Show notes
In this raw and unforgettable episode of I AM NALA, host Aya Chebbi sits down with Somali-British activist and survivor Shamsa Arawil for an unflinching conversation about her experience with female genital mutilation (FGM), her journey of healing, and her mission to transform trauma into activism. Shamsa shares her graphic and deeply personal story of undergoing FGM at age six, the lifelong impact it’s had on her body and mind, and the systemic silence survivors face around the world.
Together, they explore survivor-led solutions, bodily autonomy, the fetishization of women’s bodies, the global nature of FGM, and the role of reconstructive surgery in healing. Shamsa’s voice cuts through statistics and policy with a lived reality that demands attention—and action.
Shamsa takes us through her early life in Somalia and the cultural expectations that normalized FGM, and a vivid recounting of the procedure she underwent at age six and its lasting physical, mental, and emotional impact. She also shares candid discussion about the failures of existing charities, healthcare providers, and policies in addressing FGM effectively. She is advocating for survivor-centered solutions and explains why mainstream approaches often fall short
Shamsa has gone through reconstructive surgery and she shares what it meant for her sense of self. Her story serves as both a warning and an inspiration for survivors worldwide to reclaim ownership of their narratives.
🌍 Key Topics Covered
** Shamsa’s lived experience of FGM and childhood in Somalia
** Her diagnosis with dyslexia and her journey through higher education
** A breakdown of the four types of FGM and their long-term complications
** The trauma, silence, and medical neglect survivors face in diaspora communities
** Her reconstruction surgery and reclaiming bodily autonomy
** Critique of the UN and NGO sector’s response to FGM
** The importance of survivor-led and person-centered healing
“We are not less. We are not damaged. We are survivors—and we deserve healing.”
“If I can heal, I know others can too. We just need the tools and the truth.”
💡 Resources & Mentions
Dr. Dan O'Day – FGM Reconstruction Specialist (Germany)
DoorCast UK – Survivor support charity based in Birmingham
📣 Call to Action Love this episode? Please share with your networks, leave a review, and follow the I AM NALA podcast on all major platforms. Let’s amplify survivor voices and push for systemic change.
🔗 Follow @iamnala and @aya_chebbi on social media for updates.
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Creator & Host: Aya Chebbi
Producer: Omom Mbu-Ogar
Graphic Designer & Audio engineer.: Kenechukwu Nwachukwu
Music License Agreement signed for the Use of ‘Fire’ by Mpho featuring MiDi KwaKwa
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