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How is it possible to fight against Female GenitalMutilation (FGM) without disrespecting traditional values? This study analyses'film' as a tool for Human RightsEducation in Burkina Faso, especially when it includes thoughtstructures of the local communities. Here, the innovative approach of ciné débat, a particularcinematic awareness-raising strategy is applied and analysed. Thus, thisresearch describes how a documentary film about FGM in Burkina Faso was produced and presented. It isbelieved that the critical reconsideration of one's own thoughts represents aprerequisite for changing habits. The aim is to find solutions within thetraditional context of the country, not to dictate or instruct behaviourpatterns to the locals.
List of contents
Universalrights versus cultural relativism.- Human rights education through film.- Women'srights and FGM in Burkina Faso.- Ciné débat and traditional debating habits.
About the author
Johanna Richter
obtained a PhD in Political Sciences at the UNESCO Chair of Human Rights
Education. She travels frequently to West Africa, and has been
researching the topic of gender in Burkina Faso for over 10 years. She has
worked on various science documentaries for TV.
Summary
How is it possible to fight against Female Genital
Mutilation (FGM) without disrespecting traditional values? This study analyses
‘film’ as a tool for Human Rights
Educationin Burkina Faso, especially when it includes thought
structures of the local communities. Here, the innovative approach of ciné débat,a particular
cinematic awareness-raising strategy is applied and analysed. Thus, this
research describes how a documentary film about FGM in Burkina Faso was produced and presented. It is
believed that the critical reconsideration of one’s own thoughts represents a
prerequisite for changing habits. The aim is to find solutions within the
traditional context of the country, not to dictate or instruct behaviour
patterns to the locals.
