In this episode of Wempower Podcast, we speak with Adama Nyama Bah, a survivor, clinician, and founder of the Women’s Health Advocacy Network (WHAN), about the urgent need for trauma-informed care for survivors of FGM and sexual violence. She discusses the many challenges survivors face and why speaking up is crucial to changing the narrative and improving support systems.
Who is Adama Nyama Bah?
“I am a survivor. I am a clinician. I work in the NHS.”
Adama Nyama Bah is a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual violence during Sierra Leone’s civil war and the founder of WHAN, an organisation dedicated to empowering communities to advocate for health and access to quality care. Adama is deeply committed to advancing trauma-informed care for survivors of FGM and sexual violence, especially those facing multiple barriers like language and cultural challenges after moving to the UK.
Her mission? “To motivate, inspire, and encourage survivors to break the silence and seek help.”
But breaking the silence isn’t easy—especially when language, culture, and stigma stand in the way.
“You feel like your head has been intoxicated. You want to get it out. But you can’t—in a society where you must protect the family name, your community, and your chances of finding a partner. In that world, being raped feels like it’s your fault.”
A System Not Built for Survivors
Adama’s work within the NHS has shown her just how unprepared the system is to care for women like her. From maternal care that assumes a male partner’s presence to digital healthcare services that exclude women who are illiterate or lack access to translators, the gaps are everywhere.
“There is no dedicated trauma specialty among midwives,” she says. “Even after 11 pregnancies and 9 miscarriages, I’ve never seen a trauma specialist. That tells you something.”
The system often forces survivors to retell their stories multiple times to different professionals, with no continuity, no support, and no healing.
“Trauma has a habit. It comes back when you’re finally in a safe space. If you don’t deal with it, you end up being the one who carries the burden alone.”
What WHAN Is Doing Differently
This is where WHAN steps in. Born from Adama’s own experience, the charity offers holistic services for women of all ages—from childcare training and financial empowerment to emergency support and mental health care.
“That’s my fight: to create a one-stop platform where women can be heard, access the care they need, and take back their power.”
WHAN also runs workshops and trainings for healthcare professionals to better understand trauma, FGM, and the cultural realities many survivors face. But right now, the charity is entirely self-funded, and urgently needs sponsors and volunteers to continue its work.
“I had to get my story out. If I don’t speak, who will?”
Adama’s voice is a powerful call to action. Her courage shines a light on what it means to survive, to speak out, and to lead. Listen to her story—part of Fobbed Off & Female, Wempower’s special series on medical misogyny.
Trigger warning: This episode contains references to sexual violence, FGM, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.
