100 Vaginas

Sometimes I am deeply ashamed of being a man. Given many of the reviews here (no doubt by men), and seeing their behaviour on the greater world stage, I am constantly, painfully reminded of just how stupid men truly are. I hate always being the smartest man in the room, because that isn't any great leap. And I'm not talking about being able to exploit and make money and squander resources. I mean deep thinking. I mean appreciating the pain and suffering of others, beyond the point of how such pain and suffering can be bent to one's advantage. Anyway, this is a film about women and the issues they face at the hands of the other half of the population. You know. The stupid ones.

After hearing a couple of my work colleagues discussing this programme (neither of them enjoyed it and switched off), it piqued my interest. I must admit the first part of the documentary was a bit hard going but once I got over my own embarrassment, I found it quite informative and interesting. Yes it is slightly squeamish in parts and there is plenty of nudity. However it's only natural, everything they discuss happens to most of us women in our lifetime.

I thought this was a great film, giving an insight into the experiences of other people. A lot of identity is tied to the * and vulva, much more than just shame.and sex. Those are also there of course, but it goes much deeper. When I put it on from an artfilm platform (Kanopy), I was a little worried it might be raunchy or purposefully provocative. Which can be interesting, sure, but I was quite glad to find that 100 Vaginas is really just a documentary showing a part of the female body that has a lot (ok, easily the most) cultural and personal significance to it. I cringed at the section on female genital mutilation, but not out of disgust of womanhood, but rather at the unwanted destruction of a healthy body. It was still worth watching, because if you don't get exposed to such a thing, you can easily ignore it. I am glad for having learned a lot, and for gaining some additional compassion.

As a woman - the 'secret life of women' needs to be discussed and revealled. we are 51% of the population but our lives are not discussed and this leads to ignorance. Most politicians and decision makers are men and they are ignorant about women . Until 51% of politicians and decision makers are women, we need to educate men - physicians and parenters alike. Women protect men from the various areas of our lives because our lives are difficult and men choose not to know - its time for a reveal and education

One woman's journey of discovery while photographing 100 different vaginas, including her own. The women in this documentary give a very honest, forthright and down to earth view of how they feel about their own sexuality and bodies. The range of topics covered is amazing, with no holds barred. If you're looking for a cheap thrill, forget it, but well worth a look if you can handle the truth.