American cable television network, MTV, is launching a new drama series for Egyptian audiences about storylines on female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and sex work in hopes of stimulating debate around issues often seen as taboo.
The series will feature soundtracks to appeal to young audiences and popular local actors who will be trained on the issues to help stimulate debates via social media. We will be using gripping plots based on true stories from young people so that we can destigmatise issues, debunk unhelpful stereotypes and catalyse social change, said Georgia Arnold, head of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
Egypt has one of the greatest rates of FGM on the globe, and efforts and progress to slow down child marriage has stalled. Instead the practice is rising in some areas. Although in Egypt FGM has been outlawed, nearly nine in ten girls and women have undergone the widely condemned practice involves the partial or total removal of external genitalia.
Egypt also banned child marriage, but about 17% of girls in the country marry before they turn 18 and 2% before they are 15.
Arnold hopes that the program, which will be offered to other Arabic broadcasters, will change perceptions about FGM. “I’m really excited to be able to tackle this issue. It looks like things are shifting slightly, but there is an enormous amount of work to be done culturally.”
Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.