Hawa Bah, United Kingdom and Guinea, West Africa

The Power Of Stories Podcast

Hawa Bah is originally from Guinea, in West Africa. Hawa moved to the UK in 2007. As a survivor of 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 to advocate for girls who are FGM survivors and for Solace, an organization that works with refugees and asylum seekers. In 2022, Hawa received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Hawa is also the owner of Mahin Ka Men, a catering business.

In this episode, Hawa discusses her advocacy to end FGM in the U.K. and globally… the pain and trauma she experienced as a survivor of FGM at 8 or 9 years old, and her forced child marriage at 13 years old in Guinea the country where she was born… her strength in surviving… faith, forgiveness, and moving on… the significance of being recognized with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service… the importance of being respected, values, and recognized… appreciating being able to stay in the U.K., where she can make her own decisions and use her voice to help end FGM… the need for education, investment, and the involvement of community members in the flight to end FGM. (United Kingdom and Guinea, West Africa)