BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA: Streetart Sarajevo - Mejtaš - Branilaca Sarajeva 10C - WARM Foundation - Photo Exhibition Series - NARIMAN EL-MOFTY

„Shedding the Veils“ – „FGM/C“

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) survivor and so- cial activist Shamsa Araweelo sits tall and proud on her daugh- ter’s bed during her recovery from reconstructive operation, at her home in Burnley, England, February 2024. Shamsa was six years old when she underwent FGM/C in Somalia. Believing she was participating in an important rite of passage, she was unaware of the lifelong physical and psychological consequenc- es that would follow. A survivor of Type III FGM/C, one of the most severe forms of cutting, she spent years living with its effects.

As she grew older, Shamsa began questioning the practice and the be- liefs used to justify it. For years, she struggled with anger and confu- sion, believing that her religion had sanctioned what had been done to her. Through her own research and learning, however, she came to view FGM/C not as a religious requirement but as a cultural practice that predates Islam. Shamsa describes it as a „Pharaonic practice,“ noting that „the Prophet never did this to his daughters.“ She now views FGM/C as a means of controlling female sexuality rather than an expression of faith. The pain, complications, and trauma she ex- perienced led her to become an outspoken advocate against FGM/C. – WARM Foundation

This photography installation is a part of the series project and open air exhibition „Shedding the Veils“. You can find several of thos wooden framed big photo objects all around town. The project was initiated by the WARM FOUNDATION as part of the WARM FESTIVAL, with photos by world famous and award winning photographer NARIMAN EL-MOFTY. The frames were designed by the art agency ZANAT using UNESCO techniques combinded with modern styles, usually they make furniture. It was also supported by the multimedia festival KULTURA NA ULICE!, which means „Culture to the Streets“, the Radićevu street event FESTIVAL U CENTRU and the gallery GALLERY 11/07/95. There is another photo artwork just around the corner on the same building at Branilaca Sarajeva 10B.