I AM NALA

Key Topics Covered
Surviving abuse as a child and navigating cultural silence
Naming what happened—and the fear of being disbelieved
The moment she decided to write her story down
Why forgiveness isn’t always the answer for survivors
Her work creating safe spaces and teaching consent in schools
How faith, not the church system, helped her heal
Supporting girls to speak up with confidence and clarity
Redefining what justice and healing look like
✨Standout Quotes
“My abuser was a family friend, not a stranger.”
“I kept quiet for so long because I didn’t know what to call it.”
“When I started writing, that’s when I started healing.”
“I don’t believe in forgiveness as the first step for survivors.”
“I needed to tell the truth before I could begin to feel free.”
💡 Resources & Mentions
The Grace Project – Survivor-led healing and advocacy by Salvation Grace
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Want to support the Nalafem? 
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Learn more about the Africa Young Women Beijing+25 Manifesto and how you can help the young women of Africa create a better life for future generations. nalafem.org/manifesto
For collaboration and sponsorships contact:  aya@nalafem.org 
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Creator & Host: Aya Chebbi
Producer: Omom Mbu-Ogar
Graphic Designer.: Kenechukwu Nwachukwu
Music License Agreement signed for the Use of ‘Fire’ by Mpho featuring MiDi KwaKwa

Key Topics Covered
The emotional toll of childhood abuse and betrayal
How grooming thrives in silence and cultural taboos
The moment Amanda decided to name her abuser
Writing as resistance: transforming memory into voice
Why survivors don’t owe anyone forgiveness
The justice system and the cost of speaking out
Breaking generational silence and reclaiming agency
What true healing looks like for African girls and women
“I had no language for what happened. But I have language now.”
“He knew what he was doing. And I am allowed to say that.”
“I’ve stopped trying to forgive what I still need justice for.”
“I am not a victim with no voice. I am the voice.”
 
Resources & Mentions
Coming Forward: Survivor Testimony and Justice in Africa (referenced by Amanda)
Local child protection hotlines and counseling centers in East Africa
Survivor-led writing circles and healing programs (as discussed by Amanda)
African feminist movements advocating for bodily autonomy and legal reform

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Want to support the Nalafem? 
Website nalafem.org 
Instagram @IamNala_podcast  
Tiktok I AM NALA Podcast
Facebook Nalafem
X (Twitter) @Nalafem
YouTube Nalafem
Linkedin Nalafem
Learn more about the Africa Young Women Beijing+25 Manifesto and how you can help the young women of Africa create a better life for future generations. nalafem.org/manifesto
For collaboration and sponsorships contact:  aya@nalafem.org 
____________________________________________
Creator & Host: Aya Chebbi
Producer: Omom Mbu-Ogar
Graphic Designer.: Kenechukwu Nwachukwu
Music License Agreement signed for the Use of ‘Fire’ by Mpho featuring MiDi KwaKwa

Key Topics Covered
Surviving childhood sexual abuse and reclaiming her voice
How growing up in Kibera shaped her activism and community approach
Writing Pendo’s Power and the need for early conversations on body safety
The generational impact of silence—and how parenting can disrupt it
Building trust, safety, and open dialogue with her daughter
Working with Freely In Hope to support survivors through education and leadership
The need for national survivor councils and reimagining prevention in GBV work
Breaking shame, naming body parts, and giving children the language to speak up

Standout Quotes
“Healing is not linear. But you will get there—and you are not alone.”
“I wanted my daughter to inherit a legacy of courage, not silence.”
“Your voice is your power. And children need to know that early.”
“Pendo’s Power started as a book—but it’s becoming a movement.”
Resources & Mentions
Pendo’s Power – Lydia Matioli’s children’s book on consent and body autonomy
Freely In Hope – Survivor-led nonprofit focused on education and leadership
Companion Guide for Pendo’s Power – For parents, caregivers, and educators
Osi Kimi and Wangokanja Foundation – Partner orgs doing GBV work in Kenya
Survivor Council advocacy – Lydia’s call for survivor-centered policy design

Call to Action
If this episode touched you, let it move you to act.
*  Share Pendo’s Power in your home, school, or community.
*  Support survivor-led programs.
*  Start the conversations we weren’t given.
*  Listen. Believe. Protect.
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Want to support the Nala Feminist Collective? 
Website nalafem.org 
Instagram @IamNala_podcast  
Tiktok I AM NALA Podcast
Facebook Nala Feminist Collective
X (Twitter) @Nalafem
YouTube Nala feminist Collective
Linkedin Nala Feminist Collective
Learn more about the Africa Young Women Beijing+25 Manifesto and how you can help the young women of Africa create a better life for future generations. nalafem.org/manifesto
For collaboration and sponsorships contact:  aya@nalafem.org 
____________________________________________
Creator & Host: Aya Chebbi
Producer: Omom Mbu-Ogar
Graphic Designer.: Kenechukwu Nwachukwu
Music License Agreement signed for the Use of ‘Fire’ by Mpho featuring MiDi KwaKwa

Key Topics Covered
Growing up across Somalia, Italy, and Saudi Arabia—and experiencing FGM at age 7
The emotional and physical trauma of FGM, including its long-term impact during childbirth
Why FGM must be recognized and prosecuted as child abuse, not cultural practice
The role of language in policy, aid, and advocacy—reframing FGM, child marriage, and labiaplasty
How patriarchy drives all forms of genital control—across race, class, and region
Creating survivor-led initiatives and safe spaces for healing
Reimagining feminist solidarity and cross-cultural resistance
The power of parenting, art, and love in breaking cycles of harm 
Standout Quotes
“What happened to us wasn’t culture. It was child abuse—and the body remembers.”
“We don’t practice violence. So let’s stop calling it a practice.”
“Patriarchy is the root of it all. If we want to end violence, we must start there.”
“Women’s bodies have always made money. That’s why they’ve always been controlled.”
“I am Nala because I choose to be present—with love.”
 
 Resources & Mentions
Power of Language Position Paper – by The Girl Generation
The Crocodile Documentary – Leyla’s landmark film on FGM in the UK
The Girl Generation – Support to the Africa-led Movement to End FGM
World Bank and University of Birmingham data on FGM mortality
FGM Mortality Study – University of Birmingham, 2023
CSW events on FGM and survivor-led care
________________________________________
Want to support the Nalafem? 
Website nalafem.org 
Instagram @IamNala_podcast  
Tiktok I AM NALA Podcast
Facebook Nala Feminist Collective
X (Twitter) @Nalafem
YouTube Nala feminist Collective
Linkedin Nala Feminist Collective
Learn more about the Africa Young Women Beijing+25 Manifesto and how you can help the young women of Africa create a better life for future generations. nalafem.org/manifesto
For collaboration and sponsorships contact:  aya@nalafem.org 
____________________________________________
Creator & Host: Aya Chebbi
Producer: Omom Mbu-Ogar
Graphic Designer.: Kenechukwu Nwachukwu
Music License Agreement signed for the Use of ‘Fire’ by Mpho featuring MiDi KwaKwa