Cultural Relevance and Temporal Placement in Framing Female Genital Mutilation in Samburu County

Abstract

The paper looks at the framing of anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) messages in relation to culture in Samburu County. It focuses on the framing of FGM in its value and relevance within the community culture as an indicator of a possible site for self-evaluation in the fight against FGM. The study draws upon research on anti-FGM media campaigns in Samburu County, (Ndiritu, 2026) combining an analysis of radio messages with findings from interviews and focus group discussions conducted among community members exposed to the broadcasts. The sample consisted of a media anti-FGM campaigner, four elderly persons and twelve young persons. It employed framing theory and used qualitative methods to analyse the data. It found that FGM, which is widely perceived as a harmful practice, is today framed variously in the media. Apart from focusing on its harmful effects and its negative role in education and marital bliss, the study has found frames that portray FGM as failing in the very role it seeks to play as a cultural ritual. These frames have cast FGM as falling short of these cultural demands, with a related frame portraying FGM as having lost its value and therefore become outmoded as a cultural practice. This paper explores these frames as aspects of community internal self-evaluation as opposed to the more common response to external pressure, especially national legislation in vacating the age-old practice. It argues that the new frames represent a case of cultural evolution for the community, which could have its own peculiar impact in bringing FGM to an end.