'I was a cutter and FGM promoter for many years, little did I know..' Abdiadan's reform journey.
Sofia Abdiadan at her home in Modogashe, Isiolo. Photo by Mark Wahwai.
Did you know there is a sound that teeth make when they are falling off? She describes it as something like a small explosion in your mouth. She blames her so-called ‘wild teenage’ days when she used to bite on cold ice cubes, for what ails her today. Whenever they would visit the local shop on their way home from school, the shopkeeper would give them ice cubes to chew on so as to quench their thirst. Needless to say, it has left her with barely any teeth. She explains this as we sit to talk and inquire if she is audible enough.
“Loss of teeth makes you inaudible”, she jokes.
Sofia is a 57 year old woman, a mother of five. She was one of the women in her community who was a ‘cutter’ - one who used to take the young teenage girls through the FGM process.
“When I was younger, it was ingrained in me that FGM was a must for every girl who has attained a certain age. My grandmother was a cutter and since I grew up knowing and seeing her perform that ritual, I automatically got into the trade. But with the knowledge and training I have received about the adverse effects of practicing FGM, this is something I am not proud of.”
I think the perception was that if you see a ‘cutter’ you will know them. I always thought of them as these women who wore a black attire throughout, stood outside their compound and took pleasure in scaring folks away from behind an overgrown tree shed. I know, a bit morbid. What I was not ready for however, was a welcoming, bubbly and funny woman who makes fun of her lack of teeth and then casually drops the bombshell that she was a cutter.
Sofia Adiadan demonstrating to her daughter how to properly use a reusable sanitary towel received from MID-P at their house in Modogashe, Isiolo. Photo by Mark Wahwai.
“MID-P have really helped us old women who were used to hiding and being clouded by period shame. We now understand that it is normal and that despite our cultural beliefs, we can function normally even during the days we are on our monthly period. The reusable sanitary towels are the best thing that has happened to us.”
Does she regret being a ‘cutter,’ one may ask?
“It has been a battle in my head because I am just now learning, at my age, that something I believed in and practised for many years is wrong. I wish I knew better. I wish I had these lessons earlier, but I am glad I can now speak up confidently against it even to my community without shame and as a transformed woman.”
Story by Oxfam Communications.