I don't see why we have to accept backward culture at all. We can accept people and at the same time be honest with them that their culture is terrible.
the most shocking thing is: the mothers that do this to their daughters REALLY think that this is the best thing they can do for them. education is key! such a strong, amazing woman!
They are being brainwashed so they continue passing it along. It should be OUTLAWED!! So gruesome and heartbreaking. I could never ever do something like that to a child of mine.
@@VI-cb7eu well male circumcision is accepted in society and treated as normal but not female circumcision that’s the first point, it’s also legal female isn’t 2nd point also girls have mocked me a lot of times for being uncircumcised 3rd point
Shirley How is that "demeaning"? This woman is so strong and you are making this about race. This is the internet. You do not know how people look, you do not know what skin color people have.
Eli Versus Politics It’s nice to see an appreciative and compassionate man here. The amount of selfish and self-serving comments from men are disappointing. Even as a guy, I didn’t know other men could be so cruel and lacking in empathy.
@@zain4019 Most of the people here, male or female are supportive. I think you're just pissed off because a handful of the comments are disprespectful to her.
"you're stronger now", "you're empowered", "you're pure now". These are the words my mom told me when I asked her about the cold room she took me to when I was about 8 years old. A part of me was taken from me, why? just because. A woman that has not been "purified and cleansed" is not a worthy woman. Never in my life, I thought of it as a big deal. I've always thought that everyone has been through it just like I have. But no. It was just an act of honor. Honoring what? you may ask, honoring the name of the family. Never in my whole 20 years long life I have ever felt this much hurt. They took a part of me which I owned. It was one with me. It was my body. They took it away for their own good. I will never forget the day when they took me to that hidden hospital and laid me on the hospital bed in the operations room. I called so much for my mom and told her I will never make her mad again because I thought it was a form of punishment. But she never responded to me. All I remember seeing was her leaving me in the room alone with two nurses and a female doctor. I will never forget the pain. I will never forget the sensation of extreme burning when I tried to use the bathroom. I will never forget the sleepless nights. And they will never be forgiven.
This hurts so much to know tgat she just voived a great truth, but it must be reiterated to know thst her experience and many of ours were not done in vain and never forgotten. Transform the victimhood to victory is the ONLY way.
Yes, you give someone pain, their pain isnt there for nothing. They suffer, and that suffering the world should see, and the victims be represented and seen the way they want to be represented and seen as, but only expose if the victim has the confidence to expose it. Everyone, even one whose life isnt as amazing or seems useless to them, is brought to this world for a purpose. If no one can be too perfect, no one can be too bad either, well except for the deranged people that exist in this planet. Even one who thinks they aren't worth much, or anything at all, have some special qualities in them.
@@bcoolgirly Skin contains nerves (nerve endings) and in particular erogenous skin such as the clitoral node and the foreskin. In fact more nerves are cut with the amputation of the foreskin than the clitoral node and greater functionality is lost.
I'm 14 and before this I have never heard of fgm. I looked it up and I'm so horrified that this goes on today. I'm so sorry so many young girls go through this. Thank you this amazing strong woman for sharing her story. 🙏
this is so hard to watch. i could not help but squeam and squirm and hold my legs together tightly and cringe and whimper as she describes what happens to her but i made myself watch this her story is important and i need to know how to share it. she is so strong and charismatic . a true inspiration
I am 15 and I never knew such things exist in our world even today.I literally cries while hearing her story. I am now happy that my parents are well learnt and did not do anything such to me as well as horrified that people go through such horrible things for some uneducated people's wrong theories.
Antiochus IV Epiphanese End both I think this counts as child abuse. Poor women didn't have a choice but to be pinned down the mutilation is disgusting It doesn't matter if it's a boy or girl
@D'lish Donut Does every damn discussion of FGM have to devolve into "what about men?" Of course that's a topic worth discussing, but why are you trying to shut down a discussion about women and girls to get it?
@@luceret He's not trying to shut it down, he's just trying to show that it is equally important. Male genitalia mutilation is not talked about as much.
When I was 13, I stayed at my aunties house in Liverpool, Sydney. It was 1996. I was playing outside and there seemed to be a huge party in the house behind the garden. She lived in a block of units. So my cousin and I climbed the fire escape stairs to see what was happening. There was a massive white tent in the middle, music playing (it sounded like belly dancing music that was on a movie I had seen once and I was hoping to see a belly dancer in REAL life! I was EXCITED!) There were woman in long dresses that were absolutely amazing colours and men were all dressed up in long coats, there was food on a table, it looked like an amazing time. We soon got bored and I realised that I probably won't be seeing a belly dancer and we went back to playing. About 40 mins later, I heard it. It's something that I can never describe, there are no words. I heard a girl SCREAMING, Like a scream of absolute terror. I had never heard that kind of scream before and I screamed in response and ran for my aunt. My aunt knew what was happening and gathered us in her arms and ran inside. She closed all the windows and doors and put mary poppins on really loud. I was crying and trying to get her to call the police. She Sat me down and explained to me that the police were called and unfortunately, they couldn't do anything as it was a religious thing and we couldn't legally do anything. I will never be able to forget. I cried for days. How could the parents think that it was ok to do this? Didn't Got make us the way we supposed to be? I'm 36 now. I know the truth now. I could have called the police. Even if they did nothing, I should have reported it. My heart breaks knowing what I know know. If I have any real regrets in my life.... It's that I didn't call myself. Stay strong, you are absolutely amazing woman. Please keep fighting for FGM to be abolished.
@Shirley - Firstly, how do you know what 'colour' the poster is? Secondly, you do not have the right not to offended. You cannot dictate what other people should say, though of course you can try. You can try but it is futile as you have no jurisdiction, no authority. Free speech, unless it can be classified as hate speech or speech which incites hate or violence, gives the speaker the perfect right to offend. Lots of people may be offended by what you have written, for example. Of course, people have the choice to be offended or not but that is their personal decision. The internet is a bit of a free for all. Somebody may make what you regard as a patronising or demeaning remark on the internet; but unless it is hateful, which the remark you object to clearly is not, then you can choose to be offended or not, choose to proclaim that you are offended or not; but what you cannot do is curtail other people's opinions, other people's free speech. Nor should you, in my opinion only of course, even try - because it's called bullying. BTW, nobody was calling you classy, funny or brave.
