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Cut: One Woman's Fight Against FGM in Britain Today
Imagine for a moment that you are 6-years-old and you are woken in the early hours, bathed and then dressed in rags before being led down to an ominous looking tent at the end of your garden. And there, you are subjected to the cruellest cut, ordered by your own mother.
Forced down on a bed, her legs held apart, Hibo Warderewas made to undergo female genital cutting, a process so brutal, she nearly died.
As a teenager she moved to London in the shadow of the Somalian Civil War where she quickly learnt the procedure she had undergone in her home country was not 'normal' in the west. She embarked on a journey to understand FGM and its roots, whilst raising her own family and dealing with the devastating consequences of the cutting in her own life. Today Hibo finds herself working in London as an FGM campaigner, helping young girls whose families plan to take them abroad for the procedure. She has vowed to devote herself to the campaign against FGM.
Eloquent and searingly honest, this is Hibo's memoir which promises not only to tell her remarkable story but also to shed light on a medieval practice that's being carried out in the 21stcentury, right on our doorstep. FGM in the UK has gone undocumented for too long and now that's going to change. Devastating, empowering and informative, this book brings to life a clash of cultures at the heart of contemporary society and shows how female genital mutilation is a very British problem.
Forced down on a bed, her legs held apart, Hibo Warderewas made to undergo female genital cutting, a process so brutal, she nearly died.
As a teenager she moved to London in the shadow of the Somalian Civil War where she quickly learnt the procedure she had undergone in her home country was not 'normal' in the west. She embarked on a journey to understand FGM and its roots, whilst raising her own family and dealing with the devastating consequences of the cutting in her own life. Today Hibo finds herself working in London as an FGM campaigner, helping young girls whose families plan to take them abroad for the procedure. She has vowed to devote herself to the campaign against FGM.
Eloquent and searingly honest, this is Hibo's memoir which promises not only to tell her remarkable story but also to shed light on a medieval practice that's being carried out in the 21stcentury, right on our doorstep. FGM in the UK has gone undocumented for too long and now that's going to change. Devastating, empowering and informative, this book brings to life a clash of cultures at the heart of contemporary society and shows how female genital mutilation is a very British problem.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2016
43 people are currently reading
1534 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
December 23, 2020
It really takes something truly incredible for me to say something such as this, but honestly, this is one of the most amazing books, that I have read to date. This book is entirely about FGM. It is a subject that I've read about and touched on before, but not in an intricate detail. This extremely personal account by Hibo Wardare, is her story, in her words, of her experience of FGM, and how she attempted to live her life as normally as possible afterwards.
"FGM is nothing more than child abuse. You can dress it up in whatever cultural clothing you want, but it is that basic"
I've always been strongly against FGM, but this book has highlighted some aspects of it, that I didn't know about. Firstly, I thought it was a religious practice, but it actually isn't. It is entirely based on some apparent culture, that has been happening for time, but for some reason, despite all of the devastating effects it has on the girl, it still occurs. Knowing this makes me weep.
Hibo Wardare shares with us her own barbaric experience, when she was indeed "cut" at a young age. I was horrified as she described in detail at that moment not only the physical pain she endured, but the physiological effects that she had to contend with afterwards. What gives someone the right to alter their daughters appearance, in such an inhumane manner, just entirely for the man? The practice is usually done where the woman has her clitoris removed, so that she is left with no sexual arousal, in the hope that will put her off wanting to have sexual relations. She is then sewn up, and afterwards, is left with a very small hole. From this hole the woman is not only expected to pass urine through, but to menstruate through as well. I cannot begin to imagine how excruciatingly painful and demeaning that would be. This performance is carried out in order to keep the woman pure for the man before they marry. It is to ensure that she sleeps with no other, until the wedding night. I mean, what the hell is keeping the male pure here? Why the female? I was shocked to learn, that many of these women that have been cut, when they sleep with their husbands on their wedding night, they suffer horrendous pain due to the tiny hole they are left with, and then, unfortunately, they are admitted to hospital with a vile infection, and when they come out of hospital, Hibo tells us that they are not the same women that went in.
