Kenyan Circumcision (Game between Cultural Tradition and Women's Rights and Interests)

Kenya is a multi-ethnic and multicultural country, and some tribes still adhere to the tradition of female circumcision. Although this tradition is regarded as a cultural heritage, it deprives women of their rights and interests, resulting in many women facing life threats and long-term physical and mental trauma when undergoing circumcision. This paper will discuss the operation steps of circumcision in Kenya, its influence on women's rights and interests and how to protect these rights and interests.

Kenya circumcision procedure

Female circumcision in Kenya is usually carried out in adolescence, and its operation steps are different according to the cultural differences of different tribes. However, most circumcision operations include the following steps:

1. Preparation stage: Girls are usually sent to separate rooms or huts to prepare for circumcision. At this stage, girls usually receive some education, including how to be a good wife and mother and how to play a role in the family and community.

2. Circumcision stage: At this stage, girls are usually fixed on a special wooden frame so that the circumciser can perform circumcision more conveniently. Circumcisors usually cut off a girl's vulva with a sharp blade or scissors. In some tribes, girls' clitoris is also removed.

3. Recovery stage: girls who have been circumcised usually stay in the hut so that they can recover. At this stage, girls usually receive some special treatments, including the use of herbs and plants to help relieve pain and reduce infection.

The Influence of Kenyan Circumcision on Women's Rights and Interests

The influence of Kenyan circumcision on women's rights and interests is beyond doubt. First of all, the process of circumcision itself may lead to the life-threatening of girls. Because circumcision is usually performed without anesthesia, girls may lose too much blood, get infected or have other serious complications.

Secondly, circumcision may also lead to long-term physical and mental trauma for girls. After circumcision, girls may experience chronic pain, infection, sexual dysfunction and other health problems. In addition, girls may feel ashamed, inferior and helpless because of circumcision, which may affect their mental health and social life.

Finally, circumcision may also cause girls to lose their autonomy and freedom. In some tribes, girls must get married and have children after circumcision, otherwise they will be regarded as social losers. This may deprive girls of the right to pursue their dreams and goals.

How to protect women's rights and interests

The Kenyan government has taken a series of measures to protect women's rights and interests. First, the government passed a law prohibiting female circumcision and punishing violators. Secondly, the government has also launched nationwide publicity activities to raise people's awareness and concern about women's rights and interests. In addition, the government also provides medical and psychological support services for girls affected by circumcision.

In addition to the government's efforts, some non-governmental organizations are also working hard to protect women's rights and interests. For example, some organizations began to cooperate with local communities to educate people about the dangers of female circumcision and provide alternative ceremonies to celebrate girls' adulthood.