I wanted so bad to help and sign her petition... I was not even 18 at the time this hero started her petition. Now doing extensive research on new ways to help.
Sherry Ditzler What do you mean “...may you forgive their ignorance for the pain you suffer.” This is not something you can easily forgive, what is wrong with you? It’s saying forgive and forget to an abuse victim, it only works for the little things as a child. It would have been better I you had said that they should try to move if they cannot forgive which is most likely to not happen. These things scar you for life physically, mentally, emotionally. Even if this was ignorance, they should have at least tried to be more educated in this. So please don’t say may you forgive their ignorance even if you meant it to come out in a different way. Sorry if I seemed mad or offended you in any way, shape, or form.
I'm pausing at 4 minutes and I'm feeling awful, as a male I feel that we were really slow getting to the point of understanding how different perspectives were as male or female. I share these thoughts as i continue to watch your speech. Thank you!
RubarbPie Watching this speech I'm only getting more impressed. This is a really important issue that we all need to adress - this isn't something that we can excuse since it affects people. Help change this now!
Antiochus IV Epiphanese ohhh cry me a river, instead of complaining and commenting and pushing your opinion on other ppls posts do something about it instead looser
Antiochus IV Epiphanese I think that male circumcision is abuse too. I also think piercing a baby's ears is abusive. This woman has had the guts to talk out very publicly about what happened to her. You maybe need to do the same so more people know about the problems men can have with this procedure. It doesn't take away from the fact that we didn't even know until recently what has been done to these girls but by them speaking out we have to support them. Don't just make comments on other peoples videos. Make one yourself or start a petition. You too will have my support. PS I haven't met one man who has been circumcised that had a problem with it so you have opened my eyes I had no idea that it caused so much harm.
Mutilating someone is inexcusable, especially if you’re trying to use your religion/culture as an excuse. I’m glad there’s women out there like her fighting for FGM victims rights.
@@ffrida - It is entwined in both religion and culture - religion and culture become entwined over time. There are people who do claim it is a religious edict - whether or not this is true, the culture and religion both act jointly as an overwhelming oppressive force to create injunctions for parents to practise this barbarism. Defending a religion is not the issue, this is a global horror and must be stamped out wherever it exists.
whenever some man tells me we dont need feminism anymore.. this is not the past, this is now. "feminists cry over airconditioning! were equal now!" No we are not. Most countries still practice sexist laws and many cultures have different completely sexist traditions. and they are practised today. No girl should be hurt for being a girl. How could you say we dont need feminism anymore.
I'm one of them but I'm not a victim of FGM because the intention wasn't bad as it was the norm. However, we need to make a change and it's not a religion practice but more of cultural thing
Just to play the devil's advocate here, at the time she thought she was protecting her daughter given the very limited amount of information she had on the matter. If she knew what were the risks maybe she would have opted out, although who knows.
It's a sad story with a funny explanation. Maybe because of culture, maybe religion but, it's reality of world. We need to say stop. No matter what nationality you are, that affects all of us.
There are so many men and women in even the Us who think this is a good idea. So many men express them wanting to cut there own wives and daughters. And will face no reproductions for these treats to there future daughters
As an African American woman ... I can see/feel the pain she's covering with humor. I know FGM goes on TODAY. They just convicted a doctor here in Michigan, USA who practiced at a MAJOR medical center. Doing it on the side. PLEASE continue spreading your message.
John Green said : "you have a choice in this world about how to tell sad stories " and khadidja made the funny choice..People who do that inspires you that nothing is going to last forever , everything is gonna be fine .This faith, this is hope ..thank you Khadidja and good luck.
A woman from rural Africa with a heavy accent preforming effortlessly in front of thousands of people. If I was in her place, I would find hounded reasons why I can’t preform a TED talk. But she just came up, said everything she meant to say, made everyone in the audience feel a whole bunch of emotions. THAT is true confidence. An amazing woman, truly.
Yet you all ”fix” dogs saying it's healthy for them. What's done to them is much worse than FGM they get their reproductive organs like ovaries uterus and testies removed. Organs that produce vital hormones. Not one of them can cry about it cause they do not have a voice.
@@R3VIV3YOU It's to help stop puppies and kittens ending up in the streets or shelters because people can't care for 12+ pets. If you want to have an animal give birth just to put its babies in a shelter then you are a truly awful person.
I wonder who started the practice. Some man who realized women can feel pleasure and was jealous and bitter. I’d never do that to my daughter. I went to a seminar and many older African women were defending the practice and all I could think was brainwashing.
@@msshannonigans i dont think they meant to shift the blame onto women. I think they were just shocked that there are not only men but ALSO women who defend FGM
@@flyingtoast414 You're absolutely right. Either I misread or was improperly responding to a since-deleted post. Regardless, thank you!! I concur vehemently.
THIS WOMAN IS A HERO!!!! I'm so PROUD that she is standing up for women's right and I'm even more proud that she is from my country. YOU GO KHADIJA may God bless you to keep on with your work!!!
this is so hard to watch. i could not help but squeam and squirm and hold my legs together tightly and cringe and whimper as she describes what happens to her but i made myself watch this her story is important and i need to know how to share it. she is so strong and charismatic . a true inspiration
Amano there is nothing wrong with celebrating race/culture. Nothing. It’s when your celebration in racial identity becomes a tool to discriminate others.
For me as the mother of a young girl and of course a daughter myself, the most harrowing thought in all of this is the betrayal. The thought of how she must have felt as her own mother held her down. I once had to hold my daughter down for blood tests as a baby, as many parents have. The look on her face is burnt into my memory. I did it because she was seriously ill. I knew it had to be done. But I appreciated the traumatic experience it must have been for her. And that was a simple blood test. Nothing to what this poor woman experience as an innocent child. I can't even imagine 😢 My heart breaks for these girls 💔
Yes, exactly--I can't imagine how anyone could even go on living with their mother after they did what her mother did. How could you not run away after that, how could you ever look at your mother's face again, how could you not hate your whole family and your whole community for aiding and abetting? It's unfathomable to me. But more mindblowing than that is how so many of the victims, once they become mothers themselves, just turn around and do the same thing to their own daughters. It's hard to even know who to be mad at.