"The likelihood of a girl going through FGM on this country is very high, and to say it doesn't happen in the UK is us just lying to ourselves"
When Hibo talks about her experiences of FGM in the UK. It's sickening to think of young girls, enjoying an education, and then they are ripped out of that, flown to another country, and have no choice but to be "cut" Then, they either don't return, or they return with their personalities altered, due to this barbaric practice.
It is hugely inspiring that Hibo Wardere took a stand against FGM, and realised that really, it was a subject nobody talked about. Not only because people were uncomfortable to, but they were totally unclear of what is actually was. Therefore, it was never really questioned.
To survive something like this, live through it, and then take a stand to attempt to educate others about it, takes an incredible amount of courage. Today I am grateful for Hibo Wardere, and the admiration I feel for her at this moment, is out of this world.
"FGM is nothing more than child abuse. You can dress it up in whatever cultural clothing you want, but it is that basic"
I've always been strongly against FGM, but this book has highlighted some aspects of it, that I didn't know about. Firstly, I thought it was a religious practice, but it actually isn't. It is entirely based on some apparent culture, that has been happening for time, but for some reason, despite all of the devastating effects it has on the girl, it still occurs. Knowing this makes me weep.
Hibo Wardare shares with us her own barbaric experience, when she was indeed "cut" at a young age. I was horrified as she described in detail at that moment not only the physical pain she endured, but the physiological effects that she had to contend with afterwards. What gives someone the right to alter their daughters appearance, in such an inhumane manner, just entirely for the man? The practice is usually done where the woman has her clitoris removed, so that she is left with no sexual arousal, in the hope that will put her off wanting to have sexual relations. She is then sewn up, and afterwards, is left with a very small hole. From this hole the woman is not only expected to pass urine through, but to menstruate through as well. I cannot begin to imagine how excruciatingly painful and demeaning that would be. This performance is carried out in order to keep the woman pure for the man before they marry. It is to ensure that she sleeps with no other, until the wedding night. I mean, what the hell is keeping the male pure here? Why the female? I was shocked to learn, that many of these women that have been cut, when they sleep with their husbands on their wedding night, they suffer horrendous pain due to the tiny hole they are left with, and then, unfortunately, they are admitted to hospital with a vile infection, and when they come out of hospital, Hibo tells us that they are not the same women that went in.
"The likelihood of a girl going through FGM on this country is very high, and to say it doesn't happen in the UK is us just lying to ourselves"
When Hibo talks about her experiences of FGM in the UK. It's sickening to think of young girls, enjoying an education, and then they are ripped out of that, flown to another country, and have no choice but to be "cut" Then, they either don't return, or they return with their personalities altered, due to this barbaric practice.
It is hugely inspiring that Hibo Wardere took a stand against FGM, and realised that really, it was a subject nobody talked about. Not only because people were uncomfortable to, but they were totally unclear of what is actually was. Therefore, it was never really questioned.
To survive something like this, live through it, and then take a stand to attempt to educate others about it, takes an incredible amount of courage. Today I am grateful for Hibo Wardere, and the admiration I feel for her at this moment, is out of this world.
September 14, 2024
Vertinimas- už garsiai išsakytą istoriją, savęs apnuoginimą pasauliui. Už drąsą parodyti savo vis dar gyvas žaizdas ir randus, už norą kovoti dėl kiekvienos mažos mergaitės teisės, kovoti prieš surandėjusias tradicijas, papročius.
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Evaluation - for telling a story out loud, exposing yourself to the world. For the courage to show your still alive wounds and scars, for the desire to fight for the rights of every little girl, to fight against the traditions and customs.
🖋️Skelbdamas pasauliui, kaip buvau sužalota, savotiškai...gydžiausi.
************************************
Evaluation - for telling a story out loud, exposing yourself to the world. For the courage to show your still alive wounds and scars, for the desire to fight for the rights of every little girl, to fight against the traditions and customs.
🖋️Skelbdamas pasauliui, kaip buvau sužalota, savotiškai...gydžiausi.
