Global Voices Season 7 Episode 7 The Mosuo Sisters

In Global Voices Season 7 Episode 7, we meet the Mosuo sisters, one of the last remaining matrilineal societies in the world. Living in a remote region of southwest China near the Tibetan border, the Mosuo people have a unique way of life that has fascinated outsiders for centuries.

In this episode, we follow the daily lives of the Mosuo sisters, Lugu and Ziguo, as they navigate their way through a rapidly changing world. Raised by their mother and grandmother in a matriarchal household, the sisters have never known a father or husband, as the Mosuo people practice a form of walking marriage where men visit women's homes at night but maintain their own households during the day.

We witness the sisters as they go about their daily activities, from working in the fields to attending school, and learn about the traditions and customs that have shaped their lives. We see how they are encouraged to pursue education and careers, but are also expected to uphold the values of their community and preserve their unique way of life.

As the sisters grow older, they must confront the challenges that come with modernization and globalization. We see how tourism has impacted their community, bringing in outsiders who are often more interested in novelty than understanding. We also witness the pressure to conform to mainstream Chinese culture, as the government promotes a more patriarchal family structure.

Despite these challenges, the Mosuo sisters remain committed to their community and their way of life. We see how they are working to preserve their traditions through language, art, and storytelling, and how they are becoming advocates for their people on the world stage.

Overall, The Mosuo Sisters is a fascinating glimpse into a world that is at once ancient and modern, traditional and progressive. Through the experiences of these two remarkable women, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing indigenous communities around the world, and the resilience and strength of those who seek to preserve their cultures in the face of change.