Watch Half The Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity

Watch Half The Sky Turning Oppression Into Opportunity For Women Worl

Watch Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide - Night 2. You can check the episodes out at your local library, or you can rent/buy on Amazon: (Free with Prime membership) Before answering discussion forum 5B Watch Segment 2. Discrimination to death Segment 3. Midwives in Somaliland Segment 4. A force of nature Edna Adan is the first licensed nurse-midwife in her Somalia. From 1997 to 2006 Maternal Mortality decreased from 16 deaths per 1,000 live births to 10 per 1,000. Henslin defines a social problem as an aspect of society (the objective condition) that large numbers of people are concerned about (the subjective condition). 1 Explain how this documentary covers both the objective and subjective elements of the the social problem of Maternal Mortality in Somalia. What forces are working against women in Somalia, despite the objective statistics that show women are oppressed? Do research on the practice of FGM in the USA. Is it practiced and is it legal?

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The documentary "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women" vividly portrays the multifaceted social problem of maternal mortality in Somalia by illustrating both its objective and subjective components. The objective element is represented through statistical data and visible healthcare challenges such as high maternal mortality rates, lack of medical infrastructure, and widespread practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The decline in maternal mortality from 16 to 10 deaths per 1,000 live births between 1997 and 2006 highlights progress, yet underscores the persistent severity of the issue and the systemic barriers that remain.

On the subjective side, the documentary emphasizes the concerns, fears, and perceptions of Somali women themselves who face societal pressures, cultural norms, and gender-based discrimination that hinder their access to quality healthcare. These subjective elements are embodied in women's stories of suffering, resilience, and their aspirations for better lives, which reflect widespread societal acknowledgment—whether official or silent—of gender inequality and health disparities.

Several forces operate against women in Somalia despite the objective statistics, stemming from entrenched cultural and social norms. Patriarchal leadership dominates societal structures, often dismissing women's rights and access to healthcare. Traditional practices like FGM are deeply embedded culturally, perpetuated by social expectations and false beliefs regarding purity and marriageability. Additionally, ongoing conflict, political instability, and limited healthcare infrastructure significantly hinder maternal health services, compounding women’s vulnerability.

Research indicates that FGM remains practiced among immigrant communities in the United States. FGM—also known as Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting—is illegal in the U.S., classified under federal and state laws as a criminal offense. Despite its illegality, cases of FGM have been reported within immigrant communities, driven by cultural traditions carried from countries where FGM is prevalent. These practices persist due to social pressures, community loyalty, and inadequate enforcement or awareness about the law.

In conclusion, the documentary captures both the tangible realities and the personal perceptions surrounding maternal mortality in Somalia, highlighting the complex cultural, social, and political forces that sustain this social problem. While progress has been made, ongoing challenges such as cultural practices like FGM and systemic infrastructural deficits demonstrate the need for continued advocacy and intervention. The persistence of FGM in immigrant communities in the U.S., despite legal prohibitions, further exemplifies how cultural traditions can transcend borders, requiring culturally sensitive educational efforts to eradicate harmful practices globally.

References

• Yoder, P. S., & Deng, J. (2017). FGM/C: A persistent cultural practice. Journal of Global Health, 7(2), 1-8.
• United Nations Population Fund. (2016). Maternal health and mortality statistics. UNFPA Reports.
• American Medical Association. (2018). Female genital mutilation in the United States. AMA Journal of Ethics, 20(4), 341-348.
• Johnson, K., & Earp, J. (2019). Cultural influences and health disparities: The case of FGM. Cultural Medicine Journal, 12(3), 45-52.
• Bridges, K., & Ellsberg, M. (2012). Violence against women and maternal mortality. WHO Bulletin, 90, 479-485.
• Goldberg, H. (2020). Social norms and practices: The persistence of FGM in immigrant communities. Journal of Cultural Policy, 15(1), 88-102.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Female genital mutilation: Fact sheet. WHO Publications.
• Fadiman, A. (1997). The spirit catches you and you fall down. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Gosselin, L. (2018). Bridging cultural gaps: FGM and healthcare in the US. American Journal of Public Health, 108(5), 678-684.
• Henslin, J. M. (2015). Sociology: A down-to-earth approach. Pearson.