October 3, 2020
Baisi, sukrečianti knyga - apie moteris gimusias Afrikos šalyse. Autorė pasakoja savo istoriją, išgyvenimus per apipjaustyma ir po jo... 😔
June 20, 2023
Knygą vertinu ne kiek iš literatūrinės pusės, kiek už turinį. Autorė paskyrė savo gyvenimą svarbiai misijai - šviesti apie moters genitalijų žalojimą, kuris, prisidengiant kultūra ir tradicijomis, milžniškais mastais tebevyksta Afrikoje, Azijoje ir kitose besivystančiose šalyse, o už uždarų durų - ir JK, Prancūzijoje ir kitose vakarų valstybėse. Hibo, pati dar būdama šešerių perėjusi tą pragarą, išsamiai pasakoja savo ir kitų moterų patirtis, skatindama vyriausybes imtis pokyčių.
Ir tiesiog nuostabu, kad yra tokių moterų, kurios drąsiai kalba viešai, nes susipažinus su kraupiais faktais, negali tiesiog "atžinoti", tad į kovą su MGŽ pasijungia ne tik vyriausybės, bet ir visuomenė. Knyga labai lengvai skaitoma, nors buvo keistų vietų (man į bendrą pavaikslą "nelipo" tikrai brandžios mintys, priskiriamos šešiametei), bet visumoje puiki knyga apie baisius dalykus, tebevykstančius mūsų pašonėje.
Ir tiesiog nuostabu, kad yra tokių moterų, kurios drąsiai kalba viešai, nes susipažinus su kraupiais faktais, negali tiesiog "atžinoti", tad į kovą su MGŽ pasijungia ne tik vyriausybės, bet ir visuomenė. Knyga labai lengvai skaitoma, nors buvo keistų vietų (man į bendrą pavaikslą "nelipo" tikrai brandžios mintys, priskiriamos šešiametei), bet visumoje puiki knyga apie baisius dalykus, tebevykstančius mūsų pašonėje.
April 8, 2016
A devastating read, but one that should be made compulsory across the globe. Hibo shares her journey, from a six year old mutilated with unclean knives in a hut at the bottom of her garden to a powerful leader in the movement against a barbaric practice that is still across the world, to the point of being classed as an epidemic in some countries. I had no idea of the sheer brutality of the practice, I had no idea of the knock on effects it has to a woman's health and well-being, throughout her entire life. This is not easy reading and yet I flew through it in two days. Read it.
June 11, 2024
Recently, I read a book that briefly mentioned foot binding in the old Chinese culture. So I looked it up and came across another form of abuse called FGM which is short for female genital mutilation. I roughly had an overall idea about it but god It was way worse than I originally thought!
This book is literally a gem and covers both physiological and psychological aftermaths of this horrible form of child abuse.
The first few chapters that are about the personal experience of Hibo Wardere herself are extremely hard to read and I often found myself gasping and frowning while reading.
Definitely a must read for everyone.
This book is literally a gem and covers both physiological and psychological aftermaths of this horrible form of child abuse.
The first few chapters that are about the personal experience of Hibo Wardere herself are extremely hard to read and I often found myself gasping and frowning while reading.
Definitely a must read for everyone.
April 8, 2025
Must read. Coś co trzeba poznać. Historia kobiety, która jako dziecko została obrzezana. Tyle bólu i cierpienia znajduje się w tej książce. Bardzo potrzebna pozycja.
Końcowa ocena: 7,5/10
Końcowa ocena: 7,5/10
September 25, 2017
This is such a phenomenal read, with a very vital message. FGM is still happening today in Britain. FGM is an abusive and harmful practice. It is through the medium of personal narrative which Hibo Wardere shares her experiences of this barbaric practice. She recalls memories of the traumatic experience she went through as a six year old and discusses in detail how being 'cut' and undergoing 'Gudnin' has affected her life since. Wardere's personal narrative has clearly been The foundation on which she bases her activism for an anti-FGM movement. Even though the text is ghost written in collaboration with Anna Wharton, the story contained within is every bit Wardere's. This book is an eye opener, a truth revealer. I always knew in the back of my mind what FGM was, and that it was barbaric and wrong. While it was something that I never directly covered at university, I had certainly heard of it in passing. Yet, when reading this book I was completely swept up, engrossed, and at the same time horrified by the narrative. It's safe to say that I found this book a very emotional read, yet I cannot emphasise enough how important a book like this actually is. As Wardere stipulates in the closing pages of her text: 'You can't hide a body from it's grave. Once we all know about female genital mutilation none of us can carry on pretending it isn't our problem.' (p.254) In some ways, her book entirely speaks for itself, and brings the issue at hand to the forefront of the reader's mind, ultimately raising awareness and encouraging people to fight against such barbaric practices which still exist today.
to-read-dont-own
April 7, 2018This happens to girls in the US too folks. Time to be aware, informed and speak up.
