From Pain to Empowerment: Shamsa Sharawe’s Journey Against Female Genital Cutting

After surviving the brutal act of female genital cutting in Somalia, Shamsa Sharawe, now a social media influencer, shares her journey through surgery and advocacy on platforms like TikTok to educate and empower others.

Shamsa Sharawe's story begins with heart-wrenching trauma; as a young girl of six in Somalia, she was subjected to the brutal practice of female genital cutting. Fast forward to adulthood, and she has not only reconstructed her body but is also reconstructing narratives around this painful experience. Now a British social media influencer, Sharawe uses her platform to engage and educate others about the realities of genital cutting, often using humor to broach an otherwise taboo subject.

Through her compelling TikTok videos, she communicates her story in visually striking ways, often employing symbolic imagery, like taking a razor to a rose, to demonstrate the irreversible effects of cutting. Sharawe's forthrightness captivates millions, as she challenges the norms of silence surrounding such issues. Her fierce persona is encapsulated in her guiding line, “Trigger warning, guys,” as she fully acknowledges the sensitivity and severity of her experiences.

Most recently, Sharawe took a significant step in reclaiming her body. In 2023, she traveled from her home in the UK to Germany for surgery, finally receiving the adult vulva she had long been denied. Alone the night before her procedure, she grappled with fear and uncertainty, yet emerged empowered—ready to tell her story and inspire others.

Aiming to prevent her daughter from facing a similar fate, Sharawe represents a new generation of women committed to ending the cycle of female genital cutting. In doing so, she encourages others to advocate for change, fostering a sense of community and resilience through social media and personal testimony.