This 16-Year-Old Survivor Is Fighting to End Female Genital Mutilation

By Joanna Sloame

Published on 1/17/2018 at 3:05 PM

Rebecca is one of an estimated 200 million women and girls alive today who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) across the world. Now, with the help of I Can Fly International, a 501c3 nonprofit that provides free education, room, and board to vulnerable Kenyan girls, Rebecca is sharing her story to prevent other girls from suffering the dangerous cultural practice and human rights violation.

Learn more about female genital mutilation and I Can Fly International.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography | Kyle Cowgill

More Videos

Yara Shahidi to Hold Voting Plans Discussion With Her Peers: "We Are in This Space Together"

10/07/2020

Yara Shahidi to Hold Voting Plans Discussion With Her Peers: "We Are in This Space Together"

As the 2020 election approaches, the need to have an established voting plan becomes increasingly clear.

Survivors Relive the Parkland Shooting in New, Emotional Documentary — Watch an Exclusive Clip

02/13/2019

Survivors Relive the Parkland Shooting in New, Emotional Documentary — Watch an Exclusive Clip

On Feb. 14, 2018, a gunman armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle walked into building 12 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, and opened fire, killing 17 students and staff members and injuring 14 more.

Let's Take a Look Back at President Obama's Best Turkey Pardon Punchlines

11/22/2018

Let's Take a Look Back at President Obama's Best Turkey Pardon Punchlines

As Donald Trump performed his second annual presidential turkey pardon on Nov. 20, we thought it would be fitting to take a look back at one particular Commander in Chief who really made the event his own.

Why Ashlee Marie Preston's 34th Birthday as a Transgender Woman Is a HUGE Deal

06/19/2018

Why Ashlee Marie Preston's 34th Birthday as a Transgender Woman Is a HUGE Deal

On June 7, Ashlee Marie Preston turned 34 years old.

Meet the Deaf-Blind Lawyer Fighting For People With Disabilities

01/31/2018

Meet the Deaf-Blind Lawyer Fighting For People With Disabilities

It's easy to forget how inaccessible our world is to anyone with limited vision or hearing.

What Asia Kate Dillon Wants You to Know About Being Female and Gender Nonbinary

01/30/2018

What Asia Kate Dillon Wants You to Know About Being Female and Gender Nonbinary

"I feel that my gender identity is fluid, and they/them/theirs is the best representation of that for me."

3 Major Election Day Wins For Women That Will Give You Hope

11/09/2017

3 Major Election Day Wins For Women That Will Give You Hope

On Nov. 7, Virginia elected its first openly transgender candidate for the state legislator and Charlotte, NC, voted in its first black female mayor.

From Outcast to Role Model: Meet Nepal’s First Transgender Congressperson

10/28/2017

From Outcast to Role Model: Meet Nepal’s First Transgender Congressperson

As a teenager, Bhumika Shrestha was kicked out of school for dressing like a girl.