The Impact of fgm on female labor Participation in Kenya

AbstractFemale genital mutilation (FGM) impacts over 15% of Kenyan women, yet its socioeconomic consequences, particularly on labor force participation, remain insufficiently examined. This protocol outlines a study to investigate the influence of FGM on female labor force participation in Kenya, emphasizing health complications and social barriers as key mechanisms. Employing a mixed-methods design—subject to ethical approval—the study proposes a survey of 500 women in high-FGM prevalence regions and 20 semi-structured interviews to evaluate employment status, health outcomes, and personal experiences. It hypothesizes that FGM diminishes participation rates, especially in formal employment, due to physical constraints and societal stigma. Integrating gender studies and labor economics, this research seeks to provide evidence-based insights for anti-FGM policies and women’s economic empowerment in Kenya. This pre-print is disseminated to establish authorship amid delays and potential unauthorized use by the reviewing body.