Breaking the Silence
Why did you want to attend the workshop and share your story?
I wanted to attend the workshop because I recognized it as a unique opportunity to share my journey with FGM/C, a silent struggle I had endured for years. The workshop offered a platform for me to break that silence, connect with others, and contribute to a movement aimed at ending this practice. I felt that in sharing my story, I could help raise awareness and inspire others to join the movement to end FGM/C.
What story did you choose to tell and create into a digital story?
I chose to tell my personal story as a survivor of FGM/C. This experience had been a dormant part of my life, until about two years ago when I encountered discussions about FGM/C in an American context. Since then, my involvement with organizations dedicated to ending FGM/C has allowed me to begin addressing the scars and pain of my own past. My digital story captures this journey of healing, advocacy, and the steps I’ve taken to raise awareness and give support to other survivors.
What have you learned or most enjoyed during the workshop and by meeting others who shared their stories?
During the workshop, I learned the power of vulnerability and the strength that comes from sharing personal stories. Meeting others who shared their experiences with FGM/C was profoundly healing and empowering for me. Hearing from other survivors helped to create a sense of community and solidarity, reinforcing the importance of collective action in advocating for change on this issue. The part of the workshop I enjoyed the most was the connections I made with the other participants and the support we were able to give each other within our shared mission to uplift our voices and end this practice.
What kind of impact would you like your story to have?
I hope my story will break the silence and shame surrounding FGM/C, and encourage more open conversations on the issue. I aim to inspire legislative changes in order to help end this practice and provide safe havens for those who are affected by it. Additionally, I want to connect with other survivors, offering them support and a sense of community. Ultimately, I hope my story will educate and foster awareness, driving more people to join the movement against FGM/C.
Is there anything in your digital story that you would like to share?
In my digital story, I highlight my journey from silent suffering to active advocacy. I share my involvement with organizations dedicated to ending FGM, the healing process I’ve undergone, and my renewed determination to speak out against this practice. This story is not just about my pain but about my growth and commitment to making a difference. I hope it resonates with others and encourages them to take action too.
Simenesh Comollo is a domestic violence advisor for the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In this role, she provides support, guidance, and resources to individuals affected by domestic violence, helping them navigate complex situations and access the help they need. Alongside her work, she is pursuing a graduate degree in social work, where she is learning to further enhance her skills and knowledge to better serve her community.
Her journey to the United States began when she was adopted at the age of 14, and she has now spent 14 years here. This experience has shaped her perspective and fueled her dedication to advocacy and social justice. She is particularly passionate about human rights, with a strong focus on addressing and preventing gender-based.