Videos that raise awareness on FGM
Videos that raise awareness on FGM
Videos are electronic displays of moving visuals that carry a message and a story from the creator to inform the viewer and provoke thoughts and ideas. Over the years, videos have been used as a tool to bring about change for numerous social causes.
In advocacy, videos are used both to ease understanding of an issue, document activities done for reference and give the work a human feel for relatability. Ultimately many videos aim to inspire change and drive the cause. According to Neil Davidson, the founder of MWP Digital Media “, a combination of the right stories, the right visuals and the right music can be powerful enough to bring the masses on board with a cause”. (Smart Insights, 2013)
International organizations, institutions and NGOs around the world have used videos in their advocacy work to end FGM: documenting stories of survivors, showing the harm of the practice and calling for action. In Kurdistan, Iraq, 17minutes long film on FGM contributed to the practice being outlawed in 2011. (The Guardian, 2013)
We have gathered a few videos in English that address different subjects and areas in relation to FGM, produced by different organizations.
The Truth About FGM
In this video, Global Citizen uses illustrations and graphics to break down key concepts on FGM for better understanding and easy retention.
FGM: No More!
(Trigger warning: Some of these videos contain graphic illustrations that can potentially harm the viewer. Viewer discretion is advised).
This video produced by UNFPA in East and Southern Africa follows the story of Fatima, a 6-year-old who was at the risk of undergoing FGM in Gash Bakar. The video equally highlights the various approaches used by UNFPA and other groups to combat FGM in the community thus saving Fatima from the practice.
Against All Odds
Following a training with AIDOS, Andrea Lannetta and Charity Resian took on the task to document a film on FGM as part of the “building the bridges between Africa and Europe to tackle FGM” framework. This film shows a firsthand account of Charity’s experience with FGM, her community’s stance on FGM and the power of stories.
My FGM Story: Halimatou Ceesay
In The Gambia, Halimatou Ceesay a young journalist takes us through FGM in The Gambia. In this video, she explores her own story with interviews of members of her family, the FGM culture through the opinions of Government officials, activist and other survivors.
Efun (Flesh)
(Trigger warning: Some of these videos contain graphic illustrations that can potentially harm the viewer. Viewer discretion is advised).
“Efun (Flesh) is a fiction highlighting the human right for women and teenagers to say no to FGM. This short film obtained in 2021 a special prize as an educational film for youth in the 2nd edition of the Health for All Film Festival by the World Health Organisation. It’s a film directed by Anita Abada (Nigeria).”
Do you know any other videos on FGM? Share with us!
“The Community of Practice on Female Genital Mutilation” is part of the “Building Bridges between Africa and Europe to tackle FGM” project, supported by the “UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM”.
The project is coordinated by AIDOS in partnership with GAMS Belgium.
The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the UNFPA, UNICEF or any other agency or organization.
© Copyright : GAMS Belgium
