Underlying Reasons for the Persistence of Female Genital Mutilation

morals and fundamental rights, public health and safety as well. The interests for the support of
the practice underlie the grounds of culture, tradition and minority right which the human rights
framework provides 70 . However to end FGM these measures confronts these rights through the
right of culture. International laws are also insufficient because they are not absolute. States hold
the ultimate responsibility to implement legislations and take action. As Tanzania has ratified
these conventions, and implemented laws that condemn the practice of FGM, changes could be
discovered in the study area. As AFNET were active in the 90’s and early 2000, many had seen
changes. The theory stating that cultural traditions are not static and are socially constructed;
changes have shown that the practice does not persist over time. By activities from NGOs and
the implemented legislations, many parts of the areas affected, the practice declined. An attitude
change has been positive in Babati district given the interviews conducted in the areas where
FGM used to be performed. The general public was against the practice because of the negative
consequences of the procedure and the agreement that it is an outdated custom. The man from
Gallapo agreed that it was an ineffective tradition, and from a man’s point of view considering
the male domination of the issue, this is a positive change. One of AFNET’s main goals was to
reach the Ngaribas, the women performing FGM on girls. If they chose to stop with the
procedure one core problem would be stopped. However, it does not approach the issue
undertaken that it is the system of beliefs surrounding the tradition. Changes of attitude towards
the practice do not conclude changes in behaviors. The adjustment of the custom through time
shows that attitudes and behaviors are not easy to change.
Referring back to Kevin Avruch definition of culture that takes form in emotional framework
embodied as symbols, metaphors, schemes or images, by which individuals interpret and act in
their social worlds. This can be interpreted in the social convention that is FGM and how it has
been passed on as tradition. Culture and tradition are seemed as influential forces shaping gender
roles and family relations. In many communities, culture and tradition is a way of living and
belonging to a community, which is a self-evident right. To view FGM as cultural relative,
considering its own terms and conditions, important factors constitutes that the custom has been
shaped and reshaped for hundreds of years, and has adjusted to how it is perceived in different
communities and ethnic groups. The various perceptions about FGM have created beliefs in what
70 United nations, UDHR art 2
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