ASSESSMENTS OF COMMUNITY‟S PERCEPTION TOWARD THE PRACTICES OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN OROMIA REGIONAL STATE: THE CASE OF WONCHI WOREDA, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The practices of FGM are a trans-generational problem across the world. It is a national problem and a sensitive cultural issue in Ethiopia. It affects the live of girls and women in the country. The objective of the study is to assess community‟s perception toward the practices of FGM in wonchi district. The researcher used mixed research approach and triangulation design for the study. Data source for the study were generated from primary and secondary data sources. By using simple random sampling three kebeles were selected from 26 kebeles of the study woreda and 285-sample household heads were selected from 998 total household heads. The data for the study were collected through questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion. Quantitative data were analyzed by using table, frequency and percentage. While, qualitative data were analyzed in description form by using words. The findings of the study from both quantitative and qualitative information revealed that all community do not have similar perception on harmfulness of FGM. Underlying reasons that forced community to practices FGM are: culturally uncircumcised girl is not get husband in the community. Similarly, there is discrimination and insult against uncircumcised girl in the community. The main reasons for the continued practices of FGM in the community includes FGM is very much intertwined with long held cultural beliefs and social norms within the community, and the existing laws against FGM is not put in to practice effectively. Based on the findings the following recommendations were suggested. Government should strengthen public awareness on harmfulness of FGM, and mobilize all educational institutions and media to change negative attitudes and customary action towards women and children. Similarly, community should collaborate with local authorities and other institutions to learn, teach, and take violators to legal bodies.