Visual artist, Adïam Yemane, will host the event, sharing her own experiences of resettlement as well as guiding the audience through the evening with her skilful command for storytelling. Her commitment to facilitating the stories of others through her art has produced several major pieces, including the 2019 photography exhibition, ‘Not Just a Refugee’ and her 2020 sculpture, ‘Citizen of the world’.
Florida Youcob came to the UK as unaccompanied minor at the age of 11. She was put into a lorry full of onion and was placed in a foster home upon her arrival. She now is an advocate for care experienced young people. Working with numerous stakeholders, charities, and local authorities, Florida’s work revolves around to shaping how the social care sector. Last year, she returned home to Eritrea after 18 years as she was finally granted her British passport. “I now found the missing piece that I needed to feel whole again.” In her spare time, Florida writes poetry and short stories sharing her lived experience.
A leading voice in the refugees and asylum seekers community and climate activist, Cherif Abdulwahab works to create a more just and equitable society for all. He believes that by coming together and taking bold action, we can make a lasting impact and create a better world for future generations.
Hoda Ali is a Survivor of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). At age 7 she was cut in Somalia. By age 11 Hoda experienced her first of many acute hospitalisations due to complications from FGM; stagnant infected menses had caused pelvic inflammatory disease. Hoda had been unable to menstruate as a result of the small hole left after FGM.
After many surgical procedures in Somalia, Djibouti and Italy, Hoda first started menstruating age 17. Medical complications from FGM continued to impact on Hoda’s life: infections, adhesions, subfertility, IVF, miscarriage and finally the medical advice that risks to internal organs was too great, IVF could no longer be pursued.
Hoda is the Co-Founder and Trustee of The Vavengers and has been a well- known advocate & campaigner to end FGM/C for many years.
Hoda is a human rights activist defending the rights of girls through running educational workshops, empowering girls around the world and supporting organisations working to end FGM/C and inspiring government and members of the public to take action with storytelling.
Hoda also worked, as a sexual health and HIV clinic nurse for many years where supporting FGM/C survivors has been a priority and FGM trainer for health professionals.
She has dedicated her Professional life to raising awareness and campaigning for the prevention of FGM, focused on ensuring girls are treated with dignity and compassion when they encounter health care professionals in the NHS.
She fills in a huge gap in the education system in the UK by providing educational FGM/C sessions to pupils, parents and teachers in primary schools.
At The Vavengers, Hoda is in charge of safeguarding, mentoring and leading the team with her experience as a survivor.
Hoda’s knowledge and support have been key in our success at The Vavengers journey.
A 5th speaker is to be announced...
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