Scars of Silence: Unveiling the Truth About FGM with Hoda M Ali

STOP FGM!

In whispers carried across generations, wrapped in layers of culture and custom, lies a ritual often spoken of in hushed tones—female genital mutilation (FGM). For millions of girls and women around the world, it is more than a term or an abstract issue; it is a wound, a silence, a shadow cast over the future. But what is FGM, truly? What are its roots, its myths, and its far-reaching effects? How can a world bound by traditions unlearn practices that harm?

This article embarks on a journey to uncover the reality of FGM—its impact on the body, the psyche, and the spirit. Along the way, we are guided by the voice of Hoda M. Ali, an FGM survivor who defied the silence to reclaim her story. Through her words, the veil is lifted, revealing the truth behind the scars and the strength it takes to heal.

Together, let us confront the myths, illuminate the realities, and explore the pathways to eradication. For in Hoda’s story, and in the stories of countless others, we find not just pain but the resilience to inspire change.

The following is excerpts from the interview conducted on the 19th of November 2024 by Maryam Gadzama with Hoda M. Ali, a survivor of FGM. Her story sheds light on the realities of the practice and the enduring impact it has on countless lives.

How would you Introduce yourself?

“Definitely not with just one word. A complete set of experiences made me who I am.”

“I am Hoda M Ali from Somalia. I came to the UK just before my 21st birthday, after being in Italy for a surgery from the complications of FGM. I set up my company called ‘The Va Vengers’,  which works with children to teach educational and general safeguarding in the UK. ”

Understanding FGM

“Female Genital Mutilation is a very old practice as old as written history itself. Ancient Greek historians documented its existence, and archaeological discoveries, including a mummified body in Egypt found to have undergone type 3 FGM from fifth century BC.”

“It takes four main forms: the cutting or slitting of the clitoris, the removal of the clitoris and inner labia, the removal of the clitoris and infibulation where all the external genital organs are removed before the vagina is sewn shut leaving only a small opening to allow urination & menstruation, and lastly the stretching of the labia which is then burnt.”

Every number tells a story. When we say that over 230 million girls have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), with 140 million in Africa alone, we're not just sharing statistics.[1] We're speaking about mothers, sisters, daughters, friends – perhaps someone you know might have gone through this.

How Did FGM affect you personally?

“I, Hoda Ali, was cut to prove to my future husband that I am a virgin. A lady can be a virgin without being cut! I had complications that resulted in me getting surgery. I was given Type three FGM which is the complete removal of the clitoris with a sewing leaving ‘a hole as tiny as a matchstick’. You can imagine being a lady passing urine and menstruation through a little hole every single month. The pain. The discomfort. The infections. Ohh it affects you mentally too.”

“What’s surprising is that people talked about FGM as though it was normal and was expected of Ladies in order to fit in. The lack of Knowledge is the main reason for the prevalence of FGM in African countries. But FGM is practiced for so many other reasons: Culture, Religion, to control sexuality, trust issues, and marriageability of Women. These are still connected to knowledge.”

Myths 

FGM is a part of religion.

“But there is no truth to this. There is no Holy book anywhere in the world that advocates for FGM. This was due to their literacy skills, being told whatever and believing it.”

FGM is a medically proven procedure to keep women pure.

“FGM is not a medical procedure at all - most cutters are untrained individuals working with crude tools for a day's wage. The practice has been condemned by the World Health Organization. Far from being 'medically proven,' FGM is proven to cause devastating medical complications. You might get infections. You might get HIV. You might have complications giving birth. You might DIE.  It is painful. Oh it is painful! 

Most importantly, there is no medical basis for the concept of enforcing 'purity' through physical mutilation. A woman's moral character and dignity comes from her personal values and choices, not from having her body altered forcefully. It might keep women pure, but risking a Ladies life for purity, is that justifiable?”

FGM is okay. My parents said it was okay, normal and safe.

“It is not safe. It is not normal. There are a lot of complications from the procedure. It is not okay.”

FGM is needed in order for wives to be trusted.

“In Sudan, quite heartbreaking to know, in the past, they sewed their wives up before travel to prevent them from 'sleeping around'. Trust is the issue not Purity. This is an extreme form of abuse that has no place in any society - trust is built through respect not through violence and mutilation.”

The Impacts 

Women suffer injuries to nearby genital issue, difficulty in passing urine, difficulty during menstruations (dysmenorrhea), infections such as genital ulcers, Childbirth complications such as postpartum haemorrhage, increased risk of caesarean section, difficult labour, death, but to name a few. A few. 

It's more heart-wrenching to know that this pain does not stop with the procedure. These women live their lives with torture from the procedure.

Can we stop FGM?

“Yes. Villages in Senegal, Zambia, Nigeria and other African Countries have stopped FGM. We can. Knowledge Is power”. 

“The parts of Afrika, that still practice this don’t have enough knowledge. Borno, the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, and many other Africa Countries still have regions that practice this.[2] We know it’s bad, but they don’t.”

“Realistically, you can't walk into a struggling village in Africa and tell them to stop a practice that puts food on their tables. When a community needs basic necessities like water, food, and better infrastructure, and you're asking them to give up something that provides their daily income - what outcome can you really expect?”

“It’s the little things that make a difference. You can’t change yesterday but we can change the future with a little knowledge.”  

Hoda’s closing message serves as a powerful reminder that even small actions can shape a brighter future, underscoring the transformative impact of awareness and education.

Thank you, Hoda M Ali, for generously letting us hold this interview and for your extraordinary courage in sharing your story and fighting to protect others from FGM. We love you and adore your strength, courage, love and kindness.

References

[1] Female Genital Mutilation (March 2024) Unicef. Accessed 26th December 2024. Link https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-protection/female-genital-mutilation/

[2] Female Genital Mutilation in Northeastern Nigeria (January 2019) Open Access Library Journal. Link https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337080786_Female_Genital_Mutilation_in_Northeastern_Nigeria

Image: International Alliance of Women https://womenalliance.org/international-day-of-zero-tolerance-to-female-genital-mutilation/

For further reading; Jewel Llamas, (April 2017) Female Circumcision: The History, the Current Prevalence and the Approach to a Patient. Link https://med.virginia.edu/family-medicine/wp-content/uploads/sites/285/2017/01/Llamas-Paper.pdf

~Alinda Mutabazi, President & Founder and Maryam J-K Gadzama, Chief Editor 24/25 Committee