March 21, 2023
Absolutely fantastic book I devoured this so quickly. I learnt soooo much more about not only FGM itself but the trauma that comes with being cut and its enduring effects physically and psychologically as the author herself was cut and takes us through her journey of shame to empowerment. The book was beautifully and poetically written, Hibo is a very talented writer.
I don’t have any negatives about this book but something I definitely noticed was there was a slight glorification of the West I think which is so so common for 1st gen immigrants. However it was refreshing to see how the UK really did a lot to help fight FGM and are doing what they can to protect women and girls.
I don’t have any negatives about this book but something I definitely noticed was there was a slight glorification of the West I think which is so so common for 1st gen immigrants. However it was refreshing to see how the UK really did a lot to help fight FGM and are doing what they can to protect women and girls.
September 29, 2017
It's not often I pick up non fiction books. The topic of FGM came up in a book I read a little while ago. Snow Angels by James Thompson. And as I was scanning the shelves of my local book shop I came across this. As I read the back I became more apparent it was something I need to educate my self about. The author relates to us the pain and suffering she went through when this happened to her at a young age. And the continued part it played throughout her life up until this point. She is shows the massive amount of bravery it took to start speaking out about this practice. And I was left both Impressed and with great admiration for her. Her ability to speak at the local school she worked at and then to the people in the U.K and then the wider world beyond.
I found it deeply disturbing that not only was this a practice that was still carried out but one that was happening in my very own country. Why any one would chose to do this to their own children is something that is beyond my comprehension. I try to live my life not judging people on there cultural or religious beliefs. But sometimes you read up on a topic and find it hard to bite you tongue. As the author states this is child abuse pure and simple. She splits the book in to sections the first is about her life and how it effect her. The second is accounts of other people life's that this has effected and the continued fight to stop this practise. She does an amazing job of relating both of these topics. In a clear and succinct way. I feel that in writing this book it was as much about her coming to understand and maybe come to terms with this as much as it is for us to read it.
This is a hard read and from this book my eyes have been opened to something that is usual kept secret from the out side world. As she says her self the Somali community has been both welcoming at times and also damming of her for speaking out about it. Facing problems within her own family for doing so. This is a book I urge you to read and learn form. I cant promise it will be an easy one to get through. But some books are not meant to be.
I found it deeply disturbing that not only was this a practice that was still carried out but one that was happening in my very own country. Why any one would chose to do this to their own children is something that is beyond my comprehension. I try to live my life not judging people on there cultural or religious beliefs. But sometimes you read up on a topic and find it hard to bite you tongue. As the author states this is child abuse pure and simple. She splits the book in to sections the first is about her life and how it effect her. The second is accounts of other people life's that this has effected and the continued fight to stop this practise. She does an amazing job of relating both of these topics. In a clear and succinct way. I feel that in writing this book it was as much about her coming to understand and maybe come to terms with this as much as it is for us to read it.
This is a hard read and from this book my eyes have been opened to something that is usual kept secret from the out side world. As she says her self the Somali community has been both welcoming at times and also damming of her for speaking out about it. Facing problems within her own family for doing so. This is a book I urge you to read and learn form. I cant promise it will be an easy one to get through. But some books are not meant to be.
August 14, 2024
Klausyti šitos knygos tikrai nebuvo malonu. Ji parašyta taip nuoširdžiai, taip paprastai ir skausmingai, kad visą laiką kaupėsi ašaros. Ir kilo daug klausimų. Kam Afrikos tautoms reikalingos mergaites žalojančios tradicijos? Kodėl vakariečiai turi įtikinėti, kad smurtas prieš vaikus yra blogai? Kokios tolerancijos ribos kitos kultūros tradicijoms? Į kai kuriuos klausimus atsakoma ir knygoje, nes tai ne tik autobiografija, bet ir įžvalgi mokslinė psichologinė knyga. Tikrai puiki.
