Shamsa Sharawe, a British influencer, is sharing her journey of survival from female genital cutting and her mission to protect future generations through social media activism.
Shamsa Sharawe: From Survival to Activism Against Female Genital Cutting
Shamsa Sharawe: From Survival to Activism Against Female Genital Cutting
A former victim of female genital cutting is using her platform to raise awareness and promote change.
At just six years old, Shamsa Sharawe faced a traumatic event that would shape her life forever: female genital cutting. Now 32 and thriving in the UK as an anti-cutting campaigner, Sharawe has leveraged her social media presence to confront this painful reality and advocate for change.
Utilizing her TikTok platform, Sharawe creates engaging and candid content that addresses female genital cutting, a practice prevalent in her native Somalia. With her humorous and bold approach, she aims to break the silence surrounding a subject often considered taboo. One of her notable videos features her slicing into a rose, a poignant metaphor for the cutting she endured, and offers viewers a gripping insight into her past.
In her latest personal journey, Sharawe underwent a significant surgery in Germany aimed at reconstructing her external female genitalia, something she had missed out on due to the cutting. The night before her surgery was filled with anxiety; she found herself alone in an unfamiliar place, reflecting on the journey she was about to undertake.
Emphasizing the importance of awareness, Sharawe continues to share her story with her followers, empowering them to bolden their voices against such harmful practices. Through her engaging content, she fosters a community of support and understanding, encouraging others to protect future generations from the scars—both visible and invisible—left by female genital cutting.
