A Girl From Mogadishu
Directed by Mary McGuckian and Adrian Politowski, 112 minutes
Winner of the 2020 Cinema for Peace Women’s Empowerment Award
A Girl From Mogadishu is based on the true story of Ifrah Ahmed, a leading activist against female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based violence (GBV) who had experienced these issues during her childhood as a Somali indigene.
FGM entails all procedures involving complete or partial removal of the external female genital organ, or other injury to the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. In the same vein, GBV, now referred to as Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Ireland, comprises harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender.
The film follows Ifrah’s journey, born into a refugee camp in a war-torn Somalia and continues through documenting how she is trafficked to Ireland as a teenager. Igrah recounts her traumatic childhood experiences of female genital mutilation, when applying for refugee status. This re-traumatises her and pushes her to devote her life to pursuing the eradication of FGM.
A Girl from Mogadishu celebrates Ifrah’s successes, as she emerges as one of the world's foremost activists against FGM and attempts to shine a light on the power of testimony; when women find the courage to stand-up, speak out, and tell their truth, the impact can be so inspiring and empowering that act as a meaningful catalyst for change
IGHN screening
Our 13 September screening gives us an opportunity to unite as a community, to keep ourselves abreast of FGM and GBV as global health threats and strengthen our dedication to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with cast, crew, and representatives from organisations dealing with FGM and GBV in Ireland.
Organised in partnership with Ifrah Foundation, Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence, and AkiDwA.
Further details, including ticketing, will be available shortly