kululia

Kululia is a traditional practice found in some East African communities, particularly among the Luhya people of Kenya. It is a form of female genital mutilation (FGM) and is often referred to by various local names depending on the specific community and region. The practice typically involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

Historically, kululia has been performed as a rite of passage into womanhood, often associated with beliefs about purity, fertility, and social status. It is sometimes believed to control female sexuality and ensure marital fidelity. The procedure is usually carried out by traditional circumcisers without anesthesia and can lead to a range of immediate and long-term health complications. These can include severe pain, bleeding, infection, urinary problems, and difficulties during menstruation and childbirth. In the longer term, it can result in chronic pelvic pain, increased risk of HIV transmission, and psychological trauma.

Despite international condemnation and legal prohibitions in many countries, kululia continues to be practiced in some communities, often driven by cultural norms and social pressure. Efforts to eradicate the practice involve education, community outreach, and legal enforcement, aiming to raise awareness of its harmful effects and promote alternative rites of passage that do not involve FGM.