Beautiful Julie So did I when I vaccinated my kid or got her blood drawn but it’s a visceral thing when you see your child in pain, especially when they don’t understand why you do it, you feel deep deep guilt. I can’t imagine her mum didn’t feel it, even if she culturally thought she had to.
@@SmallCaz Just curious if her mom realizes the hardships she went through and did it change her opinion or does she still think she did her daughter a favor?
i grew up thinking that being a girl ia a big mistake. that im so unfortunate to be born as a girl. my parents made me feel like im a big burden. they told me to just take a four year course in college becoz according to them ill just get marries and raise kids. i was shocked coz i had a dream. however, my brothers all have the advantages and amenities. i grew up feeling so sorry i was born a girl. they married me off at a very early age coz i was dating already, with 2 kids and at the same time working, i continued my studies and finished my law course. i annulled my marriage raised my 2 kids and now im comfortable but alone. im finally free and happy.
I'm watching this in 2019, and all of the first comments I see, I can still relate to. This woman is so strong, and confident, and brave. She is an activist for something that isn't talked about much or at all in the media in 2019. This needs to be put out there again.
@@GreyeHazel Well, let's see. MGM & FGM both involve the genitals of nonconsenting children and both involve mutilation. MGM destroys more tissue, surface area, and nerve endings, and happens to an order of magnitude more victims.
My parents are both from Sierra Leone. My mother is a victim of FGM. I’ve seen the repercussions, it’s horrifying. Bless this woman for sharing her story.
The severity of FGM or MGM does not matter what matters is the fact that this is done without people's consent. So it does not matter if you think FGM is worse or that MGM is worse. What matters is that people get a say on what happens to their bodies.
FGM should be treated as a crime,which it is theoretically. The Law should be vigorously applied and parents who allow it in Britain or abroad should be prosecuted.Not doing this in the name of multi-culturalism is second-hand child-abuse by the people who stand back and ignore what is going on.
Hearing that " Five months ago, I was told I was pregnant" was the only in the video that I paused at. Khadija's story brings back the call on the equality of women worldwide. The starting of her story matches my own. Proud of the way you have made your childhood experience an epicentre of what you want to do for the rest of your life- Be Blessed wherever you are.
I heard a story of FGM from my friend when I was 13, I didn't know the reason at that time but I'm terrified to my core. How could someone do this to their own daughter.
I can't get over how wonderful she did. So charismatic. So passionate. So thought-provoking. She's a real life superhero taking on an issue that must be so painful for her to face every day.
And I remember my Anthropology teacher saying it was normal, we just didn't understand other cultures. Yeah, all it is, is violence against women and children :'(
Your Anthropology teacher was trying to encourage you respect other cultures. Even though this might seem barbaric in another culture, it might be beneficial in another culture, and when you get close to those who practice it, you may understand why they practice what they do. I don’t support this practice though!
Yeah, my cultural anthropology basically defended the practice too. She talked about the positives a lot. I basically lost respect for her that day. I agree that we shouldn't go to other countries and start putting coffee shops on every corner. The innocent and helpless should always be defended. This includes children, the elderly, the disabled, animals and Mother Earth herself to name a few. A lot of people like to think of reincarnation for fun. Maybe I will come back rich or just have an easier life. Maybe I will come back as a dolphin and just have some more fun and less worries. But this practice should make one think " Maybe I will come back as a helpless little girl in one of the many countries practicing these atrocities. I would just rather turn in to soil than ever experience this kind of pain. Some would disagree. But regardless this practice needs to STOP! Great talk by a beautiful woman of courage!
@@kristinafischer9818 You haven't seen people refer to this as a "barbaric practice"? Funny, this is the exact same thing. Don't deceive yourself that it isn't. Some people in those cultures might call it "western imperialism".
I was the only one circumcised out of the four of us. My mum didn't know any better when she had me but when she got educated on the topic, it saved my three sisters. I'm always happy for them.
I went through FGM at a very young age and now have all sorts of troubles. For the people saying its not religion its culture, Im sure its both as many others say in the comments talking about their personal stories and what their parents have told them. Either way needs to stop
It is not religious. There is no scripture in the Quran, Bible, Tora or any other bilious book that says to do this to girls. Therefore it is 100% cultural.
I love her so much. She presents her trauma to the audience with humor at times and at other times she stands in her rage. I don’t know her, but I’m proud of her for not pushing any of those feelings down and for telling her mother how she hurt her. And she talks plainly and so openly about hard things. I love her so much!
She Will be an amazing mother. How inspiring she is and How ironic that they tried to take the essence of her femininity away, yet here she is, alone at a stage, reeking of woman and all that a woman is at her best. God bless you and your family Khadijah, beautiful gorgeous woman
I was so sad when she explained about fgm. I never heard about it and I learned a lot from this video. Anyone who has to go through something similar to her is very strong .
@@heelo734 Yea it is it is not needed medically and anyone that showers stays clean. They made up lies to try to make it look ok but it’s not. They do it because of how they want men to look down there. How you gonna cut a baby and cause it a lot of pain just for looks? If a grown man wants to do it fine but kids should not be put through this.
Lawrence Newman No one says that, asshat. That is its own problem- in fact, it’s mostly men that say that to other men. It’s the father who chose to circumcise their son, most often. Instead of empathizing with them, your baselessly accusing these women of sexism. You’re childish selfishness is embarrassing to other men.
This was so incredibly difficult to watch. I had to pause a few times. I appreciate Khadija's little bursts of humour to help my mental state deal! I've also signed the petition
Omg I have sooooooo much respect for this woman...cracking jokes while talking about this horrible, traumatic experience and life after that.... I’m soooooooo happy for her she got pregnant!! ❤️❤️❤️
"Culture should not be a defense for child abuse"... exactly, and this applies to quite a few things.
Religion as well
I love her and her journey so heart touching amazing
Shade Conover Eh...?
Truer words have never been spoken. Respect to this WOMAN!
