FGM survivor reveals how clitoris repair changed her life and marriage
Kuriwa, a female genital mutilation (FGM) survivor and advocate, has shared a deeply personal story of recovery and hope. She revealed that she never experienced sexual pleasure until her clitoris, which was cut during childhood, was surgically repaired in 2014.
Speaking to media personality Serwaa Amihere, Kuriwa said the procedure allowed her to experience orgasm for the first time. The repair came after she went public with her story and began advocating against the practice.
“I wanted to experience it and it's the authorities that did that for me when I came out speaking against it. They wanted to check and see if there'll be possibility that they can repair it. So mine was fixed. And I can tell you the first time I had my orgasm, oh God, I said I was really losing a lot,” she said.
What changed after the clitoris repair?
Kuriwa, who married in 2015, a year after the surgery, described a “huge difference” in her sexual experience. Before the repair, she felt nothing but pain during intimacy.
“If a man touches you, you should react but here is the case, you're more than a paper. You don't feel anything rather than things. You do everything but you don't feel. What you feel is pain. Nothing but pain,” she explained.
She added that she used to cry inwardly whenever sex was approaching. “I don't like it at all. Immediately, you said we're going to have sex. I start crying within me.”
How FGM affected childbirth
Kuriwa also revealed that FGM influenced how she delivered her children. She had all her babies through Caesarean section (CS).
“You know, the clitoris play a huge role when you are to give birth. So when I was to give birth to my firstborn, I was told the only thing that can help is CS. I'm supposed not to push,” she said.
She noted that doctors advised against natural delivery to avoid risks, especially after her clitoris was repaired.
Why Kuriwa's story matters for Ghana
Kuriwa's testimony adds a powerful voice to the fight against FGM in Ghana and across Africa. Her story highlights not only the physical harm caused by the practice but also the possibility of healing and restoration.
For survivors, her courage in speaking openly offers hope. For advocates and policymakers, it reinforces the urgent need for education, protection, and support services for affected women and girls.
As Ghana continues to push for economic growth and social progress, stories like Kuriwa's remind us that true development includes the health, dignity, and well-being of every citizen.
Frequently asked questions about FGM and recovery
Can FGM be reversed?
In some cases, surgical repair of the clitoris is possible, as Kuriwa's experience shows. However, outcomes vary and not all survivors are candidates for such procedures.
What support exists for FGM survivors in Ghana?
Advocacy groups, health professionals, and government agencies continue to work on awareness, medical care, and legal protection for survivors. Kuriwa's case shows that authorities can and do step in to help.
Photo: GhanaWeb