More Than A Survivor: An interview with Jumana

Sahiyo understands that being a survivor of female genital cutting (FGC) is just one moment of your life and only one part of who you are as a person. Oftentimes, being labeled as a survivor can prevent people from seeing a person in any other context beyond survivorship.

Our campaign, #MoreThanASurvivor, explores our individuality and shows the world what makes us unique. After all, who we are is made up of all the moments in our lives, not just one.

Interview:

Where do you live?

Ahmedabad, India

Where’s the favorite place you have travelled to, lived in, or would like to visit? Travelled to Ladakh

What are some of your passions? 

Journalism, scuba diving, creative writing, unconventional traveling

What does an average day look like for you? 

Exciting! Play with my kids, write, edit a newspaper, workout, eat, sleep

What are some things you do for self-care? 

Workout, read

What are five words to describe you? 

Energetic, Empathetic, Bold, Diligent, Modest 

What are your hobbies? 

Gardening, cycling 

What is your profession or what career would you like to be in? 

Journalism

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

Journalist

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What is your favorite food? 

Tandoori chicken, dark chocolates, coffee, champagne

What is your proudest achievement? 

Yet to come – have my eyes on it

What is a hidden talent that you possess? 

My singing is an undermined talent. So is my cooking and discovering both thanks to my daughters. My singing ability I discovered out of the need to put them to sleep. And the maternal instinct of cooking for them has kind of unleashed a cook in me. I eat the food I make.