On March 8th, the Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C hosted a parallel event, “There’s an App For That? Technological Innovation and Change Towards Ending Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting” at the NGOCSW67. This webinar explored the ways in which technology, internet communication, and the digitalization of raising awareness can help achieve the elimination of FGM/C. This event also served as an opportunity to hear from some of the leading innovators in the area of technological solutions to addressing FGM/C.
Sahiyo co-founder and Mumkin co-founder and CEO Priya Goswami, was one of the panelists. She addressed and advocated for the urgent need for feminist technological interventions and the limitations and challenges of developing an innovation around the taboo subject of FGM/C.
Goswami believes that though technology poses some limitations, it has also effectively been used as an important tool for digital activism and feminist storytelling. Now, it is increasingly being used in more sophisticated ways, with apps like Mumkin and i-Cut from Kenya. Some other examples of tech for FGM/C include create interactive maps, such as map created by END FGM EU, which signpost the global prevalence of FGM/C.
The event also raised the critical issue of the funding gap for building innovations around FGM/C. Goswami emphasized that if we, feminist innovators, trailblazers, and activists, don’t create a technology that represents us, someone out there who does not represent our cause might. “Technologies can be very powerful if written to serve people rather than treat humans as ‘users’”. This is the clarion call for new feminist creators and funders to step up and create change harnessing the power of tech.
The Mumkin app can be found in the Google Play Store for Android phones.