Abstract:

This article presents an overview of the design of an e-learning platform that intends to provide holistic and interdisciplinary theoretical and practical knowledge to professionals dealing with female genital mutilation (FGM) affected individuals and communities. Female genital mutilation (FGM) entails all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-therapeutic/ non-medical reasons (WHO). FGM is a human rights violation and constitutes the most brutal form of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and gender-based violence (GBV), on the basis of sex. Intending to tackle gender-based inequalities and eliminate violence against women, we brought together professionals working in prevention, protection, and prosecution services to build an e-learning platform to respond to the increased demand for support services against FGM. Given the nature of this endeavor, there is a need to approach the development of the e-learning platform as an inclusive process and democratize the design, allowing for different perspectives of stakeholders to be heard and determine the design decisions. This article delineates the approach adopted for democratizing the design process and ensures that the platform is comprehensive, holistic and interdisciplinary. We conclude with implications for researchers and practitioners in digital media design and recommendations for promoting the participation of key stakeholders in tackling key societal challenges, including FGM and GBV.

Keywords:

Technology, e-learning, Female genital mutilation, e-campus.