Female Genital Mutilation - World Health Organization

Session objectives
Learning activities
● Value clarification exercises and games.
People are a complex mix of unique characteristics,
which include physical characteristics as well as various
beliefs, values and attitudes. Traditions are guided by
beliefs, and the practice of traditions is based on values
and attitudes.
Meaning of beliefs
The dictionary defines a belief as a conviction, a
principle or an idea accepted as true or real, even
without positive proof.
There are many belief systems – including religious
beliefs, cultural beliefs, group and individual beliefs.
Examples of beliefs:
● the existence of God.
● the uvula causes coughing and retards the growth
of children.
● if the clitoris touches the baby at birth the baby
will die.
● if a pregnant woman eats eggs she will deliver a
baby with no hair.
● an unexcised woman will have an overactive sex drive.
Meaning of values
The dictionary defines values as the moral
principles and beliefs or accepted standards of a
person or social group. Our values are the criteria
against which we make decisions. We inherit many of
our values from our families, but they are also
influenced by religion, culture, friends, education, and
personal experiences as we go through life.
Meaning of attitudes
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
STUDENT MANUAL
Session 1: Beliefs, values and attitudes
By the end of the session students should be able to:
1. Explain what is meant by beliefs, values and attitudes.
2. Discuss the origins of beliefs, values and attitudes.
3. Examine their own beliefs, values and attitudes.
The dictionary defines attitude as a mental view or
disposition. Attitudes are largely based on our personal
values and perceptions.
Origins of beliefs, values and
attitudes
Beliefs, values and attitudes are formed and developed
under a multitude of influences – our parents, families,
society, culture, traditions, religion, peer groups, the
media (TV, music, videos, magazines, advertisements),
school, climate, environment, technology, politics, the
economy, personal experiences, friends, and personal
needs. They are also influenced by our age and gender.
The development of a value
system
39
A value system is a hierarchical set of beliefs and
principles which influence an individual or group’s
outlook on life (attitude) and guide their behaviour. A
value system is not rigid, but will be subject to change
over time, and in the light of new insights, information
and experiences.