Aminata Conteh-Biger is an author, inspirational speaker, Founder and CEO of a non-profit organisation, The Aminata Maternal Foundation.

Aminata was born in Sierra Leone, growing up in Freetown. Following her kidnap, imprisonment and subsequent release by rebel soldiers during the 11-year civil war, Aminata became one of the first Sierra Leonean refugees to be settled in Australia.

She shares her harrowing experience in this episode, reflects on how she processed her trauma to build a new life on the other side of the world, and shares stories about the man who first taught her strength and kindness. 

CW: In this episode, Aminata shares her confronting first-hand experience of war.  This contains discussions of rape, murder and abuse. If you think you need immediate assistance, call 000. If you would like to speak to someone for support, you may wish to contact one of the following services. 

• Lifeline – Call 13 11 14, or visit www.lifeline.org.au.
• 1800RESPECT – Call 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.au.

LINKS

• Find out more about the Aminata Maternal Foundation and their amazing work at aminatamaternalfoundation.org
• If you're in Sydney or Melbourne and would like to support the Foundation, consider taking part in the First Breath Walk  this Saturday November 2nd. For more information and to donate, find details here 
• Purchase a copy of Rising Heart here
• Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook
• Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Ant Middleton
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Anna Henvest 
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.