Female genital mutilation: implications for girls’ education in Tarime district, Tanzania

Employing a cave study design with a qualitative research approach, this research Investigated the implications of FGM practice on girls' education in Tarime District, Tanzania by (a) examining the effects of FGM on girls' education (b) exploring the experiences and problems of school girls due to FGM practice (c) exploring the copying strategies used by girls to overcome their problems and (d) exploring the possible alternative rites of passage (ARPs) to FGM Practice. Data collection was done through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The sample consisted of 48 participants. The results showed several implications of FGM practice on education, including limiting girls' access to education, academic achievements and retention in schools. The results also revealed a wide range of FGM-based problems that affect school girls. These problems include isolation, lack of support in education, stigmatization, forced circumcision, .forced marriages and peer conflicts. In addition, the results revealed the coping strategies used by girls to overcome their problems. These strategies include seeking support from relatives, schools, religious institutions and the government. Lastly, the results revealed the possible ARPs to FGM practice in Tarime District which can be achieved through education and religion. Generally, the results of this research demonstrated the odds of FGM in providing both protective and non-protective effects on girls' education. In line with the findings. the researcher has recommended various strategies that can be used to overcome the problem of FGM practice so as to improve girls' education in Tarime District.