Marakwet of Kenya's Perceptions of The Alternative Rite of Passage

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to a rite of passage that involves surgical operation of genitalia of young girls as a marriage preparation in some communities in Kenya. Knives and other sharp objects, without any anesthesia, are used in the operation. The aftermath is a scar, a small virginal opening, infections and other effects on maternal health. The World Vision International teamed with 'Maendeleo ya Wanawake' of Kenya to introduce an alternative rite of passage that involves guidance and festivities and a graduation into womanhood without the cutting off of the girls genitalia. This study's objective was to find out the perceptions of the Marakwet people of Kenya on the alternative rite of passage. Results showed that the youth, the christians, the educated, the wealthy, those with a high social status had a positive perception of the new rite. However, the Alternative Rite Graduands' narrations showed non acceptance of their new status as women by their peers. For the Alternative Rite to be accepted, the community has to be convinced that women do not need the pain and suffering of mutilation of their genitalia to be women. The knifeless rite should be accepted.