YES @tattotiff this comment couldn't be more true
"Cultural acceptance does not mean accepting the unacceptable. " Jasvinder Sanghera
I don't see why we have to accept backward culture at all. We can accept people and at the same time be honest with them that their culture is terrible.
i literally just watched her ted talk!!!
They should say this to the face of China, Japan and all other Asian countries that are hiding their worst behaivour of treating human in the dark
Sigua Tordé I saw it too. It’s the women according to her that started the abuse of girls and women.
rian subs polygamy is legal in islam
the most shocking thing is: the mothers that do this to their daughters REALLY think that this is the best thing they can do for them. education is key! such a strong, amazing woman!
Absolutely.
They are being brainwashed so they continue passing it along. It should be OUTLAWED!! So gruesome and heartbreaking. I could never ever do something like that to a child of mine.
But why is it fine to circumcise men and not women?
@@annoymous7052 who said that this ist not bad? the only difference is, that for women this is a whole nother level of suffering.
@@VI-cb7eu well male circumcision is accepted in society and treated as normal but not female circumcision that’s the first point, it’s also legal female isn’t 2nd point also girls have mocked me a lot of times for being uncircumcised 3rd point
This lady is so charismatic and strong, I'm glad for her that she got pregnant nevertheless!
Ellie Jenkins now she has a 5 year old child :)
@@hammydammy123 how do you know? Where can I get updates?
Shirley How is that "demeaning"?
This woman is so strong and you are making this about race.
This is the internet. You do not know how people look, you do not know what skin color people have.
She got pregnant!?
She's so lovely
"Culture should not be a defense for child abuse!" SING IT!
@Gods Klanof no it isnt. FGM is largely an african practice. Has no basis in religion at all
Including male circumcision, still believed to not be abusive in western culture.
@Gods Klanof no. Again it's mostly african diaspora. Even if what you said is true, there is no religious basis for FGM
@@eminemele1531 how is male circumcision a problem now??
@Gods Klanof Shut up. It's the fault of the Country. When Islam would be the reason, EVERY girl would experience this
"I needed my pain to be worth something." EVERYONE FELT THAT
right
I love this woman so much, she somehow managed to make me laugh and cry at the same time
exactly
Lyra Tori iiiiii
It had the same effect on me. I was crying and laughing
Lol I agree
Yes and goddamn she is intelligent
I admire anyone who can crack jokes while discussing such a disturbing topic.
Eli Versus Politics
It’s nice to see an appreciative and compassionate man here. The amount of selfish and self-serving comments from men are disappointing. Even as a guy, I didn’t know other men could be so cruel and lacking in empathy.
@@zain4019 Most of the people here, male or female are supportive. I think you're just pissed off because a handful of the comments are disprespectful to her.
damn. can we just talk about your username
@@naimamohamed6231 Can we not? This is an old comment and no one asked.
@@elitalks258 Just because it's an old comment doesn't mean the hypocrisy is any less prevalent.
"you're stronger now", "you're empowered", "you're pure now". These are the words my mom told me when I asked her about the cold room she took me to when I was about 8 years old. A part of me was taken from me, why? just because. A woman that has not been "purified and cleansed" is not a worthy woman. Never in my life, I thought of it as a big deal. I've always thought that everyone has been through it just like I have. But no. It was just an act of honor. Honoring what? you may ask, honoring the name of the family. Never in my whole 20 years long life I have ever felt this much hurt. They took a part of me which I owned. It was one with me. It was my body. They took it away for their own good. I will never forget the day when they took me to that hidden hospital and laid me on the hospital bed in the operations room. I called so much for my mom and told her I will never make her mad again because I thought it was a form of punishment. But she never responded to me. All I remember seeing was her leaving me in the room alone with two nurses and a female doctor. I will never forget the pain. I will never forget the sensation of extreme burning when I tried to use the bathroom. I will never forget the sleepless nights. And they will never be forgiven.
I'm so sorry that this happened to you, truly there are no words that I can say to make better but I truly hope you find peace and happiness
@@nazarisreyes6037 thank you. I just keep reminding myself that I am still a woman and I am wanted. I fortunately did not have it as bad as Khadija.
It is pure oppression and control. I dont blame you for being mad.
Ave maria my dear, hope they never will be forgiven and pls have good life
AMEN
@@crystalvmin2297 one day we will be standing in front of all mighty God where they will know their wrongs. God will find me justice at the end. Amen.
"I need my pain to be worth something."
And it will be if you want you.
This hurts so much to know tgat she just voived a great truth, but it must be reiterated to know thst her experience and many of ours were not done in vain and never forgotten. Transform the victimhood to victory is the ONLY way.
Reminds me of that one arc from Bojack Horseman, about wishing for your pain to be “good damage”.
Yes, you give someone pain, their pain isnt there for nothing. They suffer, and that suffering the world should see, and the victims be represented and seen the way they want to be represented and seen as, but only expose if the victim has the confidence to expose it. Everyone, even one whose life isnt as amazing or seems useless to them, is brought to this world for a purpose. If no one can be too perfect, no one can be too bad either, well except for the deranged people that exist in this planet. Even one who thinks they aren't worth much, or anything at all, have some special qualities in them.
i support her 100%. This must stop
There is no comparison between cutting skin and cutting nerves.
@@bcoolgirly Skin contains nerves (nerve endings) and in particular erogenous skin such as the clitoral node and the foreskin. In fact more nerves are cut with the amputation of the foreskin than the clitoral node and greater functionality is lost.
Yes
Yes
D'lish Donut yes, but they are nowhere near on the same level.
I'm 14 and before this I have never heard of fgm. I looked it up and I'm so horrified that this goes on today. I'm so sorry so many young girls go through this. Thank you this amazing strong woman for sharing her story. 🙏
this is so hard to watch.
i could not help but squeam and squirm
and hold my legs together tightly
and cringe and whimper as she describes what happens to her
but i made myself watch this
her story is important and i need to know how to share it.
she is so strong and charismatic . a true inspiration
How could any mother do this to her daughter. It is simply DEMONIC.
I am 15 and I never knew such things exist in our world even today.I literally cries while hearing her story. I am now happy that my parents are well learnt and did not do anything such to me as well as horrified that people go through such horrible things for some uneducated people's wrong theories.
