Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is termed as a horrendous practice that causes harm to the female genitalorgans. Tracing its roots before the arrival of Abrahamic religions, the ritual that was originally a part ofAfrica has crossed boundaries and is practiced around the globe. With more than 3 million girls cut everyyear, United Nations has declared FGM as a ritual that needs to be curbed. Somalia is one country where theincidence of genital mutilation and its aftermath is very high. Most women in Somalia undergo the ritual ofcut to purify themselves. This paper looks into “type three cutting” (infibulation) in Somalia with the help ofthree works written by Somali authors-Hibo Wardere, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Waris Dirie.
The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice that is carried out by more than 30 African and Middle East Countries. It is labeled as one of the harmful traditional practices and crimes against women and girls. FGM is highly prevalent in Ethiopia. In order to address the problem, the government has criminalized the practice under the 2004 Criminal Code. Instead of using words that indicate the gravity of the practice such as female genital cutting or mutilation, the law, however, has used ‘circumcision’ which is a less condemning word. Besides, the law has not criminalized the full scale of FGM. These shortcomings have undermined the effectiveness of the law to criminalize and deter the practice. Consequently, the practice is unabated to date and continued to be practiced in different parts of the country with different magnitude and justifications. Through reviewing and analyzing the pertinent international human rights instruments and literature, this study has identified the limits of criminalization of FGM in Ethiopia.
Much discussion has been raised worldwide on Female Genital Mutilation and/or Cutting FGM/C , however, there is a need to understand the impact of FGM/C for girls and women. This paper focuses on the practice, and experiences, of FGM/C in Tanzania. This paper uses Tanzania’s 2016 Demographic and Health Survey to analyse two key objectives: 1 who is at risk of FGM and potentially why; and 2 what are the future outcomes if one conducts FGM: what relationships do they enter into and what socio-economic status is obtained? The results show 10.48% of women interviewed had experienced FGM/C. The majority of these cases are conducted at a young age 51% below eight years old ; and by traditional circumcisers 65% . Secondly, the experience of FGM was highest for women residing in rural areas; with no education; from the poorest socio-economic group; and from the Central-Northern regions including Manyara, Arusha, Singida, Dodoma and Mara. A key contribution made by this paper is identifying the associations to future life outcomes: FGM/C experience was associated to particular relationships later in life, and with particular partners. The findings raise the need for engagement of practitioners, policy makers and community members, of different levels to engage in the movement to stopping FGM
This study assesses the feasibility of using a screening tool to proactively identify child survivors of sexual violence in Kenyan primary school and health facility settings, and to refer such survivors to care. A mixed‐methods design was employed, involving quantitative screening tool data, as well as service data from 497 girls and boys in two primary schools (in standards six to eight) and one hospital site (11–17‐year‐olds) and qualitative data (in the form of field notes) generated during the screening process. Results point to the feasibility of this screening intervention, as evidenced by the proportion of children in the school and health facility sites combined: 97 per cent were willing to be screened for sexual violence, 45 per cent disclosed lifetime sexual violence and 75 per cent received care subsequent to disclosing lifetime experiences of sexual violence. Further, the qualitative results ‘give voice’ to child survivors and their parents, demonstrating the acceptability of, and demand for, the intervention among these populations. Findings from this study suggest that screening for sexual violence against children is feasible in both school and health facility settings. Such screening also holds potential for expanding child survivors' access to care. ‘Assesses the feasibility of using a screening tool to proactively identify child survivors of sexual violence in Kenyan primary school and health facility settings’ Key Practitioner Messages Screening is a feasible means of proactively identifying child survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence screening can help expand child survivors' access to care. Sexual violence screening can be adapted for implementation in various contexts or sectors, and with various categories of children.
