Gem TV
Farsi Interview, 2017, LA
A great talk with Dr. Foojan Zeine and Zahra Soroush about child development.
VOA Article
Michka was created by women’s rights activist Sahar Shams, who experienced sexual abuse as a child and wanted to help children understand and discuss the subject.
Parents often avoid talking about topics that are taboo in Iranian society, such as sexual abuse, said Mahmoudi. Michka helps them begin the conversation.
The Sociable
"Essentially, Michka is the story of a gender-neutral insect whose wings are considered a private part that should not be touched by others. One day Mr. Koopoom, an adult insect, touches Michka’s wings, Michka becomes confused about how to respond and react to the situation. The story tells a tale of how a child can speak with their parents about things that are confusing.
Sahar Shams, the project lead behind Michka, is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. She created the app, with the approval of child psychologists, as a resource for Iranian parents to talk about the difficult topic of sexual abuse in a language that is appropriate, understandable and non-threatening for children."
Global Issues
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"Michka, a downloadable e-book, uses the metaphor of an insect by that name who is torn in confusion when its wings are broached by another insect. She wanted to raise the otherwise heady topic in a more understandable, and non-threatening way for children. With the help of child psychologists, she set out to carve her vision into an app."
IPS
Michka, a downloadable e-book, uses the metaphor of an insect by that name who is torn in confusion when its wings are broached by another insect. She wanted to raise the otherwise heady topic in a more understandable, and non-threatening way for children. With the help of child psychologists, she set out to carve her vision into an app.
​“It took a lot of time to find the power in me, and it doesn’t have to be that way. I didn’t have any resource, and my parents had to grapple to provide with evidence. Now, I want to provide guidance to parents to be able to talk to their children.”
Ariana TV
Farsi Interview, LA, 2018
Jorbozeh TV Show
Farsi Interview, LA, 2017