Breaking the Silence: Cynthia Martins’ Journey from Survivor to Advocate Against Female Genital Mutilation

Cynthia Martins, a brand strategist, voice-over artist, and mother, hails from the Esan Community in Edo State, Nigeria. However, her identity extends far beyond her professional titles; she is a survivor of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). In a candid interview, Cynthia shared her story, shedding light on the profound impact FGM has had on her life and her unwavering commitment to ending this harmful practice. Growing up, Cynthia was unaware of the term “FGM.” Like many others in her community, she underwent the procedure at the age of nine, believing it to be a customary practice. It wasn’t until she reached adulthood and began learning about the human body that she realized the full extent of what had been done to her. Despite feeling incomplete, Cynthia navigated her life until she faced the painful reality of the physical and emotional toll FGM took on her marital relationship.

Marriage brought challenges as Cynthia struggled with intimacy due to the irreversible consequences of FGM. She experienced discomfort and pain during sex, leading to strained relations with her husband. Seeking help from a therapist was a turning point, but Cynthia acknowledges that her journey would have been easier if her body hadn’t been subjected to FGM. Driven by her personal experiences, Cynthia became an active participant in the fight against FGM. She emphasized the importance of survivors breaking the culture of silence surrounding the practice and sharing their stories to raise awareness. Cynthia advocated for medical professionals to play a role in educating communities about the dangers of FGM during antenatal visits and consultations. Additionally, she highlighted the power of social media as a platform for amplifying voices and challenging societal norms.

Reflecting on her involvement in campaigns to end FGM in Nigeria, Cynthia shared her contributions to the UNFPA/UNICEF project, where she leveraged social media to disseminate information and participated in outreach programs to communities and schools. Her motivation stemmed from a desire to prevent others from experiencing the same trauma she endured. Despite the challenges of sharing her story, Cynthia found solace in forgiveness and acceptance. By forgiving her parents and embracing her identity as a survivor, she overcame any reservations about speaking out against FGM. Cynthia’s journey from survivor to advocate exemplifies the resilience and determination needed to effect change in communities where FGM persists.

Cynthia Martins’ story serves as a beacon of hope for survivors and a call to action for societies to prioritize the eradication of FGM. Through her advocacy efforts, she continues to inspire others to break the silence and work towards a future free from the shackles of this harmful practice.