How Genocide Survivor Taban Shoresh Rebuilt Her Life and Became an Aid Worker

Second Curvers

My guest today is the incredible Taban Shoresh, a former child genocide survivor who suffered imprisonment as a four-year-old with her family, during the Saddam Hussein regime.

Over time Taban adjusted to life here, but the trauma of her experiences never fully left her. She married at a young age and settled into her university studies and subsequent career. Little by little. She came to realize that the relationship she was in was highly abusive and she feared for her life once more. Somehow, however, she finds the courage to escape.

By 2014, she set up the Lotus Flower, a not-for-profit for women and girls impacted by conflict and displacement. Since its launch, it has supported ISIS survivors in three camp based centres. And to date has helped over 40,000 women and girls.

Points of discussion:

• Introduction (00:00)
• Going back to Taban's childhood (02:43)
• Coming to the United Kingdom (08:51)
• Embracing both Kurdish and British culture during teen days (10:30)
• Leaving abusive marriage (15:08)
• Epiphany moment (24:09)
• The genesis of Lotus Flower organization (32:27)
• How does Taban manage her foundation and life (38:46)
• Taban's advice on how to go through hardship (40:01)Closing words by Dee (41:58)

If you have a question or feedback on the series send me a message at Instagram (@deedoubleespresso) or email me at [e-mail]