Empowering Girls through Credo Program : Preventing Female Genital Mutilation in Kenya
Karjalainen, Miriam (2021)
Karjalainen, Miriam
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021100418296
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021100418296
Tiivistelmä
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a global health concern as a form of gender-based violence and a violation of human rights. United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 focuses on eliminating all harmful practices towards girls and women, such as FGM and childhood marriages, and empowering girls and women at all levels. FGM has no health benefits, yet three million girls are at risk of being genitally mutilated each year. Among the Maasai and Pokot in Kenya, FGM is still traditionally practiced as a rite of passage into adulthood. Credo program was established by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya and the Lutheran Evangelical Association of Finland to help Kenyan girls by upholding their human rights in the prevention of FGM and childhood marriages. With the program’s help the girls are given a chance to continue their education.
This study was done in collaboration with working life partner Credo program. The objective of the study was to gain insight into the experiences of the Kenyan girls about Credo program in relation to their health, well-being and future perspectives. The aim was on the multidimensional and holistic health and well-being needs of girls, and the possibilities that being well can bring to one’s future. The sample consisted of eight girls from Credo program. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and art-based research were conducted to collect the data, and the data was analyzed with content analysis.
The findings indicate that according to the Kenyan girls’ experiences, poverty, low educational level of their parents in the rural villages, and social expectations were risk factors leading to the threat of FGM and childhood marriages. Credo program improved the health and well-being of the girls by supporting their personal development, as well as spiritual and social life, leading to increased contentment and happiness in life. Education was important for the girls to achieve a better future. Education was also significant in improving the possibilities for the girls to be accepted as mature, respected and productive members in their community, and act as positive agents towards ending FGM.
The findings suggest that underlying and multidimensional factors including economic, social and cultural aspects matter and affect the overall health and well-being needs of girls. These factors are important to keep in mind when trying to help girls comprehensively to achieve their subjective good quality life. Furthermore, girls at risk of under-going FGM need holistic support; physical, psychological, social and spiritual in order to be able to be well in their lives, to have the possibilities to achieve their goals, and reach their full potential in the society. Interventions focused on educating girls can be used to empower girls, but education also has an important role in the elimination of FGM.
This study was done in collaboration with working life partner Credo program. The objective of the study was to gain insight into the experiences of the Kenyan girls about Credo program in relation to their health, well-being and future perspectives. The aim was on the multidimensional and holistic health and well-being needs of girls, and the possibilities that being well can bring to one’s future. The sample consisted of eight girls from Credo program. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and art-based research were conducted to collect the data, and the data was analyzed with content analysis.
The findings indicate that according to the Kenyan girls’ experiences, poverty, low educational level of their parents in the rural villages, and social expectations were risk factors leading to the threat of FGM and childhood marriages. Credo program improved the health and well-being of the girls by supporting their personal development, as well as spiritual and social life, leading to increased contentment and happiness in life. Education was important for the girls to achieve a better future. Education was also significant in improving the possibilities for the girls to be accepted as mature, respected and productive members in their community, and act as positive agents towards ending FGM.
The findings suggest that underlying and multidimensional factors including economic, social and cultural aspects matter and affect the overall health and well-being needs of girls. These factors are important to keep in mind when trying to help girls comprehensively to achieve their subjective good quality life. Furthermore, girls at risk of under-going FGM need holistic support; physical, psychological, social and spiritual in order to be able to be well in their lives, to have the possibilities to achieve their goals, and reach their full potential in the society. Interventions focused on educating girls can be used to empower girls, but education also has an important role in the elimination of FGM.