Her Discussions by Dr Faye Love Islander Turned Activist: Why I Got An Abortion
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Oct 8, 2025 Sharon Gaffka, an award-winning activist against violence toward women, shares her powerful journey of resilience. She discusses her experiences growing up mixed-race in the UK and the challenges of being spiked on a night out. Sharon sheds light on her abortion experience and the stigma surrounding it, advocating for women's choices. Her insights on beauty pageants reveal how they empowered her confidence and created a community for girls. Ultimately, she inspires listeners to embrace patience in life, challenging societal expectations.
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Becoming A Caregiver As A Teen
- At 14 Sharon became her mum's translator and carer when her mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
- She managed shopping, hospital runs and revised for GCSEs at her mum's bedside during surgeries and treatment.
Being Spiked And Dismissed By Healthcare
- In 2020 Sharon was spiked at a restaurant, found unconscious in a locked cubicle and taken to hospital with gaps in memory.
- Hospital staff dismissed her as drunk and provided minimal discharge information, leaving her anxious and uninformed.
Apprenticeships Offer Real Paths Into Politics
- Sharon chose an apprenticeship over university and entered Westminster because apprenticeships offered competitive, paid routes into politics.
- Her pageant extracurriculars helped her win a highly competitive civil service apprenticeship.