
1. What are the social and historical reasons for FGM being practiced in your country?
2. What policy responses are effective in reducing the health and wider social burden of FGM? Both to seek to reduce the practice itself as well as dealing with the consequences?
3. FGM is often mistakenly seen as a positive health intervention by those involved. How should the education and health systems work to deal with this issue?
4. FGM is a complex issue affecting all in society not just the women directly affected.
What other issues do you see as connected to this issue and how could dealing with them be part of the solution?
A short version of the film, Nancy, a one girl revolution is available online. Nancy Tomee was sponsored through secondary school in Kenya from 2011 to 2014 by the Commonwealth Girls Education Fund (CGEF).
This film was made to amplify the impact of the change one girl demanded for herself! It opens discussions on the many barriers that girls face to education such as FGM, child marriage and bride price. In oral traditions in particular storytelling can be used to dismantle taboos, shift social norms, inspire young girls and parents to know their legal rights, encourage opinion formers to speak up and promote awareness of health issues as well as the benefits of girl’s education. Nancy demonstrates that change is possible and that the desire for it is rising from within the women themselves at the grassroots.
If you are not already receiving these emails, please complete the form on this website and we will add you to the discussion.
Discussion Moderator: Louise Robertson
Louise is an independent consultant and campaigner for girls’ and women’s rights. For the last four years she worked with anti-FGM organisation 28 Too Many, helping to establish it internationally and managing communications and campaigns.
Resources linked through the eDiscussion
Nancy, a one girl revolution
28 Too Many
The Commonwealth Girls Education Fund
Tostan – Dignity for All
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February
UNFPA and UNICEF programme
UNICEF