By Isatou Jeng
For over a decade, I have used my voice and my story as a survivor of FGM/C to raise awareness around the issue. I started at a time when it was considered too "shameful" to share my personal experience as a survivor. I am glad that I shared my story regardless, though, as it emboldened many other survivors to share their stories and experiences publicly as well.
Collectively, all of us survivors who spoke up ultimately led to a ban on FGM/C in The Gambia in 2015. I know the power of storytelling, which is also what attracted me to attend the 2024 Voices to End FGM/C workshop. This is the story I chose to share:
Over the phone, one of my cousins informed me that they had cut my daughter and she added, “But she is doing fine, you don't have to worry.” I couldn't say a word as tears rolled down my face, knowing that I had failed my child. It took me over 15 years to share this part of my story with anyone – not even those closest to me knew about this part of my life. My daughter and I talked over it several times and I have asked for her forgiveness. She did forgive me, but it is I who is still unable to heal. For over a decade, I have helped save so many girls from FGM/C, but I was unable to protect my child. It hurts and I am not sure if I will ever heal from it.
The workshop has been an incredible experience for me. I have shared my story over the years with others but not digitally. I was able to create and edit my story with the help of amazing facilitators who were always happy to provide support. It was also great to be in the same space with other storytellers who made it feel like we were a family. I felt safe and supported throughout the process and I am glad to be in the same community with champions who are all passionately working to end FGM/C.
I want my story to reach all corners of the world and be a tool for change. I hope it serves as a call for other survivors to speak out and share their stories as we work together to end FGM/C and protect women and girls.
I won't ever get tired of apologizing to my daughter. I wish I was there to protect her. I wish she was never cut. It is heartbreaking knowing she is going to live the scar for the rest of her life. All I can say is “I am sorry!”
Isatou Jeng is a program management specialist with 13 years of experience and diverse skills in social justice, youth development, human rights advocacy, and campaigns in the non-profit sector. She has dedicated her life to ending all forms of gender-based violence and her work contributed to the criminalization of FGM/C in the Gambia in 2015. Now with The U.S. End FGM/C Network, Isatou is working with survivors, activists, and allies to end FGM/C in the US and globally.