Kenya’s Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, launched a voluntary male circumcision campaign in Kisumu town on September 22, 2008 to help reduce HIV/AIDS infection in western Kenya. Whether Odinga’s action was based on scientific research or political machination remains to be seen. ArtMatters.Info’s BOBASTLES NONDI seeks the views of women on this subject.
Esther Mumbua Kioko, Secretary
What do you understand by the term circumcision?
To me it is the cutting off of the foreskin of a man’s reproductive organ, that is the penis either as an adherence to tradition or simply for what is believed to be hygienic reasons.
Could you please expound on that?
Yeah. Traditionally, there are communities that take circumcision as an initiation of boys to manhood where they are not only subjected to the cutting of the foreskin, but also other rituals and ceremonies such as staying in the bush, mountains, riversides or any other specified place for a certain duration, warrior acts such as killing of animals, beatings or mock beatings and things like that. During the “cutting day”, it is a big ceremony where the whole community witnesses with a big party.
Others simply go to the hospital privately, they get cut and go back home as if nothing has happened. Here what is important is the removal of the foreskin for cleanliness as I said.
So does that mean that men who are uncircumcised are not clean?
Not necessarily! It is a belief held by some people. They say that when a man is not cut any fluid discharged is accumulated around their penis as a result of the sheath. But cleanliness is a personal issue.
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Besides tradition and the so-called cleanliness, could there be other reasons for circumcision?
Circumcised men perceive themselves to be tougher than the uncircumcised especially if they underwent the traditional one. So others just go for it to join this class. Some still believe it prevents the contraction of STIs. It is said that once a man is cut the exposure of the top of the penis makes it harder and therefore not prone to bruises through which blood can go through into the body.
What is the difference between circumcised and uncircumcised man?
in some communities they are really perceived differently. The uncircumcised are regarded as cowards and girls would not even want to be married to them.
When it comes to sexual performance, which man performs better?
I would say that the circumcised man performs better because I think it is that part from which the skin is cut that is the most sensitive. Therefore, if it is exposed, the contact is enhanced and perhaps that increases pleasure.
What are the medical implications? Would you say it a safe or dangerous practice?
I think it depends with the age of an individual. When one is circumcised when he is young he heals fast, just like any other injury. Older people are faced with the risk of losing a lot of blood as a result of developed muscles and do not heal as fast. That can lead to other contamination that would complicate it all. But there have been some cases where some, including children by the way, have contracted diseases or lost their lives in the process. So it is hard to say for certain that it is dangerous or safe. Again older men are ashamed that they would be laughed at when they go for this act.
If you were married to uncircumcised man, would you want him circumcised?
I would not like to subject the man to the trauma and dangers I just talked about. If I love him and accepted him as he is, why now?
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During this age of HIV/AIDS and STIs, do you think the practice should be encouraged?
Yes. Only that the communities practising it traditionally, and even hospitals should make sure that the tools used are not shared at all because this would spread the disease.
Last word?
I would like to encourage the communities that are not practising circumcision to start practising it as this would reduce discrimination. You know the way Kikuyus refer to the uncircumcised as Kihe. This brings about animosity among people. If we had a culture that cuts across then such would be avoided. To those practicing it, I would say that extra care must be taken. In fact all circumcisions should be done by qualified doctors in the right hospitals where one would be accountable for any eventuality.
Neddy Mwongera. Personal Assistant
Why do you think people practice circumcision?
It enhances cleanliness in men, you know men are always in a hurry while bathing. They don’t take their time in cleaning their private parts as do women. Traditionally the circumcised man is viewed with higher esteem than the uncircumcised man.
Is there any difference between a circumcised man and uncircumcised one?
Yes. I would associate the uncircumcised man with dirt and uncleanness. I also think that the uncircumcised man is hindered by that skin when it comes to sexual intercourse.
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If you were married to uncircumcised man, would you want him circumcised?
Yes. For the same reasons.
What are the medical implications? Is this practice dangerous or it is safe?
I’ve heard of dangers especially if it is carried out traditionally. You know these people are not trained so they over-cut the skin, which might lead to excessive bleeding or under-cut it. In both cases they interfere with the shape of the penis and this will obviously interfere with the man’s sex life. Some careless doctors also cause similar problems. And these have lead to corrective surgery subjecting the person to additional pain. Some have died from such complications.
Some people are allergic to some things; for example metals. Yet when people are going for circumcision they don’t think of such only to realise when perhaps the wound refuses to heal, swells or develops anything unanticipated.
Remember that this has at times lead to the spread of HIV/AIDS and STIs. So it has its risks.
Talking of HIV/AIDS and STIs, do you think the practice should be encouraged in the current times?
Yes. Diseases and carelessness should not stop us from our traditional cultural practices. If that is the case then we are going to stop existing all together! But utmost care must be taken and circumcision carried in hospitals at affordable rates.
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Grace Calli, Student
What is the difference between circumcised man and uncircumcised man?
One has the foreskin while the other doesn’t. To me that is the only difference. But of course circumcised men who think traditionally would look down upon the uncircumcised men.
Which man would you prefer?
Me? An intelligent man, that is it! My preference is not brought about by what you have under your trousers. Circumcised or not is not the issue.
What are the medical implications? Is the process safe or dangerous?
It all depends on where it is being done and who is doing it. If an experienced person does it there should be no problems.
What difference does it make when it comes to sexual performance? Which man, the circumcised or the uncircumcised, performs better?
Circumcision should have no effect when it comes to sexual performance. All these things are coordinated from the brain and how much you want to share with your partner and the knowledge you have about sex. As long as the person you are having sex with is considerate about your feelings and pleasure you are bound to enjoy. If he only thinks about the circumcised or the uncircumcised man he is then all is in vain for you, woman.
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If you were married to uncircumcised man, would you want him circumcised?
Let us get real! For what? Of what value is this going to add in our relationship? Traditionally it serves no purpose as he is already old and therefore does not require initiation into life. This is an old man who is bound to lose a lot of blood. I can’t take the risk.
Even if he decides it himself I would talk him out of it.
During this HIV/AIDS and STIs era, do you think the practice should be encouraged?
Yes. But let’s make sure that every thing is done right, at the right place with the right person.
Ndembo Mtoto, Business woman
Circumcision is a process of initiation usually done for hygiene purposes in boys by cutting the outer skin of the reproductive organ. I don’t see any difference between a circumcised and an uncircumcised man. But I would certainly prefer a circumcised man for hygienic reasons.