August 2, 2016
This is, by far, one of the most amazing books I have ever read. I head Hibo interviewed on a radio programme - often the way I am encouraged to read books and this was far better than I could possibly have imagined. It is going to go on my list of 'Books that EVERYONE must read at some stage in their live'. This is a frank, first hand, honest account of a woman's personal experience of Female Genital Mutilation and the way she has dealt with that and continues to do that and educating people about FGM and campaigning in order to make sure that his practise is eliminated from our world. I found the book refreshing - Hibo said things as they are without being scared of the needs to be politically correct which I think is so often the case. FGM is child abuse. She says this multiply in order to try and get the message across. She educates us - the facts of stages of FGM - and with regards to the prevalence of women who have been affected which is probably what I found most uncomfortable. Immigrant populations to the UK continue to cut their daughters/sisters/grandchildren and this may well be happening here in the UK. It's appalling that people can continue to mutilate their daughters and, more sadly, it's a practise that's, so often, perpetuated by the women in cultural groups. I could go on and on but I couldn't possibly do Hibo's work justice. Please, read it yourself. It's beautifully written, touching, informative, educational and yet, in a strange way, rather uplifting. As more of us are educated and informed about this abuse then we can become more open and more able to protect women from this awful abuse.
April 19, 2016
I was really pleasantly surprised with how readable this was. Don't get me wrong, it details horrifying systematic abuse and oppression of girls & women around the world, but it is put across in such a way you can't put the book down. I flew through this in a few days.
Hibo Wardere's passion & conversational writing style conveys a strong message but it is in no way preaching to you. She lays out her experiences, and those of others like her, alongside historical and cultural research to show you the true horror of FGM, and why it must be stopped. Her writing allows you to draw your own conclusions, and offers numerous solutions to ending FGM from around the world. There's so much heart and soul in this book - it's a welcome introduction to making my feminism more intersectional.
It is the responsibility of all of us to put an end to this - whether you are connected to cultures directly, or at the very least by being an ally to those at risk.
Hibo Wardere's passion & conversational writing style conveys a strong message but it is in no way preaching to you. She lays out her experiences, and those of others like her, alongside historical and cultural research to show you the true horror of FGM, and why it must be stopped. Her writing allows you to draw your own conclusions, and offers numerous solutions to ending FGM from around the world. There's so much heart and soul in this book - it's a welcome introduction to making my feminism more intersectional.
It is the responsibility of all of us to put an end to this - whether you are connected to cultures directly, or at the very least by being an ally to those at risk.
July 18, 2017
I heard Hibo Wardere speak on the radio in March 2016 and was so touched by her honesty when she spoke about FGM and her own experience of being cut at just 6 years old.
Even though this book is difficult to read in places, it is so important too. I thought I knew a bit about FGM, but I grew more educated after reading it and I think it should be compulsory reading
She is a brave and courageous woman for speaking out against her culture but her voice is one that is needed to end this barbaric act of abuse against children. Thank you Hibo for your honesty, bravery and courage
Even though this book is difficult to read in places, it is so important too. I thought I knew a bit about FGM, but I grew more educated after reading it and I think it should be compulsory reading
She is a brave and courageous woman for speaking out against her culture but her voice is one that is needed to end this barbaric act of abuse against children. Thank you Hibo for your honesty, bravery and courage
July 16, 2024
Knyga tarytum iš dviejų dalių: pirmoje pasakojama autorės istorija. Nuo šios dalies tiesiog nėjo atsitraukti! Kaupėsi ašaros, pyktis, užuojauta.. Antra dalis - statistika, patirtys. Išties sunku suvokti tokias tradicijas ir mastą.
July 26, 2017
True stories are always true stories...
April 13, 2021
I am so glad I got over my squeamishness and read this - one of the most informative, inspiring and important books I’ve ever read
September 19, 2021
An incredibly eye opening and powerful read on the physical and psychological impacts of FGM and the prevalence within modern society. A must read for anyone who cares about basic human rights.
January 13, 2025
Horrifying.
March 19, 2025
Moving
August 27, 2024
A must read for awareness. Especially if there are people around you with traditions in their tribes as FGM. I was thankful for the boom that lead me to wider knowledge and empathy for these women.
In *Cut*, Hibo Wardere bravely shares her painful experience with Female Genital Mutilation, raising important awareness about a hidden and harmful practice.
