A STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ON THE CONTINUED CULTURAL PRACTICE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to a cultural practice that involves the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia, or any other intentional harm inflicted on the female genital organs for non-medical reasons (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Globally, FGM is recognized as a serious violation of human rights with harmful implications for the physical and emotional well-being of girls and women. Despite ongoing international and local campaigns to abolish the practice, FGM still exists, especially in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and some regions in Asia. According to estimates, over 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM, primarily in African countries, with more than 3 million girls at risk of experiencing the procedure annually (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund [UNICEF], 2023). The endurance of FGM is driven by a complex interplay of long-standing cultural, religious, and societal factors that vary from one community to another. In many of these communities, traditional leaders are regarded as the custodians of cultural heritage and play a crucial role in sustaining FGM. Their approval or passive acceptance of the practice lends it credibility and often reinforces its position within the social fabric, given the respect and authority they command (Berg & Denison, 2019). These leaders frequently partake in decisions that shape local customs and traditions, and their support of FGM reinforces it as a culturally sanctioned rite—often tied to beliefs about female purity, marital readiness, and communal identity (Shell-Duncan et al., 2018). Religious beliefs also play a significant role in the ongoing practice of FGM, even though no major religious texts mandate it. Some religious leaders advocate for the practice, portraying it as a religious obligation and thereby promoting the misconception that FGM is a requirement of faith (Abdelshahid & Campbell, 2019). In regions where the practice is prevalent, religion is often deeply intertwined with culture, making it difficult to separate religious doctrines from traditional customs. This blending of cultural and religious values contributes to the resilience of FGM by lending it perceived moral legitimacy, which in turn hinders efforts to challenge and eliminate the practice (El-Gibaly et al., 2019). Although many countries have enacted laws to ban FGM, enforcement remains a major challenge due to the deep-rooted cultural acceptance of the practice. In many communities, legislation against FGM is met with resistance, especially where the practice is seen as a vital cultural or religious tradition. As a result, FGM is often carried out in secret, with families turning to underground practitioners to avoid legal repercussions while preserving what they view as a significant cultural obligation (WHO, 2023). This reality highlights the need to address both legal frameworks and the cultural and religious ideologies that sustain the practice. Efforts to combat FGM have led to the development of comprehensive strategies that incorporate legal reforms, educational initiatives, and community-based engagement. However, these interventions often face limitations when they fail to involve traditional and religious leaders, who wield significant influence over community norms and values (UNICEF, 2023). In some cases, the inclusion of such leaders in anti-FGM efforts has proven effective, as they can become advocates for change rather than defenders of harmful traditions (Shell-Duncan et al., 2018). Given the enduring influence of cultural authority and religious conviction, understanding how these factors support the continued practice of FGM is crucial. For this reason, this study seeks to explore the role of traditional leaders and religious beliefs in maintaining the cultural practice of FGM in Cameroon. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Despite global efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM), it remains a deeply rooted cultural practice in many African countries, including Cameroon (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). The persistence of FGM can be largely attributed to deeply embedded social, cultural, and religious factors, with traditional leaders and religious ideologies playing central roles in sustaining the practice (El-Gibaly et al., 2019). In many communities, traditional authorities have substantial control over cultural norms, and their endorsement of FGM often serves to legitimize and protect the practice (Berg & Denison, 2019). This approval is frequently reinforced by religious interpretations that portray FGM as either a religious requirement or a rite of passage, further complicating efforts to eliminate the practice. Although no major religion explicitly mandates FGM, religious beliefs remain one of the main reasons communities continue the practice (WHO, 2023). Traditional leaders often invoke religious and cultural justifications to defend FGM, thereby perpetuating harmful misconceptions about its necessity for maintaining cultural identity, moral purity, and social acceptance (Shell-Duncan et al., 2018). Even in places where laws against FGM exist and advocacy efforts are ongoing, the practice remains prevalent because of the strong influence of these societal structures (Abdelshahid & Campbell, 2019). Accordingly, this study investigates how traditional leadership and religious beliefs contribute to the continued practice of female genital mutilation in Cameroon. 1.3 Objective of the Study The main aim of this research is to examine how traditional leaders and religious beliefs contribute to the continued cultural practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Cameroon. The specific objectives are: i. To explore how religious beliefs influence the ongoing practice of FGM. ii. To investigate the role traditional leaders play in promoting and sustaining FGM in Cameroon. iii. To identify the cultural arguments used by traditional leaders to justify FGM as a social necessity. iv. To propose effective strategies for reducing the prevalence of FGM in Cameroon. 1.4 Research Questions The study will be guided by the following research questions: i. How do religious beliefs influence the continued practice of FGM? ii. What role do traditional leaders play in perpetuating female genital mutilation in Cameroon? iii. What cultural justifications are offered by traditional leaders to support FGM as a societal obligation in Cameroon? iv. What strategies can be recommended to reduce the prevalence of FGM in Cameroon? 1.5 Significance of the Study This study's findings will be valuable to policymakers, NGOs, and advocacy organizations working to end FGM by providing evidence-based insights into culturally appropriate intervention methods. Understanding the significant role of traditional and religious leaders can lead to more effective community-based strategies. By involving these influential figures as partners rather than opponents, anti-FGM campaigns can achieve broader acceptance and more lasting impact. Additionally, the research will enrich the academic field by contributing to existing literature and resources, serving as a useful reference for future studies focused on gender, culture, and human rights. 1.6 Scope of the Study This research is centered on examining the influence of traditional leaders and religious beliefs on the cultural persistence of female genital mutilation in Cameroon. Specifically, the study will assess the impact of religious ideologies on FGM, the roles traditional leaders play in sustaining the practice, and the cultural narratives that uphold FGM as a social duty. It will also propose practical recommendations to reduce its prevalence. Geographically, the study will be focused in the Bamenda region of Cameroon. 1.7 Limitation of the Study As with any academic endeavor, the study encountered a few limitations. These include: Time Constraints: The researcher had to manage this study alongside other academic responsibilities such as attending lectures and completing coursework, which limited the time available for research activities. Financial Constraints: The study incurred considerable expenses related to printing, typesetting, sourcing materials, and collecting data. Limited Access to Resources: Finding relevant literature proved challenging, particularly due to the limited availability of materials specifically focused on the topic within the context of Cameroon. 1.8 Definition of Terms Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): A harmful cultural practice involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons, recognized globally as a violation of human rights (WHO, 2023). Traditional Leaders: Respected figures in communities who uphold and influence cultural practices and social norms, often playing significant roles in preserving customs such as FGM. Religious Beliefs: Spiritual principles and practices that shape community values and morals; in the context of FGM, they are sometimes incorrectly cited as justification for the practice, even though major religions do not require it. Cultural Persistence: The enduring continuation of cultural beliefs and practices over time, even in the face of modern legal, social, or ethical changes. Social Norms: Collective expectations and behaviors within a community; norms surrounding FGM often revolve around beliefs related to purity, marriageability, and social status. Human Rights Violation: The denial or infringement of basic rights and freedoms entitled to all individuals; FGM qualifies as such due to its physical, psychological, and social consequences. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of global objectives established by the United Nations, with Goal 5 specifically targeting gender equality and the elimination of harmful practices like FGM.