Hawa Bah is originally from Guinea, in West Africa. Hawa moved to the UK in 2007. As a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, she created an organization called HawaDal-Peaceful Mind to end FGM.
Hawa also works for Touchstone in partnership with the National Health Service. There she advocates for girls who are FGM survivors. She also works with Solace, an organization that works with refugees and asylum seekers. In addition, she’s the owner of Mahin Ka Men, a catering business.
Hawa Bah is an award-winning advocate and entrepreneur on a mission to end female genital mutilation.
In this episode, Hawa discusses her advocacy to end FGM in the U.K. and globally. She speaks about the pain and trauma she experienced as a survivor of FGM at 8 or 9 years old, and her forced child marriage at the age of 13. Hawa talks about her strength in surviving, about faith, forgiveness, and moving on.
In 2022, Hawa Bah received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, and she shares what being recognized with this award means. Hawa continues to discuss the importance of being respected, values, and recognized. She also speaks about her appreciation of being able to stay in the U.K., where she can make her own decisions and use her voice to help end FGM. In her fight to end FGM, she talks about the need for education, investment, and the involvement of community members.
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Stories connect us and inspire us. In this podcast women from around the world talk about their experiences on their personal path to empowerment. Their stories of resilience will remind you that you are not alone in facing life’s challenges. See more episodes here.