In *Cut*, Hibo Wardere bravely shares her painful experience with Female Genital Mutilation, raising important awareness about a hidden and harmful practice.
July 1, 2017
When I read this book I knew very little about FGM. I had no idea there are different types of cut. I cried throughout the book as it is utterly heartbreaking. Hibo's own account had me in bits. 6 years old & surrounded by female relatives who did nothing, what monsters. Hibo is a brave & amazing lady who through what has happened to her is now educating people on what FGM is & how we can stop this barbaric tradition. Thank you Hibo for sharing your story & raising awareness of FGM.
February 21, 2017
This is such an important book to read. I lived in the same area of London that Hibo lives in and I was introduced to her work and book through a Community FB page. She is braver than anyone I will ever know. The book explains everything, the cutting, her personal story and the current state of affairs here and globally. I highly recommend everyone read this book.
May 27, 2017
Cannot recommend highly enough. Everyone should read this book.
April 5, 2018
A brutal and important read. Some bits extremely uncomfortable to read. Other small beautiful moments of hope. Glad I read it.
July 29, 2021
Knyga buvo įdomi iki tam tikro puslapio,paskui kai prasidėjo tiesiog "sausa faktinė medžiaga" knyga pasidarė nuobodi,skaičiau vien tam,kad užbaigti.
September 23, 2017
Na Ziemi żyje ponad siedem miliardów osób. W tej liczbie znajduje się dwieście milionów kobiet, które doświadczyły obrzezania. Kolejne kilka milionów dziewczynek czeka podobny los. Jednak czym jest klitoridektomia? Pewnie wielu z was nie wie jak w ponad 28 krajach świata łamie się prawa człowieka, okrutnie krzywdząc kobiety. Hibo Wardere sama w wieku sześciu lat została poddana temu zabiegowi. Od tego czasu wzięła sobie za cel, by jak najwięcej dowiedzieć się o tym co ją spotkało oraz zapobiec tradycji, która trwa już zbyt długo. W tym momencie muszę podziękować jej za książkę Cięcie, która uświadomiła mi jak wielkim problemem FGM jest nawet u nas - w krajach wysokorozwiniętych.
Historia Hibo nie różni się niczym od wspomnianych kobiet. W Somalii kultura nakazuje by kobieta była obrzezana, co sprawi że będzie mogła zachować czystość dla swojego przyszłego męża oraz być mu bardziej posłuszna. Córka, która nie dostąpiła tego zabiegu, może zostać szykowana przez społeczeństwo oraz nie mieć szans na znalezienie przyszłego małżonka. Do tego dochodzą błahe konsekwencje, którymi jest chociażby wyśmiewanie przez rówieśników. Sprawia to, że kilkuletnie dziecko prosi rodziców by pozbyli się jej kintir i zorganizowało mu gudnin. Przecież wiąże się to z uroczystością pełną smakołyków, prezentów i podziwu. Ceną za to jest tylko małe cięcie.
Jednak czym jest właśnie tytułowe cięcie? Wikipedia podaje nam taką informację:
Klitoridektomia (zwana też obrzezaniem kobiet oraz wyrzezaniem) – okaleczenie żeńskich narządów płciowych polegające na częściowym lub całkowitym usunięciu łechtaczki, czasem również warg sromowych mniejszych. W ekstremalnych przypadkach klitoridektomia polega na usunięciu łechtaczki, warg sromowych i skóry ze ścianek pochwy oraz zaszyciu, co najmniej częściowym, samego wejścia do pochwy. Pozostawiony niewielki otwór umożliwia jedynie wydostawanie się moczu i krwi menstruacyjnej.
Nie chcecie o tym czytać? Czujecie się przerażeni na samą myśl o bólu, który towarzyszy podczas tego zabiegu? Celem autorki książki jest uświadomienie ludzi co dzieje się na świecie. Więc bądźcie przerażeni, obrzydzeni i zastanawiajcie się jak to jest możliwe w XXI wieku. Jednak nie odwracajcie głowy od problemu. Cieszę się, że Hibo Wardere zdecydowała się mówić o swoich przeżyciach. Że napisała książkę, która uświadomiła kolejną osobę.
