Trigger warning : this episode includes discussion of FGM, medical procedures, war, miscarriage and menopause. Please listen with care, pause when you need, and use the resources below.
Welcome to The Body Talks with Chloé Dall’Olio.
Today I’m joined by the brilliant Hoda M Ali: safeguarding consultant, activist, former infectious diseases nurse, survivor and radiant truth teller.
We begin with a short guided body scan, then Hoda shares her story as the best storyteller: growing up in Somalia, surviving FGM as a child, years of hospital care across countries, nursing in the NHS, IVF and loss, menopause in her 30s, and what it means to love a changing body.
We talk language, dignity, body sovereignty, and why healthy, happy skin and self will always beat “perfect”.
Hoda’s message is simple and mighty: you are not alone, your body is your home, and you are allowed to take up space and ask for help.
Try the practice: we do a 3-breath body scan you can follow safely if you are not driving. It takes one minute and helps you arrive in your body.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Hoda’s website: https://www.hodamali.com/
- Survivor-led charity The Vavengers: https://thevavengers.co.uk/
- The Cruel Cut Channel 4 documentary playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiC_gpE7y053Qlgb9fU0ykM-BggXpfkmj
- The Luckiest Girl Alive theatre project: https://nikkicharlesworth.com/https-nikkicharlesworth-com-design-work-what-happened-to-you/the-luckiest-girl-alive/
- UK Government / NHS guidance on Female Genital Mutilation: https://www.gov.uk/female-genital-mutilation-help-advice
Extra resources from Hoda
• BBC Newsnight Interview (YouTube)
• BBC World Service Interview (YouTube)
• Hoda M Ali – Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage
• LinkedIn article: Survivor-led activism
• LinkedIn article: Advocacy and awareness
• List of all NHS National FGM Support Clinics
Connect with us on Instagram
Host: @chloedallolio
Podcast: The Body Talks @thebodytalks.love
Guest: Hoda M Ali @official_hodamali
If you are affected by anything we discussed, please reach out to a trusted person or a local support service. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
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