Lejla Damon always knew she was different. Born under the darkest of circumstances, her birth mother, a Bosnian Muslim, was raped in a concentration camp during the Bosnian Genocide. At just nine days old, Lejla was smuggled out of Bosnia by her adoptive parents and brought to the UK. Growing up, she struggled to fit in with her British classmates and grappled with her complex identity.

As a child of sexualised violence wrought by war, Lejla carries a legacy of pain but also a burning passion for justice. Her unique history has driven her to become a powerful advocate for addressing sexualised violence as a weapon of war. She is a firm believer that such violence is not just an atrocity but a deliberate strategy to destroy communities and serve as an instrument of genocide.

Lejla Damon has transformed her pain into a potent platform for advocacy. She openly shares her story to fight against violence and bring attention to the horrors of sexualised violence in conflict. Her tireless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Point of Light award, recognising her outstanding contribution to raising awareness and fostering change.

In her work with the Youth Engagement Panel for War Child, Lejla provides invaluable perspectives as someone born out of conflict, helping shape the organisation’s mission to support children affected by war. She is also a dedicated advocate for “Remembering Srebrenica,” a UK-based organisation committed to commemorating the 1995 Bosnian Genocide and combating discrimination, exclusion, hatred, and extremism.

Lejla’s journey from a survivor of unspeakable violence to a beacon of hope and
resilience is profoundly inspiring. Her story reminds us of the strength of the human spirit and the power of advocacy in the face of adversity. Through her unwavering dedication, Lejla Damon continues to shine a light on the impact of sexualised violence in war. He inspires others to join the fight for a world where such atrocities are no longer tolerated.