Rwanda: Sexual Pleasure and Controversy

When it comes to gender equality in politics, Rwanda regularly tops international league tables. But for some in this tiny African country, gender equality is not just a public matter but a private one too. The traditional sexual practice of Kunyaza has a reputation for facilitating female orgasms and ejaculation.

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We follow Vestine Dusabe, a well-known radio host and sexologist living in Rwanda whose late night show advises people on how to practice kunyaza and to improve sexual life for both men and women.

While exploring the intimate world of female pleasure, we also hear about another traditional practice, which is often spoken about alongside kunyaza: gukuna, otherwise known as labia elongation. Vestine, like many others, have encouraged girls as young as nine to elongate their labia in order to prepare them for marriage and enhance their own and their future husband’s sexual pleasure. But now the practice is receiving a backlash. Some Rwandan feminists and medical professionals argue that gukuna should be seen as a detrimental health issue, not a cultural one.

There’s advice and limited support for women concerned about labia elongation provided in Rwanda by medics and NGOs, such as Health Development Initiative.

WHO does not explicitly mention labial elongation as a form of female genital mutilation. It periodically reviews the typology and classification of certain practices and the next review is envisioned for 2020-2021.

In this documentary, we look at competing attitudes when it comes to female sexual pleasure and explore the collision zone between individual rights and preserving cultural practices.

Director, producer: Kayleen Devlin and Lily Freeston
Cinematography: Sebastian Rabas
Edit: Owen Keane
Narrator: Victoria Uwonkunda

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