I INVITE YOU TO READ MARY DALY'S GYN-ECOLOGY. IT HAS A SECTION ON FGM THAT CHANGED ME! THANK YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY AND SPIRIT!
Watch the movie Desert Flower.
What an absolutely fantastic woman.
What a brave woman. So much sadness behind the funny speech.
She is so strong. I felt like crying the entire time when I was listening to her and appreciate more about what I have.
Antiochus IV Epiphanese End both I think this counts as child abuse. Poor women didn't have a choice but to be pinned down the mutilation is disgusting It doesn't matter if it's a boy or girl
@D'lish Donut Does every damn discussion of FGM have to devolve into "what about men?" Of course that's a topic worth discussing, but why are you trying to shut down a discussion about women and girls to get it?
@@luceret He's not trying to shut it down, he's just trying to show that it is equally important. Male genitalia mutilation is not talked about as much.
@@roseamore1829 It would be good if he didn't contradict himself.
@D'lish Donut I Will never say "suffered more" you cannot never know the extent of someone else's suffering.
You will only know personally your own.
She took her pain and turned it into comedy whilst still teaching us, wow, this women is so strong.
precisely
I've never been so happy to hear that a woman was pregnant
I hope she has a safe birth...
I've never cared so much for someone I've just found out exists
Same
Literal tears
@@ariarhetse5038 i
She wasn't able to give birth though. She had to have a c-section because of the dysfunction caused by the scarring. Her baby was a boy.
When I was 13, I stayed at my aunties house in Liverpool, Sydney. It was 1996.
I was playing outside and there seemed to be a huge party in the house behind the garden. She lived in a block of units. So my cousin and I climbed the fire escape stairs to see what was happening. There was a massive white tent in the middle, music playing (it sounded like belly dancing music that was on a movie I had seen once and I was hoping to see a belly dancer in REAL life! I was EXCITED!) There were woman in long dresses that were absolutely amazing colours and men were all dressed up in long coats, there was food on a table, it looked like an amazing time. We soon got bored and I realised that I probably won't be seeing a belly dancer and we went back to playing. About 40 mins later, I heard it. It's something that I can never describe, there are no words. I heard a girl SCREAMING, Like a scream of absolute terror. I had never heard that kind of scream before and I screamed in response and ran for my aunt.
My aunt knew what was happening and gathered us in her arms and ran inside. She closed all the windows and doors and put mary poppins on really loud. I was crying and trying to get her to call the police. She Sat me down and explained to me that the police were called and unfortunately, they couldn't do anything as it was a religious thing and we couldn't legally do anything.
I will never be able to forget.
I cried for days.
How could the parents think that it was ok to do this?
Didn't Got make us the way we supposed to be?
I'm 36 now. I know the truth now.
I could have called the police.
Even if they did nothing, I should have reported it.
My heart breaks knowing what I know know. If I have any real regrets in my life.... It's that I didn't call myself.
Stay strong, you are absolutely amazing woman.
Please keep fighting for FGM to be abolished.
FGM is illegal im the uk :(
I cry
I don't think there is a religion that accepts that crucial act , it'a a cultural thing that needs to stop
It's not religious
How horrible
17:25 "Culture should not be a defense for child abuse"
Loop 97p plop
Such a beautiful, classy woman, funny,
And so brave, you inspire me
She's so amazing my mum and me are friends with her, she's the best person I've ever met
you never saw me omg for real?? lucky. she seems like the best type of person to have over.
@Shirley did you just assume that she s white
@Shirley - Firstly, how do you know what 'colour' the poster is? Secondly, you do not have the right not to offended. You cannot dictate what other people should say, though of course you can try. You can try but it is futile as you have no jurisdiction, no authority. Free speech, unless it can be classified as hate speech or speech which incites hate or violence, gives the speaker the perfect right to offend. Lots of people may be offended by what you have written, for example. Of course, people have the choice to be offended or not but that is their personal decision.
The internet is a bit of a free for all. Somebody may make what you regard as a patronising or demeaning remark on the internet; but unless it is hateful, which the remark you object to clearly is not, then you can choose to be offended or not, choose to proclaim that you are offended or not; but what you cannot do is curtail other people's opinions, other people's free speech. Nor should you, in my opinion only of course, even try - because it's called bullying. BTW, nobody was calling you classy, funny or brave.
This African Queen deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for her Courage. God bless her child and her.
I give it to her. 💯
😪⬇️👍🗺💞
🏆 from my heart
For what?
@@raylevi5343 for raising awareness on a global issue… the mutilation of children.
My mom was told she couldn’t have kids when she was eighteen by three doctors. Yet she ended up with five kids.
Badassness at it finest so happy for her
God is good!!
@@midekuts he sure is love
If you are reading this, bless you on your pregnancy journey!
Did she have this procedure!?
How could any mother do this to her daughter. It is simply DEMONIC.
Because her mother did it to her.
That aspect in a particular brainwashed culture.
They are brainwashed by culture I’d be surprised what culture can make people do without realizing it’s wrong
anonym no that’s different very different
American mothers cut off their sons' penises.
I love this woman! She's so funny, beautiful, and brave to talk so openly about her personal experiences!!!
"I don't have Elbola don't worry"
2020: "its okay, we're all about Coronavirus now" 😂😂
Gabrielle LOL
@@ilovemycat6257 😄
wow the world changes the diseases change LOL
Gabrielle 😂😂😂 so funny... so true
kinda hate that she had to say this
sadly i was late to the her petition, the petition ended without it's goal of 15k signs, very sad.
So sad
Damn!!
15k is not even a lot! That's horrible. :(
Can she/her charity create this petition again?
I wanted so bad to help and sign her petition... I was not even 18 at the time this hero started her petition. Now doing extensive research on new ways to help.
I cried everyday what they did to me..i from Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
I am so sorry may you forgive their ignorance for the pain you suffer.
Tima Mans I am really sorry
😢
Sherry Ditzler
What do you mean “...may you forgive their ignorance for the pain you suffer.” This is not something you can easily forgive, what is wrong with you? It’s saying forgive and forget to an abuse victim, it only works for the little things as a child. It would have been better I you had said that they should try to move if they cannot forgive which is most likely to not happen. These things scar you for life physically, mentally, emotionally. Even if this was ignorance, they should have at least tried to be more educated in this. So please don’t say may you forgive their ignorance even if you meant it to come out in a different way. Sorry if I seemed mad or offended you in any way, shape, or form.
