Interview with Fatia

Dunja | 19.01.2025

Hinweis: Dieser Artikel behandelt das Thema weibliche Genitalverstümmelung (FGM), einschließlich körperlicher und psychischer Folgen. Inhalte können belastend wirken und beschreiben Gewalt an Frauen und Mädchen.

Hi Fatia, nice to meet you. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I grew up both in Kenya and London. I’ve lived in Germany for 5 years.

Do you want to share your personal backstory?

My story with female genital mutilation (FGM) began when I was just six or seven years old when my sister and I were cut on the same day. I remember the happy atmosphere like it was yesterday, adult women who surrounded us, their laughter and chatter filling the air. To them, it felt like a celebration, a rite of passage into womanhood. But to me, it was the beginning of a silent struggle.

For years, I lived with the physical and emotional scars of that day, never fully confronting the pain it caused. The topic felt too heavy, too taboo to discuss openly. I carried it with me, tucked away like a dark secret, until I moved to Germany, where I began to explore the impact of FGM on my life.

As I delved deeper into this journey of self-discovery, I realized that the act of being cut was only the beginning. It opened a can of worms filled with complex emotions and experiences that I had never fully processed. I found myself confronting feelings of loneliness and isolation that came with the territory of being a survivor. It became clear that I was not alone in my suffering; many women carry similar burdens, often in silence. 

Through my healing journey, I felt a growing responsibility to support other FGM survivors. I began to speak out, sharing my story in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. The more I learned about FGM and its consequences, the more determined I became to get involved in the eradication of this practice.

Now, I stand as a voice for those who have suffered in silence. I advocate for education, awareness, and support for survivors. I share my story not just to heal myself, but to empower others, to let them know they are not alone.

My journey is ongoing, and while the path may be challenging, it is also filled with hope and resilience. I am committed to turning my pain into purpose and helping others find their voices, too.

 
You yourself are a FGM survivor. Would you like to share your personal experience and what impact it had on your life?

Sure, I was 6 or 7 years old when I was cut, I grew up in a community where the majority of girls are cut, and as such making it a common practice. I grew up not knowing how much this impacted me. It happened and it was never discussed again, therefore, for a long time, I didn’t understand the impact this had on me. Today, I understand the psychological, physical and sexual health problems I experience as a result of FGM.

Were you aware of what was happening to you?

On the day of the cut, we were very casually informed of what would take place. I knew it was something they did to girls, but I had no idea what the process involved. I only fully understood what was to happen when I was instructed to sit down and open my legs. I knew at that moment, something bad was about to happen.

How did your community view FGM? What part did the practice play? 

In my community, FGM is seen as a common "rite of passage" and is believed to control a girl's sexuality. It's practiced for both religious and cultural reasons, which made it feel inevitable for many of us.

At what point did your view on FGM change and how? 

I've felt since the day it happened that what I experienced was wrong. Now, as an adult, I’m able to share my story publicly and give a voice to FGM survivors.

What was/is your emotional and psychological healing process like? Where did you get your support?

Over the past few years, I've begun exploring the psychological effects of my experiences. Working with a therapist has been particularly validating, as they affirmed that what I went through was wrong and violent. I’ve also engaged in alternative therapies like Embodied Movement. Organizations like Terre des Femmes provided valuable training and knowledge, while the Desert Flower Center offered holistic treatment through a skilled team of surgeons and psychologists.

You have started to work with other survivors since you felt there wasn’t enough room for their individual experiences. What is your advocacy work focused on?

I want my work to focus on amplifying the voice of survivors, and sharing individual experiences from survivors and those close to them. Additionally, I would like to raise awareness about systemic challenges, such as mental health resources, trauma-informed care, and access to support services.

What do you think is the most urgent need for FGM survivors, both in terms of healthcare and psychological support? 

Not enough health care professionals are trained in the care of women with FGM. For many survivors, visiting healthcare providers can trigger trauma responses. Ensuring that medical staff are trained to interact with FGM survivors with sensitivity and cultural understanding, is the first step.

What challenges did you face when you first started speaking out about FGM, and how did you overcome them?  The most difficult part has been the fear of backlash, especially from my community. I believe this is the right thing to do, so I use this to overcome the fear. 

 Do you collaborate with other organisations or activists, and if so, how do those partnerships enhance your work?

I am grateful to have the support of Terre des Femmes on this new journey, which has given me the courage and strength to move forward with my work. In addition, I collaborate closely with Habiba Al-Hinai, co-founder of the Omani Association for Human Rights (OAHR), who shares my commitment to abolishing FGM and providing vital support to survivors.

What misconceptions do people have about FGM, both within communities that practice it and among outsiders? 

Communities that continue to practice (FGM) believe they are acting in the best interest of girls, viewing it as a protective measure. However, it is important to emphasize that FGM has no health benefits and can lead to serious physical and psychological harm. I imagined that outsider's view this as a “cultural peculiarity or religious practice”. The reality is this is a human rights violation.

How do you navigate advocating for FGM survivors across cultures while respecting the traditions and values of the communities involved?

As survivors, we share a common and unfortunate bond that helps ease the communication challenges. The best path forward is to collaborate with community leaders who have earned the trust of their communities. Their involvement can assist with the dialogue and promote understanding, acting as a bridge to close cultural gaps.

What is your opinion on interventions by people/organisations from the global north? Do they carry responsibility?

Most interventions regarding female genital mutilation (FGM) are often perceived as issues predominantly affecting the Global South. However, it's crucial to recognize that 190,000 girls and women in 17 European countries are at risk of undergoing FGM. For interventions to be truly effective, this issue must be framed as a global human rights violation, demanding a united and comprehensive response.

 What advice would you give to other survivors?

One of the most valuable tools I utilized was self-advocacy combined with education. It’s essential to engage with your healthcare provider and ask for guidance in finding the appropriate resources and support. Take the initiative to educate yourself about FGM; delve into research on the subject, especially the psychological effects. Gaining knowledge can provide understanding about what you have experienced, making the journey towards recovery more manageable.

Thank you so much for the interview!