Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation on Girls’ Schooling in Tarime, Tanzania: Voices of the Uncircumcised Girls on the Experiences, Problems and Coping Strategies

Abstract

This qualitative research investigated the consequences of FGM on girls’ schooling in Tarime District, Tanzania. The study used focus group discussions as a research method and data collection instrument. The sample consisted of 20 participants in which four focus group discussions with five members each were conducted. The results unfolded various experiences and problems of the uncircumcised girls due to FGM, including isolation, stigmatisation, lack of support in education, forced circumcision and forced marriages. The results also revealed various coping strategies used by school girls to overcome the FGM-based problems. These included seeking support from the relatives, religious institutions, schools and the government as well as the use of confrontational and avoidance coping strategies against stigmatisation. Generally, the results of this study indicated that uncircumcised schools girls were confronted with numerous FGM-based problems that affected their studies in different contexts and varied degrees of intensity. However, it was revealed that there were no reliable and realistic mechanisms in place to resolve the problems and support uncircumcised girls in their studies. However, it was revealed that there were no reliable and realistic mechanisms in place to resolve the problems and support uncircumcised girls in their studies. In view of the findings of this study, it is thereby recommended that educational planners and policy makers in the government should formulate viable educational policies that will protect uncircumcised girls in schools. Also, the government has to ensure that realistic and reliable financing initiatives such as bursaries and scholarships are provided to support the uncircumcised girls confronted with FGM-based problems so that they can continue with schooling without any obstacles.

Key Words: FGM, stigmatisation, uncircumcised girls, forced circumcision, forced marriages, focus group discussions, qualitative research, Tarime