12. Gender-Based Violence: A Raging Pandemic

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that transcends religion, geography and class, and is carried out as a way to control women’s sexuality. While studying at the University of Texas, Maryum Saifee heard about FGM for the first time — which soon unearthed a dark memory from her childhood.

According to the UN, gender-based violence is the most pervasive yet least visible human rights violation in the world. It is a global pandemic that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime.

More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to the harmful practice of FGM.  This episode examines why FGM and other forms of gender-based violence are prevalent in societies. As a survivor, Maryum shares how cultural and religious norms allow perpetrators to go unpunished. We explore solutions to protect survivors and put an end to gender-based violence.

Featuring policy and advocacy insights from experts: Prof. Yakın Ertürk, former UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Natasha Latiff, Human Rights Lawyer at SAHR and Women for Justice Afghanistan.

The Elders Special Segment Guest:  Graça Machel, Freedom Fighter, International Advocate for Women’s and Children’s Rights, and Founding Member of The Elders.

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This episode is made possible with the support of Vodafone Americas Foundation. To learn more about their programs and how you can support their network of partners, visit vodafone-us.com

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Finding Humanity is a production of Humanity Lab Foundation and Hueman Group Media.

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