Educational Media Reviews Online

Sometimes it is difficult for cultures to give up long held rites and beliefs even if they have been shown to be misguided or harmful. Such is the case of female circumcision. This ancient practice can still be found throughout parts of Africa today where it is a traditional rite of passage for young women. It is thought to bring honor on a family and to make a woman suitable for marriage. But the practice has come under scrutiny by the World Health Organization as a harmful form of female genital mutilation. Because the procedure is performed by lay people in conditions that are not sterile, it can sometimes lead to serious health problems, or even death.

This informative and provocative documentary follows Isnino Ahmed Musso on her crusade to stop female circumcision in Somalia. Musso is an articulate speaker who travels from village to village, hoping to convince the locals that circumcision is a dangerous and unhealthy practice for young women. One of her biggest challenges is to convince the villagers that stopping female circumcision would not go against Islamic beliefs. Circumcision is considered by many Muslims to be a sacred, religious rite and since it has been practiced for as long as many can remember, they are hesitant to make that type of change in the culture. The other major challenge that Musso faces is how to overcome the resistance from the women who make their living performing circumcisions. Ultimately, Musso decides that she has a better chance of convincing the locals to change to a Sunna-type circumcision (which consists of a few small cuts) rather than doing the full Pharaonic type.

The documentary includes interviews with Musso, footage of her meetings with various townsfolk and religious leaders, and an interview with a Somali woman who briefly describes her own experience of circumcision and shares her current views on the subject. The documentary is lively and colorful and the footage is of exceptionally good quality considering it was all shot on location. One of the best things about the documentary is the view it affords of the Somali landscape and lifestyle. It is an excellent resource for students of the culture and for those interested in gender issues.