Never Mind about my name
Is it a “religious thing” or “cultural thing”?
You should probably try and reason with them? Maybe not. Or call the police?
She’s so cute, I love her! She expresses her anger in such a comedic way and yet, she is so down to earth. This is feminine beauty at its best
I'm pausing at 4 minutes and I'm feeling awful, as a male I feel that we were really slow getting to the point of understanding how different perspectives were as male or female. I share these thoughts as i continue to watch your speech. Thank you!
RubarbPie Watching this speech I'm only getting more impressed. This is a really important issue that we all need to adress - this isn't something that we can excuse since it affects people. Help change this now!
Antiochus IV Epiphanese ohhh cry me a river, instead of complaining and commenting and pushing your opinion on other ppls posts do something about it instead looser
RubarbPie i was lucky to escape but my sisters didnt
Antiochus IV Epiphanese I think that male circumcision is abuse too. I also think piercing a baby's ears is abusive. This woman has had the guts to talk out very publicly about what happened to her. You maybe need to do the same so more people know about the problems men can have with this procedure. It doesn't take away from the fact that we didn't even know until recently what has been done to these girls but by them speaking out we have to support them. Don't just make comments on other peoples videos. Make one yourself or start a petition. You too will have my support.
PS I haven't met one man who has been circumcised that had a problem with it so you have opened my eyes I had no idea that it caused so much harm.
@D'lish Donut I personally thank you for speaking up.
Mutilating someone is inexcusable, especially if you’re trying to use your religion/culture as an excuse. I’m glad there’s women out there like her fighting for FGM victims rights.
@@ffrida - It is entwined in both religion and culture - religion and culture become entwined over time. There are people who do claim it is a religious edict - whether or not this is true, the culture and religion both act jointly as an overwhelming oppressive force to create injunctions for parents to practise this barbarism. Defending a religion is not the issue, this is a global horror and must be stamped out wherever it exists.
whenever some man tells me we dont need feminism anymore.. this is not the past, this is now. "feminists cry over airconditioning! were equal now!" No we are not. Most countries still practice sexist laws and many cultures have different completely sexist traditions. and they are practised today. No girl should be hurt for being a girl. How could you say we dont need feminism anymore.
@@jeksinamariya8814 stop copying comments
@CORIE GEORGE stop coping comments
I'm one of them but I'm not a victim of FGM because the intention wasn't bad as it was the norm. However, we need to make a change and it's not a religion practice but more of cultural thing
she’s gonna be an amazing mom
Absolutely
This is actually a nightmare. How do you feel safe around your mum ever again
Just to play the devil's advocate here, at the time she thought she was protecting her daughter given the very limited amount of information she had on the matter. If she knew what were the risks maybe she would have opted out, although who knows.
I would hate my mom forever
@@merlem9448 understandable
If my mother did that to me.. all I’m gonna say is she will regret the day she gave birth to me
@@xLindsayhd sometimes they are helpless believe me. There was a time that old people will jtz take u and do such without ur mom's consent even.
It's a sad story with a funny explanation. Maybe because of culture, maybe religion but, it's reality of world. We need to say stop. No matter what nationality you are, that affects all of us.
Its NOT religion.
Not religion
anonym
There is a significant difference between circumcision and FGM, they do don’t equat to each other at all.
It's scary that some have disliked this video..
There are so many men and women in even the Us who think this is a good idea.
So many men express them wanting to cut there own wives and daughters. And will face no reproductions for these treats to there future daughters
ikr!
Those who didn't like the video must be Men
Must men n those old woman who are jealous of the young ladies enjoying making Love
As an African American woman ... I can see/feel the pain she's covering with humor. I know FGM goes on TODAY. They just convicted a doctor here in Michigan, USA who practiced at a MAJOR medical center. Doing it on the side. PLEASE continue spreading your message.
Omg why did he do that?
Shame on that doctor...
Why dont you tell for the police
It's illegal in my country Nigeria
Yep
John Green said : "you have a choice in this world about how to tell sad stories " and khadidja made the funny choice..People who do that inspires you that nothing is going to last forever , everything is gonna be fine .This faith, this is hope ..thank you Khadidja and good luck.
That it a amazing quote from a highly educated and inspirational man. This women should get an award for all the good she is doing.
A woman from rural Africa with a heavy accent preforming effortlessly in front of thousands of people. If I was in her place, I would find hounded reasons why I can’t preform a TED talk. But she just came up, said everything she meant to say, made everyone in the audience feel a whole bunch of emotions. THAT is true confidence. An amazing woman, truly.
She is a great speaker.
Human bodies are perfect see a new born baby you wouldn't change anything no matter boy or a girl so let them be.
Yes! This! As an American, I wonder why MGM1 is the norm?? Just no. Leave every baby's genitalia alone!!
Yet you all ”fix” dogs saying it's healthy for them. What's done to them is much worse than FGM they get their reproductive organs like ovaries uterus and testies removed. Organs that produce vital hormones. Not one of them can cry about it cause they do not have a voice.
Theres nothing wrong with doing it in boys.
@@R3VIV3YOU One its DOG. These are HUMANS. Sit down and shut up.
@@R3VIV3YOU It's to help stop puppies and kittens ending up in the streets or shelters because people can't care for 12+ pets. If you want to have an animal give birth just to put its babies in a shelter then you are a truly awful person.
I wonder who started the practice. Some man who realized women can feel pleasure and was jealous and bitter. I’d never do that to my daughter. I went to a seminar and many older African women were defending the practice and all I could think was brainwashing.
Yeah crazy that women defend the practice.
Eliaa Nas they’re brain washed into believing it. And even if they are not, many of them come from countries where they cannot speak against men
@@msshannonigans i dont think they meant to shift the blame onto women. I think they were just shocked that there are not only men but ALSO women who defend FGM
@@flyingtoast414 You're absolutely right. Either I misread or was improperly responding to a since-deleted post. Regardless, thank you!! I concur vehemently.
