10 June 2011
How can the power of art change hearts and minds against FGM?
What can a Senegalese urban soul and hip-hop star do to help end FGM? Or groups of Women quilting or embroiding images of female genitalia do to raise awareness of FGM? See how art can change hearts and minds when articles and headlines no longer impact us in our over trauma/stimulated world…
20 May 2011
Why will most of sub-Saharan Africa not achieve the Millenium Development Goals?
6 May 2011
'Alternative' postcard from Kenya
What lies beneath a beautiful country? What are your thoughts on Kenya? A wildlife safari? Idyllic beaches? Smiles and great coffee? Having been there ten times since 2001, I’ve had the privilege to peek below the surface. Read on if you’re open to widen your views!
19 April 2011
The power of the media; who cares?
This month I have been busy promoting the cause! I have contributed to a fistula best practice guide; an article on FGM in Mali and Djibouti; an online news journal (as the FGM Co-ordinator leaves government) and two radio broadcasts – one for Premier Radio and the other for Talking Books for the Blind. See
25 March 2011
Does the West have a place in changing a principally African traditional practice?
How do you answer these questions: Can FGM end in a generation – after 1000 years of embedded practice? What does it take to campaign for 10 years to change a traditional practice? Can lessons in Ethiopia be transferred elsewhere? Can we in the West contribute to change in Africa? Read on…!
11 March 2011
'A Million Women Rise' Does a large number of followers make people stand up and take note - or does it just pass us by? Do statistics, facts, and figures empower and engage or number us in our media
I recently visited the Museum of London with a friend, and amongst other things followed London’s history from Saxon villages to 2010 metropolis! Somewhere on that eclectic journey, I learnt more about the Suffragette movement and just what those women sacrificed to make a difference. In celebration of 100 years of International Women’s Day, I
22 February 2011
What purpose do commemorative days hold for us? Time to raise awareness and celebrate past successes or a guilt trip by activists?
With over 130 commemorative days, International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM (6th February) falls between Family Literacy and Valentine’s Day! FGM has been illegal since the FGM Act 2003, yet it has done little to change the reality for 24,000 UK girls under 15 who are at risk. We have seen laws are not enough. So what next
8 February 2011
How long does it take to change cultural practice? Should social norms continue if they cause harm?
21 January 2011
Peace in Africa. Can individuals hope to make a difference?
As we venture into 2011, with our personal and global hopes of a peaceful referendum in Sudan; the drying up of tidal waters in Australia; eradicating FGM or the end of the worst UK winter for 100 years, I reflect on a hope set for 2010 ‘Make Peace Happen’ – set by the African Union for last year. Does setting a vision or goal make a difference? Did anything change? Can we be hopeful for
7 January 2011
The role of the change agent - Is it consultancy or a calling? How can leaders keep their skills honed?
Having worked in five and visited three other countries last year, I was aware of the need for quick adjustment to cultural fit! I recently attended People in Aid Forum/AGM. Plan International, working in the Philippines Floods seeks five qualities in their disaster workers: inspiring/having confidence; agility; good communication and being results-driven. How can we all keep our skills up to date in changing times
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