By Fadima Tall
When I was invited to join the Sahiyo Voices to End FGM/C workshop, I was hesitant to accept. I had only been in the field of FGM/C advocacy for a few months and was still finding my footing as an advocate. I had always struggled with speaking about emotional topics, perhaps as a result of some deep-seated fear of opening up to people. More importantly, I didn’t know if I deserved to be included in a space that was for survivors of FGM/C, which I am not. I pondered deeply about what my role would be in the workshop and what I would have to offer the group, but I drew a blank. Though I knew that other advocates would also be there, there was still a part of me that still felt unworthy of participating in the workshop.
Coming into the first virtual meeting I did not know what to expect from the group, but as we started to get to know each other I finally realized that I had nothing to worry about. Everyone was so welcoming and I saw myself reflected in every single person in that space. While I at first thought I was intruding on a safe space for women who have experienced something I haven’t, it turned out to be the community I never knew I needed. Over the next few weeks, my excitement about the in-person workshop continued to grow. After hearing these women bravely open up and tell us their stories of being cut, I gained the courage to travel with them on this storytelling journey as a supporter, advocate, and more importantly, as a friend.
Because these women shared their stories with me, I learned so much about the practice that I hadn’t known, even as an advocate. Everyone’s story of FGM/C is different and every story can teach us something new about the pain that is caused by this practice. Through the workshop, not only did I learn about FGM/C but I also built amazing relationships with the workshop participants. These are friendships that I will cherish forever. I am endlessly inspired by the strength, kindness, and radiance I saw in all of these women and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with them.
Though my story is not the same, I shared it in the hopes that other non-survivors could see what it looks like to become an advocate. It is not a linear journey and it looks different for everyone, but what we all share is a genuine love and care for the women and girls in our communities who are at risk or have experienced FGM/C.
The story I shared for the workshop starts with me as a young girl beginning to understand that I live in a world that doesn’t value me for who I am, but instead for what I can offer the men around me. I shared moments in my life when I began to understand what FGM/C is and when I realized I needed to be an advocate against it. That story is only beginning, as I continue to grow every day as an advocate. I can only hope that my story has an impact on other aspiring advocates and shows people that anyone can do this important work and that everyone should.
The Voices to End FGM/C workshop is an experience I am immeasurably grateful to have been a part of and I hope all of our stories shared there will inspire others to become advocates and encourage survivors to share their stories as well.
Fadima Tall is originally from Cameroon and Mali but spent her formative years in Ethiopia. Currently serving as the Policy Research Associate at the US End FGM/C Network, she began her advocacy journey against FGM/C within the organization. Her deep interest in gender issues in Africa drives her pursuit of a PhD in International Relations at American University starting this Fall.
Fadima is eagerly looking forward to participating in an upcoming workshop where she hopes to learn from FGM/C survivors and further develop her advocacy skills. She is also keen on improving her storytelling abilities through the workshop, recognizing its importance in amplifying voices and effecting change. Outside of her professional endeavors, Fadima finds creative fulfillment in art, particularly drawing and painting, which she enjoys in her free time.