Developing a community action plan to enhance male involvement in FGM abandonment in Kenya: A qualitative study and co-design approach

This project used qualitative methods and a co-design approach to develop a community action plan (CAP) aimed at promoting male involvement in the abandonment of female genital mutilation (FGM) as well as enhance the collaboration between men and women to end FGM in Kenya. FGM is a cultural practice that involves partially cutting or injuring the female genital tissue for non-medical reasons. This project was conducted within two communities with variable FGM prevalence (Meru 31% and Kajiado 78%). The lack of male engagement in strategies to abandon FGM has been linked to the slow progress in ending the practice among some FGM practising communities. This study reiterates the importance of meaningful community engagement in designing interventions. The study has also shown the potential to address the lack of male involvement in FGM and provides practical advice on how to achieve this.