Evaluating the Impact of Female Genital Mutilation on Women's Health: A Case Study of Maragua Division.

ABSTRACT Female Genital Mutilation is a ritual that is carried out to the young girls mostly during their puberty age as a passage to maturity. In Maragua Division it has been performed not only to these young girls but even to women. During this era of HIV/ AIDS the practice has exposed women to acquire this epidemic disease since the equipment which are used tend to be shared. Due to lack of information and concern about this form of violation of women right. This research conist of various definition by different authors on the female genital mutilation, beliefs and practice that are attached to the practice and forms of Female genital Mutilation which have been well elaborated in the literature review. The data collection of this study consist of both secondary and primary data. The data analysis used were simple quantitive techniques such as percentage, which were used to generate the picture of impact of female genital muitilation. Tables and descriptive statistics have also being used to answer research questions. Simple and clear questionnaires were used to acquire information basing on research questions, which has enabled the respondent to have clear concept of what the researcher requires from them. The recommendation of this of this study was based on three stake holders, who are the government, Non Governmental Organization and the community. The recommendation were fight for women's right, empowerment of the women, law enforcement, encouraging both formal and informal education among women and sensitizing the community on dangers of the female genital mutilation. This can be well enhanced through creating awareness on various community gatherings, holding of seminars, workshops and also on political meetings such as community Barazas. Introduction of peer counseling can also be a great weapon of this practice in the area.