|
|
Abstract
Female genital mutilation (fgm) and HIV: a new culture is born
H N Njiru
Pacodeo, Marsabit, Kenya
The culture of FGM: Female circumcision, or Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), for that's what it is, is a common practice among many communities in Africa. It's estimated that of the close to 70 ethnic groups in Kenya; about ½ of them practice FGM. Consequently, close to 50% of the Kenyan women and girls have been affected.
A study conducted in April 2003 among the pastoralists of Chalbi desert in Marsabit Kenya reveals that FGM is a mandatory cultural surgery usually done on girls at the age of 10-15 years. The survey revealed that of the 83% respondents who thought FGM was beneficial, 50% could not outline any benefits. Surprisingly, 80% of the youths and 60% of the circumcisers did not know any dangers of FGM. This could explain why 50% of the circumcisers merely wiped their tools before and between operations. The practice is so ingrained that it's a feeless operation.
The proponents of the practice argue that it lowers sexual desire hence promiscuity, and with the upsurge of HIV, they are now aggressively 'fighting' the spread of HIV.
Should we fight HIV/AIDS through FGM promotion? Does FGM reduce sexual desire hence promiscuity? Teenage pregnancies and STIs are a common occurrence in Kenya, Marsabit District included! Assuming no coercion, this should not be the case.
FGM and HIV: Does FGM accelerate the spread of HIV? (a) Little sterilization is done to the cutting equipment (b) many initiates want to ascertain whether their sexual functioning was crippled by the cut hence they confide in 'experienced' men (c) the hampered sexual excitement renders the wife passive which may propel a husband to polygamy (d) some forms of FGM limit the woman's choice of barrier contraceptives e.g. female condoms.
One way of curbing the spread of HIV is by fighting the culture of FGM. The news that 70% of the global load of People Living With AIDS (PLWAs) are in sub-Saharan Africa is sad, 'everyone' is doing something in the name of controlling HIV/AIDS.
The XV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WePeD6335
Suggested Citation
" H N Njiru ,
Female genital mutilation (fgm) and HIV: a new culture is born.
Poster Exhibition:
The XV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WePeD6335"
|
|
|