I CHOSE MY FUTURE; how I escaped female genital mutilation

Grace is my name. My story is one of courage, resilience and hope. While culture can bring people together and give us a sense of identity, I also learned that some traditions can threaten the rights, dignity and future of girls. One of the challenges that I faced was the threat of female genital mutilation . FGM is seen as a traditional expectation that every girl should accept without question. Girls are often told that it is necessary for them to be respected, accepted or considered ready for adulthood. But behind these expectations are fear, pain and the loss of a girl's right to make decisions about her own body.

I knew that I did not want FGM to define me neither my life. I decided to stay in school. I wanted to pursue my dreams. I wanted to have freedom to make choices about my own future. The thought of being forced into a practice that could permanently affect my mental was frightening, but I found courage to stand up for myself and seek a way out.

I survived the experience and today I carry my story not as a symbol of shame but as a testimony of strength. My journey has shaped the person that I am today. It has strengthened my desire to speak up for girls and women who may feel powerless or unheard. as a young woman and a graduate of sociology and psychology, I have come to understand that change begins when we listen to peoples experiences and create safe spaces where they can speak up without fear. I CHOSE TO BE AN ADVOCATE #of women's empowerment and the protection of girls from harmful practices.