Educational Media Reviews Online

Africa Rising is a powerfully told documentary about the grass roots activism that is working to put an end to female genital mutilation (FGM) in five of the twenty-eight countries of Africa where FGM is practiced. The film introduces us to several young women, ages 14 through 17, who have been victims of FGM. The current practice and the activities of the activists are presented through a series of interviews in the rural communities where intervention is taking place.

The women who perform the circumcisions, parents and civic leaders explain their perspective on FGM and are engaged in discussion that presents alternate points of view. Education is the primary tool the activists use to address what they term a current human rights issue, akin to slavery and apartheid. A rite of passage does not need to include cutting, they explain, and the girls are more valuable to their families if they are educated than if they are only prepared to be married.

The majority of the interviews are with the activists who explain the context of FGM, the levels of circumcision, the physical consequences of FGM, and the success of the communities who have decided to criminalize the practice to protect their children. With 6,000 mutilations happening daily, FGM has a major impact on the health and wellbeing of girls and women as well as the future of the citizens of the countries where it is condoned.

The film is clear and direct about a sensitive topic without sensationalizing the issue. English subtitles are used when English is not spoken and the film is professionally and respectfully presented. It would be a good addition to college libraries supporting programs in African studies, anthropology, community health, health sciences, human rights, sociology, and women’s studies. High school teachers might select this for mature students in classes with similar disciplinary content.