KHADY KOITA

“WOMAN FOR HUMAN RIGHTS” Award

There are forms of violence that are difficult to escape from. They have their roots in the concept of belonging to a place, a people or a culture, hiding their cruelty behind a halo of false legitimacy.

In addition, genital mutilation is an atrocious practice from which many women still cannot escape. A frightening ritual that robs many little girls of their childhood and whose consequences are covered, still too often, by a veil of silence.

It was this veil that Khady Koita helped to bring down, contrasting the cowardice of silence with the power of speech and testimony. Not surprisingly, the association she founded in Belgium, in support of women's rights, is called "La Palabre": a name that is an invitation not to be silent. Just like she did when she told her story of a physically and morally wounded woman in the pages of the book “Mutilée”.

She, born and raised in Senegal by her grandmother. She who, at the age of seven, suffered the offense of genital mutilation. She who, still a teenager, was forced to marry her cousin. She who had to softly accept everything that her culture imposed on her. She who had the only choice to escape.

That same Khady is a fighter today. A woman who has managed to give a new meaning to her life and that of her children.

He is president of Euronet MGF. And he speaks of human rights to the new generations, so that his sufferings are not perpetuated in the body and heart of other young people.

Text by Elettra Fiorini