Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of the practices involved in female genital mutilation
Shamsa Sharawe, a 31-year-old Somali woman living in the UK, has made it her mission to break the silence surrounding female genital mutilation (FGM).
In a powerful and moving video, she shares her own harrowing experience of undergoing infibulation, a form of FGM that involves cutting off the outer genitalia and narrowing the vaginal opening.
The video, which has gone viral with over 12 million views on TikTok, shows Shamsa using a razor blade to cut off the petals of a rose to illustrate what happened to her own vulva when she was just six years old. She then stitches up what’s left of the flower, giving a poignant and disturbing representation of the physical effects of FGM.
Shamsa’s story is a testament to the devastating impact of FGM on women’s lives. The practice, which is still prevalent in Somalia and many other countries, has severe physical and emotional consequences, including painful periods, difficulty urinating, and agonizing sex and childbirth.
But Shamsa is not just speaking out against FGM; she’s also breaking another taboo by sharing her desire to have her genitalia reconstructed.
After discovering that this was possible through private surgery, Shamsa underwent the procedure and has since regained control over her body.
Shamsa’s courage has inspired many others who have undergone FGM to speak out and seek help.
Her story is a powerful reminder that women should not have to suffer in silence and that there are ways to overcome the trauma caused by this harmful practice.
In an interview with the BBC, Shamsa spoke about her decision to undergo reconstruction surgery.
“I was terrified of the idea of re-cutting, even though this time it was with my consent,” she said. “But I had to do it for my mental health. I just wanted to never feel pain again.”
Shamsa’s bravery has sparked a wider conversation about FGM and its consequences. Her story is a testament to the power of speaking out against taboo subjects and seeking help when needed. As she continues to share her story, Shamsa is inspiring others to do the same and helping to create a safer and more compassionate world for all women.
The 31-year-old, who was featured in the BBC’s list of 100 women for her work against FGM, has been open about her struggles and has used her platform to raise awareness about the issue. She has also been vocal about her disappointment with the NHS, which only offers deinfibulation surgery, which opens up the vagina but does not replace any removed tissue or undo the damage.
Shamsa decided to seek private surgery in Germany, where she raised £25,000 ($32,000) through online crowdfunding. She underwent a lengthy procedure and spent three weeks recovering in Germany before returning to the UK. The surgery was not covered by the NHS, and Shamsa is still in debt, owing around £3,000 to the hospital.
Shamsa’s story highlights the lack of access to healthcare for FGM survivors in Africa, where the majority of girls and women who have undergone FGM live. In Kenya and Egypt, patients can access surgery, but it is expensive and not widely available.
However, some European countries have made progress in providing reconstruction surgery for FGM survivors. Clitoral reconstruction is covered by public health insurance in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Dr Adan Abdullahi, a specialist in Kenya, says that every type of FGM could benefit from reconstruction surgery. He notes that it can improve childbirth and alleviate issues such as pain during sex. Haja Bilkisu, a 30-year-old recruitment agent who underwent reconstruction surgery in Germany, agrees. She says that she feels more complete since her surgery and encourages others to do their research thoroughly before deciding on reconstruction.
Shamsa’s story is a testament to the power of speaking out against taboo subjects and seeking help when needed. Her courage has inspired many others to share their own stories and seek help. As Shamsa continues to raise awareness about FGM and its consequences, she hopes to create a safer and more compassionate world for all women.