Shannon Lynn o
THIS WOMAN IS A HERO!!!! I'm so PROUD that she is standing up for women's right and I'm even more proud that she is from my country. YOU GO KHADIJA may God bless you to keep on with your work!!!
She is amazing! So much pain she went through and is so strong and charismatic! I am so happy she got pregnant!
Stacie D. why the spoiler?
@@shwetaaaaaaaaaaaa Well, nobody forced you to look at this comment so..
I must pause the video to say, this woman is a beautiful person. I applaud her ability to overcome obstacles and educate others.
I feel so sad for her. She’s a great woman. Imagine the pain...both physical and mental. Hope she lives a good life 🥺
what is cletus though
this is so hard to watch.
i could not help but squeam and squirm
and hold my legs together tightly
and cringe and whimper as she describes what happens to her
but i made myself watch this
her story is important and i need to know how to share it.
she is so strong and charismatic . a true inspiration
I feel the same way
Me too
Yeah same with me, even hearing about it is not a pleasant experience. I can't imagine how horrible it feels to have that happen to you.
Same😭😭😭
I felt horrible. I admire her strong character
So strong, So passionate..She really defines a strong black woman
Queen Kairo mans really had to bring race into this could have just said strong woman
Impatient Sociopath
why not? Seems like you’re the only one offended here
This makes me reevaluate myself as a woman and how I carry myself..she is the essence of strength and defiance
Amano there is nothing wrong with celebrating race/culture. Nothing. It’s when your celebration in racial identity becomes a tool to discriminate others.
i burst into tears when she said she is pregnant...you are a strong woman khadija. and you're gonna be a very good mother.
For me as the mother of a young girl and of course a daughter myself, the most harrowing thought in all of this is the betrayal. The thought of how she must have felt as her own mother held her down. I once had to hold my daughter down for blood tests as a baby, as many parents have. The look on her face is burnt into my memory. I did it because she was seriously ill. I knew it had to be done. But I appreciated the traumatic experience it must have been for her. And that was a simple blood test. Nothing to what this poor woman experience as an innocent child. I can't even imagine 😢
My heart breaks for these girls 💔
Yes, exactly--I can't imagine how anyone could even go on living with their mother after they did what her mother did. How could you not run away after that, how could you ever look at your mother's face again, how could you not hate your whole family and your whole community for aiding and abetting? It's unfathomable to me. But more mindblowing than that is how so many of the victims, once they become mothers themselves, just turn around and do the same thing to their own daughters. It's hard to even know who to be mad at.
I feel that, I did the same for my daughter on her first blood draw. The very first betrayal of her young life, I nearly cried.
Her mother didn't think it was betrayal. She thought she was doing it out of love.
Beautiful Julie So did I when I vaccinated my kid or got her blood drawn but it’s a visceral thing when you see your child in pain, especially when they don’t understand why you do it, you feel deep deep guilt. I can’t imagine her mum didn’t feel it, even if she culturally thought she had to.
@@SmallCaz Just curious if her mom realizes the hardships she went through and did it change her opinion or does she still think she did her daughter a favor?
She's such a trooper. With all that she's been through, she's still managed to get pregnant, and help children all around Australia.
Agree with Melissa - No girl should be hurt for being a girl.
i grew up thinking that being a girl ia a big mistake. that im so unfortunate to be born as a girl. my parents made me feel like im a big burden. they told me to just take a four year course in college becoz according to them ill just get marries and raise kids. i was shocked coz i had a dream. however, my brothers all have the advantages and amenities. i grew up feeling so sorry i was born a girl. they married me off at a very early age coz i was dating already, with 2 kids and at the same time working, i continued my studies and finished my law course. i annulled my marriage raised my 2 kids and now im comfortable but alone. im finally free and happy.
I could listen to this woman all day!
I cried for her! but I know that's not enough.
Me too
Same
Same 😭
Her humour while discussing such a disturbing subject is amazing.
I'm watching this in 2019, and all of the first comments I see, I can still relate to. This woman is so strong, and confident, and brave. She is an activist for something that isn't talked about much or at all in the media in 2019. This needs to be put out there again.
*yessssss*
I love her accent
You can feel the pain in her voice despite the humour and jokes 😭
You made me cry.
I'm so proud of you as a African woman.
I am an South African
We need to end FGM. We need to spread the word this needs to stop
Stop MGM. Get the the log out of your eye before you attempt to take the splinter out of somebody else's.
@waqy gamin'
I am in a group trying to agitate for a ban and federal funding for stem cell research to regrow foreskins.
@@gregorymalchuk272 no dude they're NOTHING alike.
@@GreyeHazel
Well, let's see. MGM & FGM both involve the genitals of nonconsenting children and both involve mutilation. MGM destroys more tissue, surface area, and nerve endings, and happens to an order of magnitude more victims.
My parents are both from Sierra Leone. My mother is a victim of FGM. I’ve seen the repercussions, it’s horrifying. Bless this woman for sharing her story.
How do they give birth vaginally?
@@hafsaakhtar6113I would like to know too
I cried and applaud when she said she was pregnant. It made me so happy as of she was someone I personally know
signed your petition...just now after seeing your video...loved your talk.
When nobody put their hand up when she said “anyone watched blood diamond?” I literally put my hand up.
This is so barbaric!!
Those poor little girls.
This lady is very courageous and strong.
Thanks to her for sharing her story.
@Barry Wells I hear you, honey! For real this is so WRONG...... I'm VERY disgusted 😠
I think I'm in love with this woman. She is amazing!
You don't think you are.
So beautiful. So inspiring. She's so beautiful, in every way possible.
She is the type of person we need in the world, plus she’s hilarious. This is how to get through to people.
The people like her who exist, they are a huge inspiration. Baddass heroes from a movie, but better and realistic.
I love u khadija. NO TO FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
And no to male body mutilation
The severity of FGM or MGM does not matter what matters is the fact that this is done without people's consent. So it does not matter if you think FGM is worse or that MGM is worse. What matters is that people get a say on what happens to their bodies.
Exactly
@MsGeorgeSR I like your nuanced perspective
@MsGeorgeSR I'm being serious. I agree
FGM should be treated as a crime,which it is theoretically. The Law should be vigorously applied and parents who allow it in Britain or abroad should be prosecuted.Not doing this in the name of multi-culturalism is second-hand child-abuse by the people who stand back and ignore what is going on.
