AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS  IN THE CULTURAL PERSISTENCE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice entailing the partial or complete excision of external female genitalia or other harm to the female genital organs for non-medical purposes (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2023). This practice is internationally acknowledged as a violation of human rights, with significant repercussions for the health and welfare of girls and women. Notwithstanding extensive worldwide and national efforts to eradicate FGM, the practice continues in certain places, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and some Asian nations. It is estimated that over 200 million girls and women now living have had some kind of female genital mutilation (FGM), mostly in Africa, with more than 3 million girls at danger of undergoing the procedure each year (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund [UNICEF], 2023).

The continuation of FGM is propelled by a confluence of entrenched cultural, societal, and religious variables that affect the practice in various groups. Traditional authorities, generally seen as guardians of traditional customs, significantly contribute to the continuation of FGM. Their support or tolerance of the practice may bolster community acceptability, since their authority is highly esteemed and often associated with cultural authenticity (Berg & Denison, 2019). Traditional leaders often participate in decision-making processes that govern cultural practices, and their endorsement of FGM perpetuates its position as a socially sanctioned rite, commonly associated with notions of purity, marriageability, and social identity (Shell-Duncan et al., 2018). Religious convictions substantially affect the continuation of FGM, despite the absence of clear mandates in major religious texts. Certain religious leaders advocate for FGM as an element of religious doctrine, fostering the erroneous belief that it is an essential aspect of religious practice (Abdelshahid & Campbell, 2019). In areas where FGM is widespread, religion often intermingles with cultural identity, complicating the distinction between cultural customs and religious mandates. The amalgamation of culture and religion enhances the practice's durability, since religious rationalisations may provide a feeling of moral legitimacy to FGM, complicating attempts to contest its validity (El-Gibaly et al., 2019).

Notwithstanding legal attempts to prohibit FGM in several nations, enforcement continues to pose a considerable difficulty owing to the cultural acceptability of the practice. Anti-FGM legislation often encounters opposition in communities that see the practice as a cultural or religious obligation. In such instances, FGM persists covertly, as families use underground practitioners to evade legal consequences while maintaining what they consider an essential cultural tradition (WHO, 2023). This issue highlights the need to confront both the legal and the cultural and religious foundations of FGM, which perpetuate the practice in several areas. Initiatives to eradicate FGM have resulted in the formulation of comprehensive strategies that include education, community engagement, and legislative changes. The efficacy of these initiatives is often constrained by the influence of cultural and religious organisations within the targeted communities. Initiatives that do not include traditional and religious leaders in the discourse against FGM may find it challenging to effectuate enduring change, given that these leaders possess substantial influence over community norms and values (UNICEF, 2023). In some instances, including traditional leaders and religious authority in initiatives aimed at the abandonment of FGM has shown potential, since these individuals serve as proponents of change instead than upholding the practice (Shell-Duncan et al., 2018). Considering the lasting impact of traditional leadership and religious convictions, it is essential to comprehend how these elements facilitate the cultural continuity of FGM.. Therefore, the researcher sought to  investigate the role of traditional leaders and religious beliefs  in the cultural persistence of female genital mutilation in Cameroon. 

1.2 Statement of the problem

Female genital mutilation (FGM) persists as a deeply ingrained cultural practice in several nations, especially in Africa, despite international initiatives aimed at its eradication (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2023). The continuation of FGM is often ascribed to intricate social, cultural, and religious influences, with traditional authorities and religious convictions significantly contributing to the maintenance of the practice (El-Gibaly et al., 2019). In several communities, traditional leaders have considerable influence over cultural traditions, and their support for FGM often legitimises its perpetuation (Berg & Denison, 2019). This acceptance is sometimes bolstered by religious interpretations that sustain the notion of FGM as a religious duty or rite of passage, hence complicating eradication efforts. Religious beliefs are identified as a primary justification for the ongoing practice of FGM, despite the absence of specific requirements from any major religion (WHO, 2023). Traditional leaders often utilise these ideas to rationalise the procedure, so perpetuating detrimental misunderstandings about the need of FGM for cultural identity, moral integrity, and social acceptability (Shell-Duncan et al., 2018). Despite legal prohibitions and advocacy initiatives, communities persist in maintaining FGM as a cultural norm, reflecting the enduring impact of these social structures in perpetuating the practice (Abdelshahid & Campbell, 2019). Hence, the study investigate the role of traditional leaders and religious beliefs  in the cultural persistence of female genital mutilation in Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate the role of traditional leaders and religious beliefs  in the cultural persistence of female genital mutilation in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

To analyze the influence of religious beliefs on the cultural persistence of FGM.

To examine the role of traditional leaders in perpetuating the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Cameroon

To identify the cultural justifications used by traditional leaders to uphold FGM as a social obligation in Cameroon.

To recommend strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of FGM in Cameroon.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is  the influence of religious beliefs on the cultural persistence of FGM?

What is the role of traditional leaders in perpetuating the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Cameroon?

What are the cultural justifications used by traditional leaders to uphold FGM as a social obligation in Cameroon?

What are the recommended strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of FGM in Cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings from this study will benefit policymakers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and advocacy groups working to end FGM by offering evidence-based recommendations for culturally sensitive strategies. Such strategies will consider the significant influence that traditional leaders and religious authorities wield in communities where FGM is practiced. Engaging these leaders as allies rather than adversaries in anti-FGM campaigns could enhance the effectiveness of interventions and lead to more sustainable outcomes. 

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  the role of traditional leaders and religious beliefs  in the cultural persistence of female genital mutilation in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will  analyze the influence of religious beliefs on the cultural persistence of FGM, examine the role of traditional leaders in perpetuating the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Cameroon, identify the cultural justifications used by traditional leaders to uphold FGM as a social obligation in Cameroon and recommend strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of FGM in Cameroon.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to Bamenda, 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 traditional cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, or other injuries to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons. It is considered a violation of human rights and has no health benefits (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023).

Traditional Leaders: Influential figures within a community who are regarded as custodians of cultural practices, customs, and social norms. They often hold authority over cultural and social matters, including the continuation of rituals like FGM.

Religious Beliefs: A set of spiritual or faith-based principles and practices that shape the cultural and moral values of a community. In the context of FGM, religious beliefs are sometimes cited as justification for the practice, although no major religion explicitly mandates it.

Cultural Persistence: The ongoing continuation of cultural practices, beliefs, or norms over time, despite changing social, legal, or environmental conditions. In this study, it refers to the continued practice of FGM in communities due to entrenched cultural and religious influences.

Social Norms: Shared expectations and rules that guide behavior within a community. Social norms related to FGM often include beliefs about female purity, marriageability, and social acceptance.

Human Rights Violation: An infringement upon the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled. FGM is considered a human rights violation due to its harmful physical and psychological consequences and its impact on the dignity of women and girls.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. Goal 5 specifically targets gender equality and the elimination of harmful practices such as FGM.

Anti-FGM Programs: Initiatives and interventions designed to prevent and eliminate the practice of female genital mutilation. These programs may involve community education, legal measures, and advocacy efforts.

Cultural Identity: The sense of belonging to a particular cultural or ethnic group, which is defined by shared traditions, beliefs, language, and customs. Cultural identity can influence the continuation of practices like FGM, as individuals may perceive it as a necessary part of their heritage.