Home Institution

University of Oregon

Publication Date

Fall 2023

Program Name

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) has been practiced for centuries around the world, currently FGM occurs in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Even though many counties like Tanzania has outlawed FGM and stating it is a violation of human rights, many people continue the procedure without adequate education on FGM. While believing the decline in number of FGM incidences and there is still a lack of local women perspectives and their respective lived experiences on the matter. This is particularly true in some Tanzanian rural and male dominated tribes where most women are educated with limited freedom of speech such as in some parts of the Arusha region. The purpose of the study is to examine lived personal experiences, purposes, and perceptions by women undergone or practiced FGM by Maasai and Datoga women with the Arusha region. Key informant interviews and semi structured interviews were used to collect data in the two study sites. The results indicate that women who have undergone or practiced FGM in Maasai communities conclude FGM as a traumatic experience. However, the results indicate Datoga women who have undergone or practiced FGM concludes FGM as normal and not a memorable experience. In conclusion, the acquired findings has led to more effective strategies for eradicating FGM while respecting cultural diversity and understanding experiences and perspectives.

Disciplines

African Studies | Family, Life Course, and Society | Gender and Sexuality | Women's Health | Women's Studies

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