Human Rights Education Through Ciné Débat (PDF)

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
Education in 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.

Contents

• Universal
  rights versus cultural relativism
  
• Human
  rights education through film
  
• Women's
  rights and FGM in Burkina Faso
  
• Ciné
  débat and traditional debating habits
  

Target Groups

• Researchers
  and practitioners in political sciences, human rights education, gender, and
  development cooperation
  
• International
  organisations with the focus on FGM and women's rights
  

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.