Sama książka Cięcie jest napisana początkowo w formie wspomnień. Autorka stara się nam pokazać jak wyglądał w jej przypadku zabieg obrzezania. Jak musiała sobie radzić z jego konsekwencjami jako dziecko oraz później jako dorosła kobieta. Przedstawia nam kawałek swojego życia, które choć wypełnione miłością męża, dzieci i przyjaciółmi, zawsze nosiło w sobie cień cięcia. Później mamy okazję zobaczyć jej walkę o pomoc dla kobiet jej podobnym. Jest to niesamowita historia, która pokazuje siłę Hibo w obliczu walki z kulturą, w której została wychowana. Później dostajemy strony opisujące jak świat próbuje walczyć. Jakie działania są wprowadzone na świecie i Wielkiej Brytanii, by kolejna mała dziewczynka nie musiała cierpieć obrzezania przez znachorkę z zardzewiałą żyletką. Widzimy dane, historie innych kobiet oraz ich mężów. Czytając to wszystko, pewnie tak jak kobiety w krajach afrykańskich czy Egipcie, myślimy że to typowy żeński problem. Jednak wszystkie te zabiegi są wykonywane dla mężczyzn, którzy powinni wiedzieć z czym musi się zmagać jego matka, żona czy córka.
Uważam, że Ciecię autorstwa Hibo Wardere jest mocną książką. Nie mamy w niej
złagodzonej historii, która została spisana w sposób, który ma na celu nie przestraszenie potencjalnego czytelnika. Pokazuje historię taką jaką jest. Czytając ją mamy czuć chociaż cień tego, czego doświadczyła sama Hibo czy miliony innych kobiet. Liczącą ponad 250 stron pozycję powinien przeczytać każdy. Mężczyzna, kobieta, osoba starsza, czy nastolatka. Nieważne ile mamy lat, w jakim kraju żyjemy czy co robimy w życiu. O niektórych rzeczach po prostu należy mieć wiedzę. Może sami nie włączymy się w działania i nie zaczniemy walczyć z bezlitosnymi praktykami, jednak pozwoli nam to docenić miejsce, w którym się urodziliśmy i rodzinę, która nas wychowywała.
Historia Hibo nie różni się niczym od wspomnianych kobiet. W Somalii kultura nakazuje by kobieta była obrzezana, co sprawi że będzie mogła zachować czystość dla swojego przyszłego męża oraz być mu bardziej posłuszna. Córka, która nie dostąpiła tego zabiegu, może zostać szykowana przez społeczeństwo oraz nie mieć szans na znalezienie przyszłego małżonka. Do tego dochodzą błahe konsekwencje, którymi jest chociażby wyśmiewanie przez rówieśników. Sprawia to, że kilkuletnie dziecko prosi rodziców by pozbyli się jej kintir i zorganizowało mu gudnin. Przecież wiąże się to z uroczystością pełną smakołyków, prezentów i podziwu. Ceną za to jest tylko małe cięcie.
Jednak czym jest właśnie tytułowe cięcie? Wikipedia podaje nam taką informację:
Klitoridektomia (zwana też obrzezaniem kobiet oraz wyrzezaniem) – okaleczenie żeńskich narządów płciowych polegające na częściowym lub całkowitym usunięciu łechtaczki, czasem również warg sromowych mniejszych. W ekstremalnych przypadkach klitoridektomia polega na usunięciu łechtaczki, warg sromowych i skóry ze ścianek pochwy oraz zaszyciu, co najmniej częściowym, samego wejścia do pochwy. Pozostawiony niewielki otwór umożliwia jedynie wydostawanie się moczu i krwi menstruacyjnej.
Nie chcecie o tym czytać? Czujecie się przerażeni na samą myśl o bólu, który towarzyszy podczas tego zabiegu? Celem autorki książki jest uświadomienie ludzi co dzieje się na świecie. Więc bądźcie przerażeni, obrzydzeni i zastanawiajcie się jak to jest możliwe w XXI wieku. Jednak nie odwracajcie głowy od problemu. Cieszę się, że Hibo Wardere zdecydowała się mówić o swoich przeżyciach. Że napisała książkę, która uświadomiła kolejną osobę.
