Kenyans who are opposed to female genital mutilation are likely to continue with the practice to conform to societal expectations.

A report by UNICEF says social acceptance is one of the most commonly cited reasons for continuing with the vice.

This is contained in the latest report, ‘Engaging Boys and Men to End Female Genital Mutilation’ released on Monday.

According to the report, eight in 10 girls and women aged 15 to 49 who have undergone female genital mutilation in Kenya say the practice should stop.

On the other hand, nearly eight in 10 boys and men aged 15 to 49 years who live in a household with at least one person who has undergone FGM think the practice should stop.

Female genital mutilation is upheld by social pressure.

"Female genital mutilation is upheld by social pressure. Changing attitudes is an important step towards abandonment," the report says.

The report warns that girls at the lowest risk of undergoing female genital mutilation are those with both parents who oppose the practice.

The report however notes that women have more decision-making power around FGM than men since it is the mother’s opinion that carries the day when couples disagree on the issue.

“It is important for fathers to support the abandonment of FGM, particularly if the mother also opposes the practice, since this gives girls the best chance of escaping the procedure,” the report notes.

As a result, girls are being cut despite having fathers who oppose the practice, but the report calls on such men to act as agents of change and make their voices heard in advocacy for the abandonment of FGM.