I Suffered Female Genital Mutilation & Was Forced Into Marriage | Extraordinary Lives |

Shamsa Sharawe was born in Somalia, where she was subjected to female genital mutilation aged 6. Scared by this experience, Shamsa was then brought to the UK and navigated her life there, slowly realising what happened to her.
Trying to come to terms with it all, Shamsa went back to Somalia aged 17, but was forced into a marriage, which resulted in sexual and physical abuse.
Warning: this episode contains content you may find distressing.
We speak to people with a unique life story to tell. From a North Korea escapee to an undercover cop, a Cold War spy to a shipwreck survivor. Hosted by LADbible's Ben-Powell Jones, this series is a window into remarkable experiences - with stories that paint a picture of extraordinary lives.
Thanks to Shamsa for taking part! Follow her charity Garden of Peace, her youth work and love for truth and healing.
Instagram: shamsaaraweelo
Charity Instagram: Gardenof.peace
Tiktok: shamsa.araweeloo
Host: Ben Powell-Jones, Twitter: @BenPowellJones
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:28 - Types of Female Genital Mutilation & the History of the Practice
00:06:00 - Growing Up In Somalia & Going Through FGM
00:22:45 - Moving to the UK & Facing Western Culture
00:23:47 - Having Periods With FGM, Health Implications That Followed & Being Examined By UK Doctors
00:29:46 - Realising She Wasn't Like Other girls & Teenhood
00:38:40 - What Should a Health Professional Do If They Suspect Someone Has Been Subjected To FGM?
00:40:00 - Going Back To Somalia
00:49:37 - Meeting Her Uncle, Being Controlled By Him & Marriage Arrangements
00:58:00 - Meeting Her Future Husband For The First Time
01:02:38 - The Wedding Day
01:05:44 - The First Night & the Beginning of Sexual & Physical Abuse
01:13:50 - Living With Her Husband & Her Escape Back To The UK
01:19:00 - Coming back To Terrible News
01:21:15 - What Shamsa Is Doing Now
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