'No More Cutting' is a project to raise awareness of female genital mutilation.
In some parts of the world stereotypes have created the idea of "normal" and "preferred" female genitalia. Some women choose to cut themselves to fit this distorted image of normality, when in reality normality comes in many shapes and forms. We must encourage women to be proud and celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of the natural female form and not be pressured to change.
In stark contrast 3 million girls and women are subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) each year against their will and without proper understanding of what is happening to them.
It is an extreme form of discrimination that millions of women and girls have been affected by and 8300 girls a day are at risk of being cut. These women and girls aren't presented with the choice to remain uncut and be themselves.
This project aims to highlight that human diversity, each unique genital is hand crafted from paper to capture the fragility and beauty of each and everyone.This project is a collaboration between myself, Mandy Smith, Random Studios and Kyla Elaine.
We hope that as this project grows so will the awareness.
We want to keep an open discussion and gain more support for the on going ambition to end FGM within a generation. Through new laws being passed, more education and general opinion changing there is hope to make this a reality. To see more of my paper art projects please visit: oksanadoesart.com
'No More Cutting' is a production of Papersmith Studio created by director Mandy Smith. The project was brought to life by on going collaborations with Random Studio, Oksana Valentelis and Kyla Elaine.