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Film Festival Against FGM
Project SummaryThrough a two-day film festival in Addis Ababa, the Sara Aduse Foundation is creating a space for education, connection, and open dialogue about female genital mutilation. Film screenings, panel discussions, and a bazaar bring together survivors, experts, and organizations, helping to spread the message beyond the festival.
Background
More than 230 million girls and women worldwide are affected by female genital mutilation (FGM). According to UNICEF, around 25 million of them live in Ethiopia. FGM is one of the most serious human rights violations of our time—and at the same time one of the greatest taboos. The physical, psychological, and social consequences often remain hidden. Affected women frequently suffer in silence, with no space to speak openly and no access to support.
On February 6, 2026, the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation, we saw just how much a single evening can change. The documentary “Do You Remember Me?” was screened in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy in Addis Ababa—and the audience’s reaction was overwhelming. People who would otherwise remain silent spoke up. Men who would never have broached the subject listened. Women affected by FGM recognized themselves in the story. Conversations began that would previously have been unthinkable.
This experience has shown us that film achieves what many educational formats cannot. It touches people. It opens minds. It turns silence into dialogue. And that is exactly why we want to do more with it.
Read moreOn February 6, 2026, the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation, we saw just how much a single evening can change. The documentary “Do You Remember Me?” was screened in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy in Addis Ababa—and the audience’s reaction was overwhelming. People who would otherwise remain silent spoke up. Men who would never have broached the subject listened. Women affected by FGM recognized themselves in the story. Conversations began that would previously have been unthinkable.
This experience has shown us that film achieves what many educational formats cannot. It touches people. It opens minds. It turns silence into dialogue. And that is exactly why we want to do more with it.
Idea
The Sara Aduse Foundation is planning to hold a two-day film festival in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)—a platform where people can learn, engage in dialogue, and actively address the impacts of FGM. The festival aims to create a space that is rarely found: a place where FGM can be discussed openly, with dignity, and without judgment. Not in a condescending manner, not from a lofty Western perspective—but on an equal footing, in a culturally sensitive way, and with genuine respect for the people we hope to reach.
At the heart of the festival are three films that shed light on FGM and women’s rights from very different perspectives.
“Hidote” tells the story of a girl who flees a forced marriage after her circumcision. “Do You Remember Me?” follows Sara Aduse on her journey back to Ethiopia, where, after more than 20 years, she encounters the woman who performed her circumcision—an award-winning documentary about forgiveness and courage. Finally, “Female Pleasure” demonstrates that advocating for the rights of women and girls is a global endeavor.
Following each screening, moderated panel discussions will take place with filmmakers, activists, experts, and survivors. The audience is invited to ask questions, share their own experiences, and actively participate in the discussion. This fosters not a monologue, but a genuine dialogue—and that is precisely the core of our work.
Read moreAt the heart of the festival are three films that shed light on FGM and women’s rights from very different perspectives.
“Hidote” tells the story of a girl who flees a forced marriage after her circumcision. “Do You Remember Me?” follows Sara Aduse on her journey back to Ethiopia, where, after more than 20 years, she encounters the woman who performed her circumcision—an award-winning documentary about forgiveness and courage. Finally, “Female Pleasure” demonstrates that advocating for the rights of women and girls is a global endeavor.
Following each screening, moderated panel discussions will take place with filmmakers, activists, experts, and survivors. The audience is invited to ask questions, share their own experiences, and actively participate in the discussion. This fosters not a monologue, but a genuine dialogue—and that is precisely the core of our work.
Implementation
The festival will be held at a professional venue in Addis Ababa and is expected to attract several hundred visitors over two days. The Sara Aduse Foundation is overseeing the overall coordination in close collaboration with the Swiss Embassy in Addis Ababa as well as local event and communications partners.
In addition to film screenings and panel discussions, a bazaar is planned where organizations and initiatives can showcase their work on women’s rights, health, education, and FGM prevention. The bazaar fosters networking—between organizations, between activists, and between people encountering the issue for the first time. To reach young people in particular, the festival will be accompanied by a targeted communications campaign: media partnerships, social media activities, and the production of digital content are intended to carry the festival’s messages into society beyond the two days of the festival.
CHF 30,000 is needed to organize the festival. We aim to raise CHF 20,000 through the crowdfunding platform “there for you”—the remaining CHF 10,000 will be funded by other partners. With your support, you’ll help create a platform that breaks the silence, shares knowledge, and brings together people who stand up for the dignity of girls and women.
Read moreIn addition to film screenings and panel discussions, a bazaar is planned where organizations and initiatives can showcase their work on women’s rights, health, education, and FGM prevention. The bazaar fosters networking—between organizations, between activists, and between people encountering the issue for the first time. To reach young people in particular, the festival will be accompanied by a targeted communications campaign: media partnerships, social media activities, and the production of digital content are intended to carry the festival’s messages into society beyond the two days of the festival.
CHF 30,000 is needed to organize the festival. We aim to raise CHF 20,000 through the crowdfunding platform “there for you”—the remaining CHF 10,000 will be funded by other partners. With your support, you’ll help create a platform that breaks the silence, shares knowledge, and brings together people who stand up for the dignity of girls and women.
Initiators
Sara Abubeker Aduse is the founder of the Sara Aduse Foundation, a Swiss nonprofit foundation based in Zurich (CHE-195.292.988). She underwent female genital mutilation as a child in Ethiopia and began her journey toward healing in Switzerland. Her personal story gave rise to a foundation that is now one of the most prominent voices against FGM in the German-speaking world—with an award-winning documentary, a bestselling book, a petition with over 23,000 signatures, and the Nina Haus in Harar, a community and dialogue center that has been in operation since October 2025.
Change doesn’t happen through FGM. It happens through education, dialogue, and love.
Join us.
Read moreChange doesn’t happen through FGM. It happens through education, dialogue, and love.
Join us.
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| Trezzini Gioele | 150,00 CHF |
| Vermittelt durch Swisscom | 215,00 CHF |
| Vermittelt durch Swisscom | 155,00 CHF |
Currently, there are still no project partners if you are interested, please contact us via info@there-for-you.com.
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Impact analysis by there for you specialists
The film festival has an impact that extends beyond individual screenings by raising awareness of FGM and creating a safe space for education, dialogue, and social discourse. By combining film, personal experiences, and expert discussion, the festival connects with people on an emotional level and breaks down existing taboos. At the same time, the festival strengthens local organizations and promotes networking among those affected, experts, and advocates. The accompanying communication efforts carry the messages beyond the event itself and can, in particular, raise awareness among young people about women’s rights and self-determination. In this way, the project provides important impetus for long-term changes in social norms and for a future in which girls and women
are better protected.
We will send the donation receipt (for Switzerland) in January of the following year.
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