Shamsa Araweelo has captivated a global audience with her TikTok videos, which have amassed over 100 million views. Through these videos, she uses rubber models to vividly illustrate the traumatic effects of FGM, aiming to educate and end the practice. Araweelo’s journey from a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somalia to a prominent advocate and educator in the UK highlights a powerful narrative of resilience and transformation.
Araweelo’s harrowing experience with FGM occurred when she was just six years old. In her grandmother’s home in Somalia, she lay in a pool of blood next to her younger cousin, who had undergone the same procedure. The traumatic scene was compounded by the sight of a jar filled with the severed genitalia of other girls. Araweelo’s family held her down as a cutter performed the mutilation with a double-sided razor, without any pain relief. In a previous interview, Araweelo described the terror of realizing she might die that day.
Her escape to the UK marked the beginning of a new chapter, but not without its challenges. Araweelo was forced to return to Somalia, where she endured further abuse from her cousin, including rape and domestic violence. Her journey took another turn when she sought reconstructive surgery in Germany—a process complicated by the lack of aftercare support from the UK’s health system.
Despite these obstacles, Araweelo’s dedication to activism has been unwavering. She focuses on raising awareness about FGM and forced marriage, advocating for survivors, and supporting women and girls globally. Her advocacy extends to addressing the shame and silence surrounding discussions of women’s bodies in many cultures, which often perpetuates practices like FGM.
Araweelo’s work is not limited to her online presence. She also trains UK police officers on how to engage with FGM survivors and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Police Studies with Criminal Investigations Honors. Her ambition includes creating a formal criminal justice system for Somalia, where such systems are currently nonexistent.
Reflecting on her experiences, Araweelo emphasizes the importance of support and understanding. She highlights the disparity in resources and support for different communities facing honor-based violence, particularly the lack of focus on Black communities despite their similar experiences of trauma.
In an interview, Araweelo expressed a desire for more meaningful support and practical help. “I wish people would ask me how I can help you?” she said, underscoring the need for tangible assistance in her advocacy work.
Shamsa Araweelo’s story is a proof of the strength of the human spirit and the impact of turning personal trauma into a force for global change. Her work continues to inspire and drive forward the conversation on ending FGM and supporting survivors worldwide.
