Tyrol in the sunshine yesterday
I’ve just finished a 20 minute talk about FGC with about 170 people. It was an overwhelming response and I’ve just come to my room to change for dinner, but just felt compelled to record it. I was lucky enough in Davos to meet a senior manager of a firm, who offered me this opportunity, to speak at his 50th birthday party.
I spoke for twenty minutes and told the audience, of mostly Danish people, about FGC, why it happens, how it happens and most importantly, what we can collectively to together to change it. I also showed a clip of the amazing film “Mrs Goundo’s Daughter” (thanks Attie and Goldwater, again!) where 63 girls are cut. It’s such a hard film to watch and at times, I hate showing it. But I know it means that people can vision the reality.
What was so important is that the presentation ended with me emphaising the hope in this debate. My belief and hope is that we can end this taboo within the next generation. It really can happen – all we need is to come together and work for change.
That sounds naive, I’m aware of that. I’m hoping that tomorrow, we will gather all those who have expressed an interest and sit and brainstorm what concrete actions can be taken in Denmark – so that not only can this stop happening across the world, but also in everyone’s back yard.
Watch this space….
I happened to be one of the many guests in Kitzbühel, who was lucky enough to listen to your lecture on FGC. I was deeply touched to learn how it happens, why it happens and how we can come together to stop this tradition. I have since done some research on the subject and today I have watched the movie Desert Flower about the woman Waris Dirie and her personal struggle. Again I was deeply touched. I will support the cause, the Orchid Project and continue to follow up on your progress. I have great respect for your work.
Best wishes Helle Reedtz-Thott