The Tostan Approach
Last night on PBS News Hour
On last night’s PBS NewsHour, we profiled Tostan, a group in Senegal that has found success in abandoning the practice of female genital cutting and development work in parts of the world where many others have failed.
“They wanted to learn what happened to them. We didn't even bring up FGC until much later in the program. And, meanwhile, they had learned what are the practices that may harm and lead to problems later on in life.” - Molly Melching
The key to Tostan's success, founder Molly Melching says, has been to play a supporting, not directing role that's so common in aid work today. Help communities write a grant for example, or provide health information and let communities decide for themselves.
Watch our full report here: https://www.undertoldstories.org/2025/02/14/the-tostan-method/
Great report as usual. Under Told Stories Project does such important work. And it was never needed more than now.
Don St. Dennis