We're sunsetting PodQuest on 2025-07-28. Thank you for your support!
Export Podcast Subscriptions
cover of episode S5E1 Female Genital Mutilation: Can we achieve zero tolerance with zero coverage?

S5E1 Female Genital Mutilation: Can we achieve zero tolerance with zero coverage?

2025/2/7
logo of podcast Media Storm

Media Storm
AI Deep Dive AI Chapters Transcript
People
I
Ifrah Ahmed
L
Leyla Hussein
M
Mathilda Mallinson
Topics
Mathilda Mallinson:我认为媒体需要全年关注女性生殖器残割(FGM),而不仅仅是在每年的“零容忍日”。我们希望了解幸存者们在幕后所面临的挣扎,以及我们如何提供帮助,打破媒体的沉默。 Leyla Hussein:对我而言,每天都是FGM零容忍日。我们应该使用“女性生殖器残割”这个术语,因为它准确地描述了所发生的事情。将FGM称为“传统有害习俗”是不恰当的,因为它实际上是一种酷刑。将FGM与文化、宗教和传统联系起来会设置障碍,阻止人们介入。如果FGM发生在白人女孩身上,肯定会引起强烈抗议;将其置于文化传统框架内实际上是种族主义。 Ifrah Ahmed:我不认同用“实践”一词来描述侵犯人权的行为。将FGM描述为文化习俗会损害年轻女性的权利。媒体是强大的工具,但幸存者在发声时常被描述为受害者。由于媒体的负面描述和社区的批评,许多女性不愿公开谈论FGM。媒体需要使用一种能够鼓励和支持FGM幸存者发声的语言。

Deep Dive

Chapters
This chapter introduces FGM, explains its various types and prevalence, and highlights the shocking lack of media coverage despite its significant impact. It sets the stage by introducing the guests and the focus on survivor voices.
  • FGM is the deliberate cutting or removal of a female's external genitalia.
  • It's documented in 92 countries, predominantly in Africa.
  • Over 200 million women globally have been subjected to FGM.
  • The media's near silence on this issue is a major concern.

Shownotes Transcript

This week, we’ve decided to cover a topic that’s hugely underreported in the mainstream media: FGM. Yesterday was FGM Zero Tolerance Day), so you may have seen a (very small) flurry of articles about the topic - but this week's guests say that it needs to be covered all year round.

FGM stands for Female Genital Mutilation - the deliberate cutting or removal of a female's external genitalia. It is currently documented in 92 countries around the world, the highest share in Africa - countries including Somalia, Egypt, Mali, Sudan and Ethiopia. It is also found in Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and in diaspora communities in the West.

Over 200 million women globally have been subjected to FGM. This should be a media storm. But instead, there’s near silence. So we've asked FGM survivors why the coverage is lacking, what they need from the media, and what we can do to help.

Joining us is Dr Leyla Hussein), psychotherapist and award-winning international campaigner leading the fight against FGM, and Ifrah Ahmed), Somali-Irish humanitarian worker, activist, and founder of the Ifrah Foundation, a charity with the aim of the absolute abandonment of FGM in Somalia.

The episode is hosted and produced by Mathilda Mallinson (@mathildamall)) and Helena Wadia (@helenawadia))

Follow us @mediastormpod)

Support us on Patreon)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices)