My name is Samira Farah, I am 23 years old and I have been a member of the Elle&Elles network for almost three years.

I discovered the peer education through an educational session organized by UNFPA within my association to encourage young people living in vulnerable neighborhoods often exposed to the risks of gender-based violence as well as FGM. We were impacted by the program as young leaders to intensify youth engagement against harmful practices such as FGM and prevent risky behaviors related to sexual and reproductive health.

I appreciated this participatory and inclusive initiative, as it allowed me to acquire new skills, in terms of relational skills, through education sessions with my peers and brought me a change in my outlook, self-esteem as opinion leaders among young people in my community.

This transformation allowed me to atone for my suffering through writing to put words to the after-effects that are eating away at me from the inside and the guilty silence of the community. I had the opportunity to write a screenplay, inspired by my own story. I wanted to make my experience shine through and deliver my testimony. My script was selected by the National Agency for the Promotion of Culture as part of the production of a film on the after-effects of FGM. The film received a national award from the Ministry of Women and Family.

I am a survivor of FGM, and I aspire to change mentalities in my community, in my country, I want young girls and boys to realize that we can work together. I want young girls to express themselves, and for impunity to end. The word is liberating, in each of us there is the strength to change our society.