Impact of Female Genital Mutilation on Education of girls with visual impairment in Moyale sub-county Kenya.

Abstract

The aim of this research projectwas to find out the impact of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on education of girls with visual impairment in Moyale Sub Countywhich is in Kenya. FGM is the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia (WHO, 2005). It results in immediate Physical Problems, for example, intense pain and/or hemorrhage that can lead to shock during and after the procedure, hemorrhage can also lead to anemia, wound infection, including tetanus, damage to adjoining organs from the use of blunt instruments by unskilled operators and urine retention from swelling and/or blockage of the urethra (Koso-Thomas, 2007). According to Rushwan, H. (2006) it also leads to long term complications like Painful or blocked menses, recurrent urinary tract infections, dermoid cysts, and keloid scars(hardening of the scars), infertility and increases the risk of HIV infection. It is against this background that the researcher sort find out the impact of FGM on education for girls with visual impairments. According to Adoyo P.O (2002) children with visual impairment have continued to lag behind their counterparts in all academic achievements. The objectives of the research project was to find out the impact of FGM on: Class attendance, discipline, academic performance, transition to the next level of education after FGM in girls with visual impairment, and if there are administrative or educational arrangements to assist the students after undergoing FGM to advance their studies. The study used survey design to collect data by using questionnaires on literate girls and teachers. The target population included all girls with visual impairment and their teachers who are 30 in number in all the following 5 units: Sessi, Butiye, Walda, Heilu, and Somareareas ofMoyale Sub County. The sample size constituted of 23 girls and 7 teachers, making a total of 30 respondents. The research used simple random sampling which is a procedure in which all individuals in the defined population have an equal independent chance of being selected as a member of the sample (Orodho, 2005). The researcher used purposive sampling method for selecting all girls from upper classes (form two-to form four) only. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 and presented in pie