Kenya has made significant efforts to address violence against children (VAC), but its prevalence remains high. Networking of different actors has shown evidence of benefit in some sectors, but determining its effectiveness in addressing VAC has not received due scholarly attention. We conducted qualitative research, including a desk review, focus group discussions, and interviews. In this article, we apply complexity leadership theory to illuminate the types of networks involved and the influence Kenya’s government actors can exert towards eliminating VAC. We found that these actors operate through structured and unstructured networks. The latter are mainly grassroots responders who work voluntarily. The complexity leadership theory postulates that leadership influence is exercised through key functions, which are reflected in the two types of networks. The political–administrative function in Kenya is shaped by law; we show how it transforms other networks via an adaptive function. An enabling function is executed through enforcing policy, monitoring, and other methods, while a dissemination function involves the translation of ideas into policy, such as the transformation of Childline Kenya, a grassroots organization, into the National Child Helpline. We conclude that government should strengthen child rights networking by building more technical and financial capacity for this role.
Jacqueline Nassimbwa, Doris Muhwezi Kakuru, Malcolm T. Mpamizo
Introduction Parenting programmes may reduce the risk of violence against children and improve child well-being. However, additional economic support may be necessary in highly deprived rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, delivering programmes within farmer groups may increase male caregiver recruitment and engagement. Methods A parallel cluster randomised controlled trial examined the combined and separate effects of parenting and economic strengthening programmes on reducing violence against children aged 0–18 years in farming communities in Tanzania (n=248 families; 63% male caregivers). Eight villages were randomly assigned to four conditions (2:2:2:2): (1) 12-session parenting programme (n=60); (2) agribusiness training (n=56); (3) parenting and agribusiness combined (n=72); (4) control (n=60). Parent-report, child-report and early childhood observation assessments were conducted at baseline, mid-treatment and post-treatment. Primary outcomes were child maltreatment and parenting behaviour. Secondary outcomes included corporal punishment endorsement, parenting stress, parent/child depression, child behaviour, economic well-being and child development. Results At post-treatment, parents and children receiving the combined interventions reported less maltreatment (parents: incidence rate ratio (IRR=0.40, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.65; children: IRR=0.40, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.92). Parents reported reduced endorsement of corporal punishment (Dw=−0.43, 95% CI −0.79 to 0.07) and fewer child behaviour problems (Dw=−0.41, 95% CI −0.77 to 0.05). Parents in parenting-only villages reported less abuse (IRR=0.36, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.63) and fewer child behaviour problems (Dw=−0.47, 95% CI −0.84 to 0.11). Parents in agribusiness-only villages reported fewer child behaviour problems (Dw=−0.43, 95% CI −0.77 to 0.08) and greater household wealth (Dw=0.57, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.06). However, children in agribusiness-only villages reported increased physical abuse (IRR=2.26, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.12) and less positive parenting (Dw=−0.50, 95% CI −0.91 to 0.10). There were no other adverse effects. Conclusion Parent training may be the active ingredient in reducing maltreatment in farmer groups with majority male caregivers, while agribusiness training programmes may have unintended negative consequences on children when delivered alone. Locating parenting support in existing farmer groups can engage much higher proportions of fathers than stand-alone programmes. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02633319
Jamie M. Lachman, Joyce Wamoyi, Thees F. Spreckelsen et al.
Violence against children has recently become detrimental. The study was conducted in Dodoma city at Nzuguni ward to examine strategies employed by single fathers in preventing violence against children, whereby a cross-sectional design was employed. A non-probability sampling procedure through the snowball technique was used to select single fathers, and a purposive sampling technique was used to obtain key informants, including a ward police officer, community development officer, social welfare officer, and ward executive officer. Data were collected using surveys, focus group discussions and interview methods, using questionnaires and checklists as tools. The study collected data from 65 respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data, where frequencies and percentages were computed, and qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The findings indicate that the majority of single fathers employ living with relatives and sending children to boarding schools as strategies to prevent violence against children. Other strategies include limiting interactions with others, talking openly and friendly with children, staying alone with children, and using caregivers and neighbours. The study concludes that strategies used have succeeded in preventing their children from violence in their households but have not ensured preventive measures outside their home place. Therefore, the study recommends collaborative efforts of different stakeholders in preventing and responding to violence against children. Furthermore, awareness of parents and guardians talking openly with children should continue being raised as it seems less employed.
