Imane

"My story is shaped by the kindness of my husband, my father and my uncle. Men, who are often distant from 'women's stories', need to understand that female genital mutilation is not just a woman's burden. Violence is never just a women's issue.”

Imane, courageous and forged by her history, has overcome the after-effects of the excision she underwent in her youth: "I have learnt to distinguish between the positive aspects of our culture and the darker areas that need to be brought to light. Although it is difficult, I believe that change is still possible, because people are sincere about it. The death of my mother when I was 12 turned my life upside down. And my father had to deal with problems that a lot of fathers don't have to deal with.” Imane's father, Charmarké, is working with his daughter to put an end to FGM. He shares his story with his family and with the Association Caravanes et Savoirs du Désert, which is working in partnership with UNFPA to set up a coalition of committed men. 

"My first period, which came three months after my mother's death, was the trigger for me. I had no choice but to talk to my father about it. It was very difficult... My father didn't want to hear about my suffering, I think he felt powerless, and the taboo made it difficult to talk about these issues of female intimacy, especially between a father and his daughter. But step by step, through discussion, FGM, the cause of my torment, became the cornerstone that broke the ice between us. My father supported me, listened to me, and learned to accompany me.”

Imane defied taboos by speaking openly about her suffering to her father, and a sincere rapprochement took place, and her father no longer excised any of his daughters. She has been a beacon for her father, guiding him towards awareness of the harmful consequences of FGM, saving her sisters in the process: "Today, I'd like to create more men like my father, I think that many are like him and can't find the courage to help us. Still too few men speak out on this issue, so my mission is to give them the courage they need. To save girls, we need to reach their fathers.”

Imane, who started out as an agent of change within her own family, dreams of great achievements. She wants to have an impact on all of us, especially the leaders who influence the destiny of our society. She stresses the need for men - fathers, husbands, brothers - to take responsibility for balancing gender relations. "Violence against women is the result of unequal relationships, and in order to adjust the balance, we need to make men responsible."

Her warning cry resonates in a changing world. She calls on young people to act, to break taboos and encourage dialogue within homes and communities. Imane created her association, fighting against FGM directly with parents, sharing her story with young people who aspire to make their voices heard.

"Today, I want to illustrate the importance of young people's commitment to transforming society. It's up to us to act, first at home with our parents, then with our uncles and friends. If we want change, we must break these intergenerational taboos, we must encourage dialogue. We must talk; we have no choice. Now is the time to act”.

Joining the Elle&Elles network, created by UNFPA, opened a new path for me. Working in the field, my association was trained, and we all became peer educators. Today, I share my story with young girls who are looking for someone to listen, just like me. My story, once shrouded in silence, has become my symbol of hope and resilience, supported by the strength of my father's listening and love.

Imane, 25, survivor of Female Genital Mutilation