When I was around the age of 6 I went through a process called FGM. This process includes the removal of the clitoris it can either be partial or total removal . I remember it was the day after it had rained and I was outside playing with some friends my mom had called me in and said we had a visitor coming and to go and wait in my room. I looked outside and noticed a lady dressed in mostly dark clothing carrying what seemed to be a container that somewhat resembled a cooler. After what seemed like 5 minutes my mom called me down I looked to my right and noticed a large plastic sheet laid down. My mom told me to undress and go and lay down on that sheet. I remember being confused and scared. I headed torwards the sheet and laid down while undressed . I was instructed to open my legs. My mother was sitting right

behind I’m sure it was to comfort me. I moved my body up to a point in which I can lay my head on my mothers leg and I closed my eyes. Next thing I remember is just losing control then suddenly I began to scream and cry I looked down and just seen blood. It was as if someone poked a hole on a water bottle lid and just began to push all the water out through hole in the lid. I just remember seeing blood going everywhere and my constant screaming out of terror. I looked at the lady as she switched different tools every time starting of with a razor down to needles and scissors. I surprisingly don’t remember any pain I’m guessing it was because I was in shock of all the blood. Gosh it was the most traumatizing experience. This is sadly a normal practice in the area where I grew up in located in Africa. Many say its tradition. I did not understand what I had went through until I was 16 . I researched about it and learned that it was done with no medical reasoning what so ever. The whole process is just shocking . I remember having a hard time trying to accept the fact that to happened. I talked to my mother about it and all she said was “ It’s good for girls a lot of people did it.” I couldn’t help but be upset but not at my mom I was upset at the lack of education that these women are exposed to. I hope to someday go back to my country and teach them about the harm of FGM. I am now 17 and trying to educate even my self more about this but I do hope to spread that knowledge with others. Everyday I wish I can turn back time but now I’m trying to accept the fact that what’s done is done and that there is no going back. I can only try and prevent hopefully in the future at least even 1 girl from getting it done.

Every 11 seconds a girl undergoes FGM

3 million are at risk every year and 200 Million + girls and women have experienced FGM . Yet not many people are aware of this problem . I hope the message gets spread

Edit: Wow everyone thank you so much for all the love and support I really appreciate it . Thank you so much for all the kind words ❤️