An estimated 130 million women and girls worldwide have undergone female circumcision. Most live in Africa and Asia.  However, with the influx of immigration, increasing numbers of these women now live in Europe and the United States. In the US alone, more than 168,000 women and girls either had or are at risk for FGM. This accounts for more than 10% of the world's population of circumcised women. More than two-thirds of these women live in either California or New York.

Women are perpetuating FGM because they have not been educated about the severe consequences of the procedure. Studies have shown that a woman's level of education is probably one of the most important factors contributing to her health beliefs and health-seeking behavior. The purpose of TAHARA is to educate women and girls about the harmful side effects of FGM. This harmful cultural practice must be demystified and brought into the public's awareness. TAHARA will lift the veil of secrecy that shrouds FGM and help put a stop to the senseless suffering and deaths of millions of women and girls worldwide.

Director's Statement by Sara Rashad
TAHARA explores the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) through the eye's of Amina, our main protagonist, who struggles with the decision of whether or not she should circumcise her own daughter in the name of "tradition." It is my deepest hope that TAHARA sheds the silence that currently shrouds the issue of FGM by telling the story through a mother's POV.

TAHARA is different from all other films exploring the issue of FGM because it tells the story of three generations of women, the past, present and future. It also strictly focuses on why FGM continues. Despite, it's illegality FGM is performed behind closed doors by women themselves.

TAHARA is the result of much research and personal sacrifice and it is my deepest hope that it contributes to the eradication of FGM globally.

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