Critique of a Publication: Local Responses to International Standards Regarding Female Genital Mutilation and Child Marriage in Kenya

In a groundbreaking research published in the CIDOB Affair International Journal, author Karisa Cloward offers a new theoretical and empirical proposal for understanding the local repercussions of transnational normativity against female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage.

The study, titled "When Norms Collide", focuses on grassroots activism against these practices, primarily driven by transnational lobbying and influence networks. Cloward's research reveals that while there is a general agreement with international norms in theory, implementing them in practice can be challenging.

The research finds that the quality of the message about normative change is more important than the quantity of such discourses. It also suggests that these actions are often framed within cultural relativism. The greater the access to a community (i.e., higher density of non-governmental organizations), the greater the awareness of the risks associated with FGM and early marriage.

In the case of early marriage, one in three women aged 20-24 in the southern hemisphere married before the age of 18, according to UNICEF. An estimated 125 million women and girls have been subjected to genital ablation, putting more than three million African girls at risk annually, according to a 2003 UNICEF report.

The three local communities in Kenya studied by Cloward were not specified, but the prevalent practices examined included local governance, community engagement, and resource management. The research reveals that there are individuals with ambivalent opinions about FGM and early marriage, who may hide these actions from international scrutiny.

Cloward's interdisciplinary contribution is relevant to those designing policies against gender violence and to academics and social activists seeking to prevent and eliminate these practices. Using an interdisciplinary theoretical framework that combines constructivist theories of international relations with social psychology, the author's research also includes an experimental component to evaluate the willingness of interviewees to make statements that differ from their true normative commitments.

The local norm supporting FGM and early marriage argues that the cut is made to preserve the premarital virginity of girls and is considered a religious requirement, especially among Muslims. However, having other "exit options" and the existence of influential leaders who join the cause increase the likelihood of actions against these practices.

In Kenya, while the prevalence of FGM and early marriage is moderate compared to other countries, it remains a significant issue. For instance, 27% of women aged 15-49 and 30% of women aged 20-49 reported experiencing some degree of genital mutilation.

The United Nations Decade for Women, which began in 1975, opened a new scenario in terms of women's rights worldwide, and practices such as FGM were resignified under the category of "female genital mutilation". The research highlights the importance of increased accessibility of NGOs on the ground for the dissemination of international normative frameworks against FGM and early marriage.

In conclusion, Cloward's research provides valuable insights into the complexities of global efforts to combat gender violence, particularly in the context of FGM and early marriage in Kenya. It underscores the need for strategic and nuanced approaches that take into account local cultural norms and the role of grassroots activism in driving change.

Critique of a Publication: Local Responses to International Standards Regarding Female Genital Mutilation and Child Marriage in Kenya