UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems (UCD IRIS Centre), School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
School of Nursing, Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, Kenya.
Afr J Reprod Health. 2022 Nov;26(11):106-118. doi: 10.29063/ajrh2022/v26i11.10.
This qualitative study, conducted in Meru and Kajiado counties in Kenya, explored the perceptions and attitudes of men and women regarding male involvement in FGM in order to inform the design of male involvement strategies in FGM abandonment. We used focus group discussions to collect the data which was then subjected to thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data: i) culture and the role of men; ii) perceived awareness and knowledge of FGM among men, and iii) credible and customised education and engagement. The study found widespread agreement on the importance of male involvement in FGM abandonment. Culture played an important role in determining the extent of involvement, or lack thereof. We conclude that while culture needs to be respected it ought to be challenged to avoid the continued harm to girls. The potential of men as a collective to bring about change was evident, and policy makers and NGOs should utilise the power of male collectives to support efforts to abandon FGM.
这项定性研究在肯尼亚的 Meru 和 Kajiado 两县进行，旨在探讨男性对男性参与女性割礼的看法和态度，以为女性割礼摒弃策略的制定提供信息。我们采用焦点小组讨论收集数据，然后对其进行主题分析。数据中浮现出三个主要主题：一）文化和男性的角色；二）男性对女性割礼的认知和了解程度；三）可信和定制化的教育和参与。研究发现，广泛认同男性参与女性割礼摒弃的重要性。文化在决定参与程度或缺乏参与程度方面起着重要作用。我们的结论是，虽然需要尊重文化，但应该对其进行挑战，以避免对女孩的持续伤害。男性作为一个集体带来变革的潜力是明显的，决策者和非政府组织应该利用男性集体的力量来支持摒弃女性割礼的努力。
