In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my friend Aja Daffeh for a conversation about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), trauma, reconstruction, healing, and everything that comes after. Aja opens up about her journey in a way she never has before, sharing deeply personal experiences surrounding FGM and the road that followed, including her decision to undergo reconstructive surgery and what that experience meant for her physically, emotionally, and mentally. This was not an easy conversation. There were moments of vulnerability, pain, reflection, and emotion. But there was also strength. We talk about what it means to live with something that happened to your body when you were young. These complicated emotions can come with reconstruction, identity, intimacy, motherhood, healing, and learning to reclaim ownership of your own body and story. Most importantly, this episode is about Aja as a person — not just what happened to her. Aja is also involved in projects with Solidaarisuus, an organisation working to raise awareness around FGM and support women and communities affected by it. Through their work, they help bring information, awareness and support to women who may be going through similar experiences. If you have been affected by FGM, are looking for information or support, or don't know where to turn, you don't have to face it alone. Need support or more information?

You can reach out to Solidaarisuus:

📧 Email: ⁠solidaarisuus@isf.fi⁠

📱 Instagram: @solidaarisuus

🌐 Website: solidaarisuus.fi

⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses FGM, trauma, surgery, and its emotional and physical consequences. Some parts may be difficult to hear. Thank you, Aja, for trusting me with a story you had never shared before. This is her story. Her body. Her journey. And her voice.