This study seeks to investigate community insights on violence against children, focusing on awareness, involvement, and predicting factors within the Hawassa City Administration in Ethiopia. The study employed a cross-sectional explanatory research design, incorporating a mixed-methods approach. Three hundred ninety-one respondents participated in this study, along with seven individuals for in-depth interviews and sixteen participants in focus groups. A single population proportion formula was employed to determine sample size, and a systematic sampling procedure was utilized to select participants from the chosen kebeles. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze the quantitative data. The qualitative data were analyzed via the thematic analysis method. The study results revealed that all respondents are aware of violence against children; for 57.3% of the respondents, sexual abuse comes to their mind first when they think of violence against children. While 71.4% of the respondents are well informed on measures they can take to address violence against children, only 47.3% of the respondents have the experience of taking measures to address violence against children. The average mean score of 2.19 indicates that the community's level of engagement in addressing violence against children is low. The analysis identified key predictors of community engagement: attitude toward violence against children (β = -.244, t(-4.286), p < 0.05), age (β = -.223, t(-3.997), p < 0.05), habit of working with community policing (β = -.220, t(-3.931), p < 0.05), and role in the existing community structure (β =.178, t(3.135), p < 0.05). The study identified various community-based protection structures, including family systems, religious institutions, educational institutions, community policing services, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, governmental organizations, and legal frameworks. These findings suggest the need for strengthening community-based protection mechanisms while addressing the identified gaps between awareness and active engagement in child violence protection
Violence against children (VAC) remains a global challenge and a major concern in Tanzania despite strong policy and legal frameworks. The Government of Tanzania introduced the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC) 2017/2018–2021/2022 to address this issue through prevention, protection, and support strategies. This study assessed community awareness of the implementation of the NPA-VAWC in Mbeya City Council, a region with high incidences of VAC. A mixed-method approach was adopted, employing a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 100 randomly selected community members using questionnaires and from four purposively selected key informants through interviews. Additional information was obtained from documentary reviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS, while qualitative data were examined through content analysis. Findings revealed that although 96% of respondents were aware of VAC and could identify its different forms, only 35% had heard of the NPA-VAWC. The majority (67%) demonstrated a medium level of awareness regarding its strategies, with greater familiarity of positive parenting compared to household economic strengthening or legal enforcement. The study concludes that community awareness of NPA-VAWC is inadequate and uneven, limiting full participation. It recommends intensified sensitisation campaigns, stronger NGO and government collaboration, and targeted education to strengthen community ownership in ending VAC.
Violence against children (VAC) is a serious issue in Tanzania and globally at large. Factors for its occurrence are known and community participation is highly recommended and needed in VAC prevention. Violence against children can be prevented if the global community acts now, acts wisely and acts together. Implementation and enforcement of laws, norms and values, safe environments, parent and caregiver support, income and economic strengthening, response and support services, and education and life skills (INSPIRE) are vital strategies for this success. This study assessed the community’s participation in the implementation of INSPIRE strategies in Mbeya City. A hundred randomly selected community members and 9 key informants were selected based on the stake they had. Community surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and documentary reviews were used in data collection. The Statistical Product for Service Solution (IBM-SPSS) version 20 was used to analyze quantitative data through descriptive and inferential statistics (factor analysis). Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study reveals that; community members had positive attitudes on INSPIRE strategies with moderate practices. However, interference from the witnesses, rate of reporting and exposing perpetrators were reported as resulting from fear of being blamed for the consequences especially when VAC cases reach at police or the courts of law. The study concluded that the community’s positive attitude toward INSPIRE strategies is influenced by a moderate level of awareness. The study recommends that; the community’s awareness and capacity building should continue to enhance positive attitudes and improve practices to stop VAC.
