Seoyeon Kim ‘26
Nasra Ayub started her activism at 15 when she learned that members of her own family members experienced female genital mutilation (FGM). “It was a no-brainer to get involved,” she said. “I had a lot of misdirected energy, and I put it into something I really cared about.”
She initially began her activism journey through Integrate Bristol, an organization that engages young people in raising awareness. At first, public speaking was a challenge. “I froze on stage so many times, but I kept pushing myself.” Her resilience led her to an especially fulfilling moment when she was teaching about FGM in a rural school. “They had never seen a Black person before, let alone engaged with someone outside their community,” she said. “One kid even fainted from shock. But by the next day, they could tell you what different types of FGM were, what the risks were, and why it was wrong. That showed me how impactful peer education is.”
However, activism comes with challenges. “Mental health is the biggest one,” she emphasized. “The personal is always political, and that takes a toll.” She also pointed to rising polarization and funding cuts. “Before, the challenge was getting people to listen. Now, it’s just being able to do the work in the first place.”
Now a journalist, Ayub highlights stories of marginalized communities. “I don’t just want to write about negativity—I want to showcase joy and resilience.”
For young people looking to get involved, she advised: “Volunteer, start a campaign, or reach out to philanthropic organizations. “Many are looking for young people to help design programs and make sure their work actually speaks to youth,” she said. “All it takes is an email. I get messages from 15-, 16-, 17-year-olds all the time saying, ‘Hi, I’m really passionate about this issue. How can I get involved?’ And I always try to connect them with something.”
“I used to go into schools where students had never met anyone from an FGM-affected background. I’d ask them, ‘How many of you want to be doctors? Or police officers?’ And when they’d raise their hands, I’d say, ‘Well, one day, you’ll come across people affected by this. Wouldn’t it be better to understand it now?’ And that’s when something would click.”
Her biggest lesson? “Activism isn’t overnight. Focus on your local community—that’s where real change begins.”