Would you speak up if you knew it could risk everything? If you are Dr Eirliani Abdul Rahman, the answer is a resounding “yes”. 

Now a Senior Fellow and Collaborative on Global Children's Issues at Georgetown University, Eirliani was a victim of child sex abuse when growing up. But she found the strength to share her story – and give voice to others. She’s the co- founder of YAKIN - (Youths, Adult survivors & Kin In Need), which helps adult survivors of child sexual abuse, co-authored an award-winning book sharing the stories of twelve survivors, and went on to write her own memoir under a pen name.

In 2022 she gained global recognition for resigning from Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council in protest against the rise in hate speech following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform; the council was dissolved four days later by Musk.

Eirliani shares the turning point in her life which led to her vowing to give voice to the voiceless. She explains the trauma of recounting her abuse and telling others’ stories, and why it was all worth it.

And she describes the wave of online hatred she received when she publicly resigned from the Twitter Safety Council – and why she’d still do it all again today.

Content Warning: Strong language and discussions of child sexual abuse and online hate speech.

Resources & Links: 

 @eirliani

 @eirliani

 @eirliani

 linkedin.com/in/eirlianiarahman

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Survivors-Breaking-silence-child-sexual/dp/9814794015

Host: Stephanie von Bismarck

Guest: Dr Eirliani Abdul Rahman, DrPH, MSc, FRSA

Producer: Tory Pope

Production Manager: Angela Crago

Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino

The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios.

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