For Fauziya Kassindja an idyllic childhood in Togo West Africa shelteredfrom the tribal practices of polygamy and genital mutilation ended with herbeloved fathe... » 

For Fauziya Kassindja an idyllic childhood in Togo West Africa shelteredfrom the tribal practices of polygamy and genital mutilation ended with herbeloved fathers sudden death. Forced into an arranged marriage at ageseventeen Fauziya was told to prepare for kakia the ritual also known asfemale genital mutilation. It is a ritual no woman can refuse. But Fauziyadared to try.This is her storytold in her own wordsof fleeing Africa just hours beforethe ritual kakia was to take place of seeking asylum in America only to belocked up in U.S. prisons and of meeting Layli Miller Bashir a law studentwho became Fauziyas friend and advocate during her horrifying sixteen monthsbehind bars. Layli enlisted help from Karen Musalo an expert in refugee lawand acting director of the American University International Human RightsClinic. In addition to devoting her own considerable efforts to the caseMusalo assembled a team to fight with her on Fauziyas behalf. Ultimately in alandmark decision in immigration history Fauziya Kassindja was granted asylumon June 13 1996. Do They Hear You When You Cry is her unforgettable chronicleof triumph. «