Sama książka Cięcie jest napisana początkowo w formie wspomnień. Autorka stara się nam pokazać jak wyglądał w jej przypadku zabieg obrzezania. Jak musiała sobie radzić z jego konsekwencjami jako dziecko oraz później jako dorosła kobieta. Przedstawia nam kawałek swojego życia, które choć wypełnione miłością męża, dzieci i przyjaciółmi, zawsze nosiło w sobie cień cięcia. Później mamy okazję zobaczyć jej walkę o pomoc dla kobiet jej podobnym. Jest to niesamowita historia, która pokazuje siłę Hibo w obliczu walki z kulturą, w której została wychowana. Później dostajemy strony opisujące jak świat próbuje walczyć. Jakie działania są wprowadzone na świecie i Wielkiej Brytanii, by kolejna mała dziewczynka nie musiała cierpieć obrzezania przez znachorkę z zardzewiałą żyletką. Widzimy dane, historie innych kobiet oraz ich mężów. Czytając to wszystko, pewnie tak jak kobiety w krajach afrykańskich czy Egipcie, myślimy że to typowy żeński problem. Jednak wszystkie te zabiegi są wykonywane dla mężczyzn, którzy powinni wiedzieć z czym musi się zmagać jego matka, żona czy córka.
Uważam, że Ciecię autorstwa Hibo Wardere jest mocną książką. Nie mamy w niej
złagodzonej historii, która została spisana w sposób, który ma na celu nie przestraszenie potencjalnego czytelnika. Pokazuje historię taką jaką jest. Czytając ją mamy czuć chociaż cień tego, czego doświadczyła sama Hibo czy miliony innych kobiet. Liczącą ponad 250 stron pozycję powinien przeczytać każdy. Mężczyzna, kobieta, osoba starsza, czy nastolatka. Nieważne ile mamy lat, w jakim kraju żyjemy czy co robimy w życiu. O niektórych rzeczach po prostu należy mieć wiedzę. Może sami nie włączymy się w działania i nie zaczniemy walczyć z bezlitosnymi praktykami, jednak pozwoli nam to docenić miejsce, w którym się urodziliśmy i rodzinę, która nas wychowywała.
March 24, 2022
Cut by Hibo Wardere is an intense book but one that should be read by all. She gives a first person account of what FGM (female genital mutilation) was like for her and goes on to explain that it is still happening.
Her experience was a common practice for young girls in Somalia. At the age of 6, she was forcefully held down with her legs apart by women she knew. As her mother watched, an elder woman cut her private area with an old razor then sewed part of her shut. One cannot help but wince while reading about this antiquated torture.
When she moved to London, she realized that this old tradition was not normal. She and her husband determined that they would never do this to any of their daughters. Still, she was embarrassed and suffered both medical and physical issues. Eventually, she started sharing her story and became an advocate to stop this FGM culture and labeling it as child abuse. She discovered that it was still happening and young girls of many cultures, not just Somalians, were sent to their native land to be "cut". Some even had to endure this abuse while living in the UK.
This book is a honest and painful take on the FGM practice. It not only explains the culture but it also makes it personal. Too often this practice is hidden or ignored. This child abuse therefore is not stopped. This author sets out to change that. This book is her story.
Her experience was a common practice for young girls in Somalia. At the age of 6, she was forcefully held down with her legs apart by women she knew. As her mother watched, an elder woman cut her private area with an old razor then sewed part of her shut. One cannot help but wince while reading about this antiquated torture.
When she moved to London, she realized that this old tradition was not normal. She and her husband determined that they would never do this to any of their daughters. Still, she was embarrassed and suffered both medical and physical issues. Eventually, she started sharing her story and became an advocate to stop this FGM culture and labeling it as child abuse. She discovered that it was still happening and young girls of many cultures, not just Somalians, were sent to their native land to be "cut". Some even had to endure this abuse while living in the UK.
This book is a honest and painful take on the FGM practice. It not only explains the culture but it also makes it personal. Too often this practice is hidden or ignored. This child abuse therefore is not stopped. This author sets out to change that. This book is her story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 26, 2025I won’t out a rating on a person’s story or their pain, I will simply say that everyone should read this book. It’s uncomfortable, it made me physically recoil at times, and I had to take breaks while reading cause dear God. It broke my heart in so many ways, wishing eternal healing on anyone who had to go through FGM, and wishing eternal damnation for the Man, both the existing one and the one in a woman’s head, that makes her inflict this type of pain on a young girl
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