www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B11
Fardouza Farah sets out to advocate for women, survivors of sexual assault
By EMILY KAHNKE emily.kahnke@apgsomn.com
I
n October of last year, an Owatonna High School student took the stage at the Women’s March in Minneapolis before more than 10,000 people to speak about and advocate for reproductive freedom for all women. Throughout her high school career, Fardouza Farah has been making waves both locally and internationally with her advocacy work. Notably acting as president of the Minnesota Youth
Against Sexual Violence (YASV) for the last two years, Farah leads the state chapter of the nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to making strides towards justice for sexual violence survivors. “I stumbled upon this my sophomore year and I was really passionate about the topic,” Farah said. “I feel like these issues get ignored or shoved under the rug, so I thought I would get involved — especially because Minnesota is
During her speech, she lacking in that area in comparison to the rest of revealed that she was 17 at the time and was the country.” blown away by the As president of the reaction of the crowd. Minnesota chapter, Farah is responsible “A lot of people couldn’t believe I was 17,” Farah for meeting with state said. “It was really cool senators, organizing fundraisers and other to see their reaction, and it gave me some events. She also is confidence in that responsible for being I might actually be a speaker at many of making a difference.” the events. She recalled giving her speech at the rally, saying it was Farah has been working incredible and honoring with the organization and Minnesota to be able to speak legislators to change about topics she was laws surrounding passionate about.
people convicted of sexual assault claiming parental rights to children, specifically children conceived as a result of the assault, and said the lobbying work she has done is doing well at this point in time. The group also provides sexual education through webinars and educational information through social media pages.
Coming to Minnesota
turbulent time in South Africa until she was 12, Farah witnessed many protests surrounding the femicide that was occurring at the time, along with and the many racial issues and injustices happening simultaneously. She recalled protests happening throughout the country and in her
Farah
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