In July 2021, Sahiyo hosted a webinar Critical Intersections: Anti-Racism and Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). We invited anti-FGM/C activists to engage in a conversation that helped to elevate our understanding of how systems of racism operate in—and negatively impact—the movement to end FGM/C.
Using the momentum gathered from the webinar, Sahiyo initiated the Critical Intersections Research Project, beginning with an examination of how FGM/C is viewed to intersect with other social oppressions as found in academic journals, media, social media, video clips, etc. From there, a mixed-methods research design was developed, including a survey and interview, to better understand the following research questions:
- How has systemic racism delayed substantial change on this issue of meeting progress toward achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to end FGM/C by 2030?
- Are there possible connections to other movements such as MeToo and Black Lives Matter that can come into play?
Sahiyo discovered that in addition to systemic racism, several other factors of the human experience intersect with FGM/C to tell a larger story of critical intersections. We expanded on our initial project aims to include the following:
- Create a foundation for further research into the locally-specific confluence of factors that have significant implications for the holistic well-being of marginalized communities affected by FGM/C.
- Illuminate possibilities for creating ties between social reform and social justice movements that may accelerate change.
Learn more about the Examining Intersections Between FGM/C and other Social Oppressions Research Project.