Thinking the Gusii Way

FGM continues to be a vexing problem. Attention is drawn to a Kenyan community Abagusii in examining why painful terrifying practices per­sists. The book reveals peoples’core values philosophy of life and FGM links to everyday struggles. It provides insights into contemporary signi­ficance of FGM impact of globalization on women and unintended con­sequences of intervention strategies. Focusing on survival as a strategic framework anchored in dialogue it engages local and foreign feminist theories in ending FGM. In an effort to move beyond simplified binary definition of insiders/outsiders Mose argues that any person born locally or raised in the West can become insider and or outsider and cautions against discounting great foreign ethnographies or blindly embracing insider perspectives. She integrates insider/outsider per­spectives for collaborative eradication efforts. She offers new approach to addressing the issue of naming. The book will be useful to development practitioners Women’s Studies anthropology law African and sociology scholars non profit organi­zations feminist activists women and human rights women’s health and public policy advocates.