The Journey from Pain to Empowerment: Shamsa Sharawe's Fight Against Female Genital Cutting

Shamsa Sharawe shares her childhood trauma and harrowing surgical journey to reconstruction, while also advocating against female genital cutting through her vibrant TikTok presence.

In a world where few dare to discuss the subject, Shamsa Sharawe has become a powerful voice in the fight against female genital cutting. At just six years old, she was subjected to this brutal practice in Somalia, an experience she recounts vividly and irreverently to her millions of followers on TikTok. By dramatizing her past through striking visuals, such as slicing into a rose with a razor, Sharawe brings attention to a serious issue that affects countless women worldwide.

Now 32, Sharawe has transformed her painful past into a mission to protect her daughter and empower others. With humor and candor, she engages audiences, often starting her narratives with a “Trigger warning!” to prepare viewers for the stark realities she describes. Her combination of storytelling and activism resonates deeply, especially among younger generations keen on discussing taboo topics.

Earlier this year, Sharawe took another significant step in her journey by undergoing reconstructive surgery in Germany. This procedure allowed her to finally reclaim her body, an adult vulva—something she had never possessed due to her childhood trauma. The night before her surgery, she felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation in a foreign land, a stark contrast to her audacious persona online.

As an influential figure on social media, Sharawe not only shares her personal experience but also advocates for awareness surrounding the harms of female genital cutting. Through her bold TikTok videos, she encourages dialogue and action against the practice, aiming to create a world where no child has to endure the pain she once did.