By Isatou Jallow
In my film “Behind The Wall,” I've chosen to share my deeply personal experience with Type 3 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Through this storytelling, my aim is threefold.
First, I want to educate. FGM, deeply rooted in tradition, often goes unquestioned. By unveiling the raw pain and suffering I endured, I hope to provoke reflection within communities about the necessity and ethics of this practice.
Secondly, it serves as a testament to resilience. By sharing my story, I aim to show survivors that they are not alone and that healing is possible. It's my hope that this personal account can offer solace and encouragement to those who have experienced similar pain.
Lastly, this documentary is a call to action. By shedding light on FGM, we can mobilize governments, NGOs, and communities to work together to eradicate this harmful practice.
In sharing my story, I hope to create a world where girls are free from this brutality, where silence is replaced with compassion, and where stories like mine inspire change. Together, we can amplify the voices of survivors and put an end to FGM.
Isatou Jallow is a legal scholar in the final year of her Ph.D. program at the University of Washington School of Law. With a strong commitment to advocacy and community service, she has volunteered and interned at organizations like Northwest Immigrants Rights and YWCA Sexual Violence Legal Services. Isatou also served as a commissioner for the City of Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Services, fostering inclusion and understanding among diverse communities. She gained valuable experience in the HR department of Seattle Children's Hospital, focusing on accommodation and worker's compensation. Driven by a belief in diversity and inclusion, Isatou founded Inclusive Outlook, a nonprofit advocating for inclusive education for children with disabilities and the health rights of women with disabilities. She is also the founder of Amosa Skin, a brand donating most of its proceeds to support Inclusive Outlook's initiatives. As Isatou approaches the final year of her Ph.D. program, she is focused on defending her research and completing her doctoral studies, aiming to contribute to research, policy development, and community engagement to promote inclusivity and make a positive impact.