also concluded that the three elements; Child labor, poor academic results and dropping out of school are contributed by female circumcision. It affects the child’s socially, emotionally and cognitively hence resulting to dropping of academic standards. This discourages the pupil making them to leave school which provides a window for early marriage.