AN ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES TOWARD FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to the partial or complete excision of the external female genitalia for non-medical purposes. This is a violation of human rights and poses a public health issue impacting millions of women and girls worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2020) estimates that 200 million girls and women now living have had female genital mutilation (FGM) in the 30 countries where the practice is most prevalent, mostly in Africa, the Middle East, and some regions of Asia. FGM is prominent in immigrant communities in North America, Europe, and Australia, where traditional practices continue among diaspora populations (United Nations Children's Fund [UNICEF], 2021). Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is often sustained by cultural, societal, and religious convictions that underscore the need for dominance over women's sexuality, advocate ideals of purity, and preserve cultural identity. In some communities, female genital mutilation is seen as a rite of passage essential for social acceptability and eligibility for marriage (Hernlund & Shell-Duncan, 2007). In many African cultures, women who have not had FGM may encounter shame, social ostracism, and challenges in securing a partner (Shell-Duncan et al., 2018). This entrenched cultural support makes FGM a difficult subject to confront. The health consequences of FGM are grave and complex. Women and girls who undergo female genital mutilation may encounter acute problems such as intense pain, profuse bleeding, and infections. Long-term health repercussions include persistent pain, urinary and menstrual disorders, issues after delivery, and psychological stress (El-Gibaly et al., 2020). Research indicates that women who have had FGM have an elevated risk of negative reproductive health consequences, underscoring the critical need for public health initiatives to tackle this problem (Reed et al., 2018). Notwithstanding the detrimental consequences of FGM, knowledge of its health hazards and breaches of human rights remains disturbingly inadequate in several communities. The absence of education and the prevalence of misinformation often perpetuate the practice. A research in Nigeria indicated that several people lack awareness of the health hazards linked to FGM, resulting in the continuation of the procedure without comprehension of its repercussions (Esho et al., 2018). Additionally, many community members may possess favourable views of FGM owing to a deep commitment to tradition, seeing it as a vital component of their cultural identity (Yoder & Wang, 2018). Educational initiatives have had a significant impact on altering attitudes and decreasing the incidence of FGM. Community-oriented initiatives aimed at increasing knowledge of the perils of FGM, human rights, and gender equality have shown efficacy in many places (Toubia & Khalil, 2020). Grassroots programs in many African nations have included community leaders, health professionals, and educators to foster conversation and education around FGM, resulting in notable changes in public opinion and a decline in the practice (Shell-Duncan et al., 2018).  In light of these considerations, the researcher aims to investigate public awareness and attitudes toward female genital mutilation in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Female genital mutilation (FGM) continues to be a significant public health and human rights concern, especially in several communities across Africa, the Middle East, and some regions of Asia. Notwithstanding global efforts to eliminate this practice, several people persist in performing FGM owing to deeply rooted cultural norms and social influences (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2020). Public understanding of the health dangers and human rights abuses linked to FGM is often inadequate, resulting in the continuation of the practice. Research indicates that communities are less inclined to renounce the practice of FGM in the absence of education on its effects (Esho et al., 2018). Furthermore, perceptions of FGM may greatly affect its frequency; those who see the procedure as a rite of passage or an essential custom may oppose educational efforts designed to diminish its occurrence (Yoder & Wang, 2018). Hence, the study investigate public awareness and attitudes toward female genital mutilation in Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate public awareness and attitudes toward female genital mutilation in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

To evaluate the level of knowledge  regarding the practice of FGM in Cameroon.

To investigate factors that influence individuals' attitudes and beliefs about FGM in Cameroon

To identify barriers that prevent individuals from abandoning the practice of FGM despite awareness of its risks in Cameroon

To proffer strategies aimed to combat the practice of FGM in Cameroon.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is the level of knowledge  regarding the practice of FGM in Cameroon?

What are the factors that influence individuals' attitudes and beliefs about FGM in Cameroon?

What are the barriers that prevent individuals from abandoning the practice of FGM despite awareness of its risks in Cameroon?

What are the strategies aimed to combat the practice of FGM in Cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings of this research can inform policymakers about public attitudes toward FGM, which is essential for formulating effective laws and regulations. Revealling public support for policy changes can facilitate the implementation of measures aimed at eradicating FGM and protecting the rights of women and girls.

Findings of the study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on public awareness and attitudes toward female genital mutilation in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will evaluate the level of knowledge  regarding the practice of FGM in Cameroon, investigate factors that influence individuals' attitudes and beliefs about FGM in Cameroon, identify barriers that prevent individuals from abandoning the practice of FGM despite awareness of its risks in Cameroon and proffer strategies aimed to combat the practice of FGM in Cameroon.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to residents in Maroua, Cameroon.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): A collective term for all procedures that involve the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is recognized as a violation of human rights and has no health benefits (World Health Organization, 2020).

Awareness: The state of being informed about a particular issue or subject. In the context of this study, awareness refers to the knowledge individuals have regarding FGM, its implications, and the health risks associated with the practice.

Attitude: A psychological tendency expressed by evaluating a particular entity with some degree of favor or disfavor. In this study, attitudes towards FGM encompass individuals' beliefs, feelings, and behavioral tendencies regarding the practice, whether supportive or opposed.

Cultural Practices: Established traditions and customs that are characteristic of a particular community or society. These practices can significantly influence individuals' beliefs and behaviors, including their stance on FGM.

Public Health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts of society, organizations, and individuals. Public health initiatives aim to improve the health of populations and reduce health disparities.

Human Rights: Fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. Human rights encompass the right to life, liberty, education, and health, and are critical in discussions about practices like FGM that affect women's and girls' well-being.