Perseverance and Power
By: Sinnah Bangura
After I had my daughter, I was introduced to a support group with other survivors of FGC. I found a YouTube video where a survivor was speaking about her experience undergoing the practice and the impact it’s had on her life. It was at this point that I began to understand more about what had happened. In the support group, we talked about a variety of different topics like the impact of FGC, how to talk about the practice to other people who may not know what FGC is, and how FGC impacts motherhood. It was in the support group that I also began to learn about clitoral restoration surgery and the benefits of the procedure. I had my surgery done in California with Dr. Bowers, for which I will forever be grateful.
After finding out about the support group, being welcomed with open arms, and being offered a safe space, I found the courage to talk about my story. When the opportunity to open up about my story with Sahiyo came up, I was up for it and willing to share my story again. I wanted to speak out and raise awareness about the surgery. I wanted my fellow sisters to know that there is a surgery out there and that anything is possible no matter what you’ve gone through. It’s not where you’ve been but where you’re going. I was also excited about coming together with my fellow survivors and sharing our stories, as well as bonding with them over our shared experiences.
When I went through FGC, something was taken away and I was determined to find a solution. The surgery has had a huge impact on my healing journey; it has allowed me to feel more confident, made it easier for me to speak out about my experience, and made me determined to tell others about it and its benefits.
In addition to sharing stories, what I most enjoyed during the workshop was bonding with my fellow survivors. I really enjoyed the dinner that fellow storytellers, Rufo, LP, and I went to at an Indian restaurant. The food was really great and I learned a thing or two about India. Also, I enjoyed the workshop itself – everybody coming together, talking to one another, and shedding some tears about our experiences. I enjoyed working with the Sahiyo, Silence Speaks, and Asian Women’s Shelter staff, too; they were amazing, assisting us through our storytelling and editing process.
I want to raise awareness and help end this harmful practice. I want my story to give my fellow survivors the courage to speak out about their experiences so they too can start the process of healing. That is the only way I believe change will happen. I wholeheartedly believe that one day this practice will come to an end.
Sinnah Bangura, a dedicated Generation Hope Scholar, a nonprofit organization that advocate for student parents nationally & help teen parents thrive in college. A wife, and parent from Sierra Leone, is currently pursuing her Associate in Education. With three children—Romeo, Layla, and Omar— she balances her studies while looking forward to transferring to university for a degree in Education. Sinnah is driven by a passion to share her story with the world, aiming to raise awareness and help end harmful practices. She is particularly eager to discuss her journey, including her surgery, with fellow survivors, offering hope and information about available options. Sinnah finds joy in creativity, especially through music and dance, and she approaches life with a strong enthusiasm for continuous learning.