Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is recognized internationally as a violation of human rights of girls and women constituting an extreme form of gender discrimination with documented health consequences. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of FGM practice in the study area. A community based cross-sectional study design was applied. Both quantitative and qualitative study methods are employed. A total of 278 women at reproductive age (15-49) are sampled for the study from six randomly selected kebeles of Angacha woreda. The survey data was analyzed by SPSS software version 20. Descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage, and frequency are used for analyzing data. Qualitative data is analyzed thematically and the result is presented in narration. From study participants, 92.4% are practiced FGM, and 77.7% of are undergone themselves. The practice is undergone by health professionals at night time. Traditions, reproductive and community roles, norms, and values regarding gender equality are the major push factors for the continuation of the FGM. Mothers are the primary supporters of the practice in the family. Based on the findings, it was concluded that, the prevalence of FGM is high in the study area. Attitudinal transformation is needed through a cooperative and collaborative campaign of all stakeholders in the entire community by arranging trainings, workshops, and media to minimize the prevalence of female genital mutilation.
Keywords: Female Genital Mutilation, Kembata Community, Prevalence
