Mutilación Genital Femenina. Lucha Por Los Derechos De Las Mujeres | Aminata Soucko | Tedxupvalència

[Aplausos] 🎉

Embracing Complexity: The Dance of Perplexity

Hola, amigos y amigas. Today, I want to take you on a journey into the intricate web of female genital mutilation, offering you a unique perspective from the eyes of a woman who has lived through it and a mother determined to shield her daughter from its grasp. Thousands still cling to this inhumane practice, as if the term 'inhumane' still holds any meaning in this beautifully cruel world.

Born in Quita, a city in Mali, a land nestled deep in the heart of West Africa, my life was colored with dreams that surpassed the boundaries they had drawn for me. I defied norms, sprinting through the streets, asking questions, dreaming of becoming a doctor and exploring the world. Yet, many of these dreams would have remained just that – dreams – if not for the incredible souls I met along the way.

My past doesn't dictate my present or future; I've already scripted the sirens of my destiny. The burstiness of my experiences, from the crowded households with 30 siblings on my father's side to the scarcity of resources in Quita, shaped me. The challenges only made space for resilience and determination—a clouded beauty in my homeland.

Bursting with Life: The Scarcity of Voices

In my country, the beauty coexists with a deafening silence—the voices of women remain unheard. I became a survivor of female genital mutilation at the tender age of one week, enduring a Type 3 procedure where clitorises and labia are severed. Different ethnicities have varying methods, some leaving a small opening for urination and menstruation.

Continents may be stationary, but people carry their roots and cultures. In my homeland, female genital mutilation is seen as a form of purification for girls. However, according to the WHO, it's a violation of human rights. The immigrant life is tough, a struggle many of you might know firsthand. Yet, certain hardships drive us to a singular path, as dreams become a privilege for a select few.

Predicting Change: My Journey to Unveiling Truths

Forced into marriage by my family, I discovered firsthand the violence against women justified by a twisted saying in my community. The more a woman suffers in marriage, the happier her children will be. A decade of forced marriage and gender-based violence, yet today, I proudly declare that my daughter will not face the horrors I endured.

My journey birthed a calling—to help women trapped as I once was. Joanminata, our organization, supported by Farmamundi and Dr. Hospital, aids female genital mutilation survivors and prevents its continuation. I share my experiences, assist in healing, and create a comforting atmosphere during their turns for care.

In a photo, over 22 women from mutilation-practicing countries are being trained to combat this ordeal. They, like me, have experienced mutilation, and some undergo clitoral reconstruction—a transformative journey akin to flicking a light switch on and off.

A Symphony of Voices: Changing the Narrative

Sexuality, a vital aspect of life, becomes a tool for rebirth. I owe my newfound wings to the Female Genital Mutilation Reference Unit and extend special thanks to Melissa, not part of the unit but an integral supporter. My role as a health advocate bridges patients and healthcare professionals.

I've embraced the fight against female genital mutilation as my own. I'll persist until it becomes a relic of the past. Changing the world starts with oneself. Thanks to Farmamundi, we're training more women to join this battle. In that photo, more than 22 women are forging paths against this practice.

I urge all of you to delve deeper into the realms of female genital mutilation. Ignorance hampers our ability to fight. In Europe, laws exist, but in my home country, the origin, no such protection exists.

Future Horizons: A Safe Haven Beckons

My dream for the future is to establish a shelter in Quita, my hometown, offering solace to women facing female genital mutilation or seeking refuge from abuse. My journey has been one of privilege, allowing me to divorce—a sacred act in Mali, where breaking this union means exile from family, community, and village.

My story, now shared with a smile, was once a tale of struggle. A big shout-out to those who supported me—your kindness fueled my transformation. Remember, as the saying goes, birds are born with wings, but they need someone to help them unfold. Muchas gracias for always being there.

So, let's not just be bystanders. Investigate, learn, and act, because what we don't know, we can't change. Together, we can turn an indignant figure of 200 million mutilated girls and women worldwide into a tale of resilience and triumph. Let's dream, let's fight, and let's change the narrative. ¡Aprovechemos de lo que tenemos! 🌟