Facts, Views & Vision
in ObGyn

Journal of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

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An Exploration of the Psycho-Sexual Experiences of Women Who Have Undergone Female Genital Cutting: A Case of the Maasai in Kenya

T. Eesho1

Promotor: P. Enzlin1,2

Co-promoters: S. Van Wolputte3, M. Temmerman4

1 Department of Reproduction, Development and Regeneration, Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Catholic University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Blok D – Bus 07001, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium.

2 Context – Centre for Marital, Family and Sex Therapy, Department of Psychiatry, UPC Catholic University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Blok D – Bus 07001, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium.

3 Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Institute for Anthropological Research in Africa, Faculty of Social Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Parkstraat 45, Bus - 3615, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.

4 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, International Centre for Reproductive Health, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintenlaan 185 P3, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

Keywords:

Female genital cutting, female circumcision, psychosexual effects, Maasai, sexual functioning .


Published online: Jun 29 2012

Abstract

The research explored the link between type II Female Genital Cutting (FGC) and sexual functioning. This thesis summary thus draws from an exploratory ethnographic field study carried out among the Maasai people of Kenya where type II FGC is still being practiced. A purposely sample consisting of 28 women and 19 men, within the ages of 15-80 years took part in individual interviews and 5 focus group discussions. Participants responded to open- ended questions, a method deemed appropriate to elicit insider’s in-depth information. The study found out that one of the desired effects of FGC ritual among the Maasai was to reduce women’s sexual desire, embodied as tamed sexuality. This consequence was however not experienced as an impediment to sexual function. The research es- tablished that esteeming transformational processes linked with the FGC ‘rite of passage’ are crucial in shaping a woman’s femininity, identity, marriageable status and legitimating sexuality. In turn, these elements are imperative in inculcating and nurturing a positive body-self image and sex appeal and consequently, positive sexual self actu- alization. These finding brings to question the validity of conventional sexuality theory, particularly those that sub- scribe to bio-physical models as universal bases for understanding the subject of female sexual functioning among women with FGC. Socio-cultural-symbolic nexus and constructions of sexuality should also be considered when investigating psychosexual consequences of FGC.