Agreed. But FGM is way more worst than circumcision. it is not even comparable !
When she said she was told she was pregnant, I just started crying. :) Bless her sweet, strong soul.
Hearing that " Five months ago, I was told I was pregnant" was the only in the video that I paused at. Khadija's story brings back the call on the equality of women worldwide. The starting of her story matches my own. Proud of the way you have made your childhood experience an epicentre of what you want to do for the rest of your life- Be Blessed wherever you are.
Well spoken and empowering. May we see the end to FGM in this decade.
I heard a story of FGM from my friend when I was 13, I didn't know the reason at that time but I'm terrified to my core. How could someone do this to their own daughter.
"I needed my pain to be worth something." - Khadija Gbla
Very powerful speaker, powerful woman. She is using a traumatic event that she was subjected to, and using it as a platform to speak against it.
Omg, she is so amazing
What an amazing woman
She's so funny and positive. She's lovely. So sad they did that horrific thing to her.
I can't get over how wonderful she did. So charismatic. So passionate. So thought-provoking. She's a real life superhero taking on an issue that must be so painful for her to face every day.
The way she kept speaking so strongly although she is talking about something of such significant pain is empowering and I LOVE HER.
And I remember my Anthropology teacher saying it was normal, we just didn't understand other cultures. Yeah, all it is, is violence against women and children :'(
Your Anthropology teacher was trying to encourage you respect other cultures. Even though this might seem barbaric in another culture, it might be beneficial in another culture, and when you get close to those who practice it, you may understand why they practice what they do. I don’t support this practice though!
Yeah, my cultural anthropology basically defended the practice too. She talked about the positives a lot. I basically lost respect for her that day. I agree that we shouldn't go to other countries and start putting coffee shops on every corner. The innocent and helpless should always be defended. This includes children, the elderly, the disabled, animals and Mother Earth herself to name a few. A lot of people like to think of reincarnation for fun. Maybe I will come back rich or just have an easier life. Maybe I will come back as a dolphin and just have some more fun and less worries. But this practice should make one think " Maybe I will come back as a helpless little girl in one of the many countries practicing these atrocities. I would just rather turn in to soil than ever experience this kind of pain. Some would disagree. But regardless this practice needs to STOP! Great talk by a beautiful woman of courage!
@@kristinafischer9818 You haven't seen people refer to this as a "barbaric practice"?
Funny, this is the exact same thing. Don't deceive yourself that it isn't.
Some people in those cultures might call it "western imperialism".
I was the only one circumcised out of the four of us. My mum didn't know any better when she had me but when she got educated on the topic, it saved my three sisters. I'm always happy for them.
Im so sorry for you... hope you are okay now. Idk about you, but have you seacred for possibilities in surgery? It
@@saartjeh
Thank you!
I'm really good.... Searched, I can do that.
You’re amazing ❤️
I went through FGM at a very young age and now have all sorts of troubles. For the people saying its not religion its culture, Im sure its both as many others say in the comments talking about their personal stories and what their parents have told them. Either way needs to stop
I hope you're doing better
no way is it religion, it doesnt state that FGM is mandatory in any religious book lol
It is not religious. There is no scripture in the Quran, Bible, Tora or any other bilious book that says to do this to girls. Therefore it is 100% cultural.
This lady is amazing . I love her courage. I crossed my legs , cried and did it all.
These are kinds of women we need in our society. Out spoken fearless, empowered and inspiring.
I laughed, I cried. I laughed while I cried. This woman is incredible. Australia is lucky to have you call it home.
Wonderful talk! I hate that this cultural practice still happens...and I am thankful that this woman is championing the cause.
I love her so much. She presents her trauma to the audience with humor at times and at other times she stands in her rage. I don’t know her, but I’m proud of her for not pushing any of those feelings down and for telling her mother how she hurt her. And she talks plainly and so openly about hard things. I love her so much!
Let s keep fighting together for our women's rights!!!
She needs to do comedy, she’s intelligent and hilarious.
She Will be an amazing mother. How inspiring she is and How ironic that they tried to take the essence of her femininity away, yet here she is, alone at a stage, reeking of woman and all that a woman is at her best. God bless you and your family Khadijah, beautiful gorgeous woman
I was so sad when she explained about fgm. I never heard about it and I learned a lot from this video. Anyone who has to go through something similar to her is very strong .
It was so painful to listen to that part. Thank you Ted talk for introducing amazing women like her
I feel similarly about circumcision. It's unnecessary child abuse. Great talk!
nope.its really not
@@heelo734 Yes it is, you are sadly, brainwashed: I bet you're religious as well !!
@@heelo734 Yea it is it is not needed medically and anyone that showers stays clean. They made up lies to try to make it look ok but it’s not. They do it because of how they want men to look down there. How you gonna cut a baby and cause it a lot of pain just for looks? If a grown man wants to do it fine but kids should not be put through this.
Circumcision is more about health
Truly
She is so strong and brave 👍
Lawrence Newman
No one says that, asshat.
That is its own problem- in fact, it’s mostly men that say that to other men. It’s the father who chose to circumcise their son, most often. Instead of empathizing with them, your baselessly accusing these women of sexism.
You’re childish selfishness is embarrassing to other men.
poor baby. no one deserves to have this happen to them. she's so strong and funny.
Love her passion! She's a talented speaker. Thank you Kadijah for using your voice to defend the defenseless.
This woman is... I can't find the words! So glad and honored to just have watched her.
This was so incredibly difficult to watch. I had to pause a few times. I appreciate Khadija's little bursts of humour to help my mental state deal! I've also signed the petition
The way she laughed after she said she was told she was pregnant I was so happy for her she’s gonna be a fantastic mother ❤️
I am from the Gambia. I commend your strength and resilience. FGM is a horrid practice and we continue to combat it.
7:57 your anger is sacred!!! I love you so much Sister 💜
Omg I have sooooooo much respect for this woman...cracking jokes while talking about this horrible, traumatic experience and life after that.... I’m soooooooo happy for her she got pregnant!! ❤️❤️❤️