Chanel Ayan, a supermodel who grew up on the border of Kenya and Uganda, made a shocking revelation during an episode of The Real Housewives of Dubai in August 2022. In a hypnotherapy session with her co-star Sara Al Madani, Ayan emotionally disclosed that she had been circumcised as a five-year-old without her mother’s knowledge. Although two years have passed since the episode aired, Ayan is now opening up about the mental hardships she faced after sharing her story for the first time.
In a recent interview with DECIDER, Ayan confessed that she was initially scared to return for Season 2 of The Real Housewives of Dubai because she had been going through depression as a result of exposing her experience with female genital mutilation (FGM). The practice, which the World Health Organization describes as a violation of the human rights of girls and women, involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other non-medical damage to the female genital organs.
Ayan revealed that she faced significant backlash for talking openly about FGM, stating, “I was bullied a lot. I understand that because I come from a culture that is very closed.” She further explained, “We marry each other, we’re 100% Muslim, nobody talks about FGM like it’s something bad.” The repercussions of sharing her story took a toll on her mental health. She said, “I got so depressed. I wasn’t leaving my house. I was really in the darkest moments of my life before we started filming.”
The aftermath of Ayan’s disclosure had consequences beyond her personal struggles. Her father, whom she had previously accused of attempting to sell her into marriage at the age of 14, reacted violently towards her sister after the episode aired. This further exacerbated Ayan’s depression. In her own words, she described her experience by saying, “I went into the worst depression you can ever think of. I mean, I’m African. I didn’t think depression existed.”
However, recent events in Gambia have motivated Ayan to use her platform to raise awareness about FGM. The country recently voted to advance a bill that would overturn a ban on the practice. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Ayan is determined to prevent other young girls from enduring the same trauma. She emphasized, “I’m literally trying to put myself out there so now I feel like it’s not about me anymore.” Ayan recognizes the importance of using her platform to bring attention to this atrocity, even if it means confronting uncomfortable moments. She stated, “Even if it changes two people’s minds or three people’s minds, I think I’m reaching somewhere.”
Ayan believes that her role on The Real Housewives of Dubai provides her with a unique opportunity to make a difference. She acknowledged, “I can’t be beautiful all the time. I have to use it for the greater good.” Ayan’s brand focuses on helping others, and she hopes that viewers will witness her commitment to philanthropy on the show.
In conclusion, Chanel Ayan’s bravery in sharing her experience with FGM on The Real Housewives of Dubai has had a profound impact on her life. Despite facing depression and backlash, she remains committed to raising awareness about this human rights violation. Ayan recognizes that her platform can be a powerful tool in fighting against FGM and hopes to inspire change for the sake of young girls who should never have to endure such trauma. The upcoming season of The Real Housewives of Dubai will showcase Ayan’s determination to make a difference and shed light on this important issue.
 on The Real Housewives of Dubai. Despite facing depression and backlash, Ayan is determined to raise awareness about this human rights violation and prevent other girls from enduring the same trauma. Learn how Ayan's bravery is making a difference and inspiring change in the upcoming season of the show.){kind=link}