film

Walking With Life - Human Rights, Islam and Revolution in Senegal

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Producer(s)	Kenny Mann
Director(s)	Kenny Mann
Release Date	2008
Work In Progress	n
Runtime	34 min
Youth Media	n

Film Description

In Senegal, an African organization known as Tostan brings human rights awareness to people in rural and urban areas with powerful results. Using African methods of dance, debate, discussion and theater, Tostan participants apply their new knowledge of human rights to re-examine their daily lives and some of their ancient traditions, such as female genital cutting (FGC) and forced early marriage, bringing about about profound positive changes in their own lives. Walking With Life documents this process, bringing to the screen the images, words and voices of many of the African participants in the program. Ouriye Sal, for example, is a former cutter who abandoned her work when she realized that the practice violates the human right to a life free of violence and discrimination. Demba Diwarra is the Imam who confirmed that the practice is not an Islamic law, and who persuaded husbands, brothers and sons to support the women in their decision. Other voices speak of the similarities between Islam and human rights and villagers mobilize to improve health and hygiene, support girls’ education and register themselves as citizens of Senegal.

Walking With Life is packed with live music recorded in situ, ranging from the fabulous drumming at a traditional wrestling match to the lively songs and dances performed at public declarations. Subtitles translate the words of people speaking in French, Wolof, Mandinke and Pular.

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Last Updated On:	May 22, 2012

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Related Issues	Environment, Environmental Preservation, Sustainable Agriculture, Gender/Women, Violence against women, Health/Health Advocacy, Women's Health, Human Rights, International, Africa, Youth, Educational reform