Women's History Month 2022

African Girls Stories: Childhood Destroyed, Feminine Dilemma & Joy

Expired March 22, 2022 3:59 AM
Already unlocked? for access
Protected ContentThis content can only be viewed in authorized regions: United States of America, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands (U.S.), Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa.

Images presented in Feminine Dilemma are almost unsustainable to watch.


One witnesses the circumcision operation performed on two young girls as women surrounding them in a courtyard clap their hands, dance and sing "you will not cry or we will never forgive you". Following this harrowing sequence, the film presents a series of interviews with religious leaders, women group representatives, health workers, everyday people and the girls themselves and asks the question: why female circumcision? Should it be performed and how? And what are the consequences?


Following the making of this film, scandal broke and threats and attacks against the filmmaker followed. But once the dust settled, a debate started in Chad which allowed for open discussions of a topic that is still taboo in many parts of the world today. As for the filmmaker, Zara M. Yacoub, she will remain marked for life by her experiences making and defending this very courageous and disturbing documentary.

  • Year
    1994
  • Runtime
    22 minutes
  • Language
    Arabic, French
  • Country
    Chad
  • Director
    Zara M. Yacoub