On February 27th, Sahiyo’s Research Coordinator Rachel Wine, and Executive Director Mariya Taher led the webinar, “Intersectional Approaches Strengthen Alliances and Build Movements to End FGM/C,” to announce the publication of the third and final report for Sahiyo’s Critical Intersections Research Project project, Examining Intersections Between Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and Social Oppressions: A Qualitative Study.

The event explored Sahiyo’s Critical Intersections Research Project from its inception in 2021 to the present in 2025.  Mariya shared how a 2021 webinar focused on how racism impacted the movement to end FGM/C inspired the Critical Intersections research project. While, Rachel gave an overview of the findings from our first two reports: 

1. Examining the Current State of Critical Intersections: Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting and Social Oppressions 
2. Examining Intersections Between Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and Social Oppressions A Mixed Methods Study

Throughout the course of this three-year project, many researchers supported the work and they too shared their experiences during the webinar with partner researcher Naquia highlighting the key intersections found in this newest report: race/racism, LGBTQIA+ issues, gender inequities, and religious discrimination. 

Another partner researcher Jessica Puri and Project Advisors Aarefa Johari and Saza Faradilla spoke about their experiences with intersectionality in their own work surrounding FGM/C, and how the findings from the report can strengthen the movement to end FGM/C.  

In specifically Aarefa discussed how religion intersections with FGM/C in India, and Saza touched on the  benefits of framing FGM/C through the lens of gender to understand how FGM/C is a form of gender-based violence.

Naquia spoke to framing aspect as well andasked readers of the report to consider the importance of language and the complex nature of FGM/C in activism to end it.

Rachel ended the webinar, by uplifting the four recommendations from the report: 

1. To coordinate with social service sectors across various social justice issues
2. Improve language and framing of FGM/C
3. Increase education on how FGM/C is intersectional
4. Implement more diverse and equitable approaches to data collection, analysis, and dissemination

Each recommendation was accompanied by a suggested action item  for those in the FGM/C sphere to help them incorporate intersectionality into their approaches and advocacy. As the anti-FGM/C field looks to the future of their work, the Critical Intersections Research Project makes it clear that intersectional collaboration is crucial to creating social change and ending this human rights violation.

Watch the webinar recording here. Learn more about the Critical Intersections Research Project here.

In late 2025, Sahiyo introduced The FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund, a partnership between Sahiyo and The U.S. End FGM/C Network. This fund was created to provide resources to the incredible advocates and activists working to end this harmful practice and support survivors of FGM/C. The goals of this fund are as follows:

• Empower survivors and individuals from communities impacted by female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)
• Enable survivors, activists, and advocates to actively engage in education and policy advocacy
• Ensure that activists are fairly compensated for their contributions, recognizing that they are often overlooked and underfunded

The advocates and activists who support the movement to end FGM/C work tirelessly and often face numerous challenges with a lack of resources. That is why this fund is so important.

Below, our incredible policy intern Sara Khattak explains why the fund is needed, how it will support both survivors and advocates and how the resources provided by this fund are crucial to help pass more legislation on FGC.

"Help a change maker, FGM/C affects millions worldwide and over 500,000 people in the U.S. Policy advocacy is crucial for change especially in the nine U.S. states still lacking FGM/C legislation. The FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund empowers survivors and advocates to lead the charge and make lasting change."

If you want to help the movement to end FGM/C, then there is no better way to do it than by donating to The FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund. 

Donate today!

On March 18, 2025, Sahiyo co-hosted a powerful parallel session during the 69th Commission on the Status of Women titled “Storytelling as a Tool for FGM/C Survivor-Centered Change.” Organized in partnership with the Voices to End FGM/C program collaborators—Silence Speaks and the Asian Women’s Shelter—the event took place at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York. The event highlighted the experiences and powerful narratives of survivors and advocates, exploring storytelling as an effective method to foster understanding and drive social change. The session was facilitated by Sahiyo co-founder and Executive Director Mariya Taher and moderated by Su Young from the Asian Women's Shelter. Speakers included Zehra Patwa, Dena Igusti, Saza Faradilla, Leena Khandwala, and Angela Peabody, each offering unique perspectives and deeply personal experiences to the conversation. 

During the panel, two of the storytellers, Zehra and Leena, reflected on the renewed and unexpected emotions they felt while watching their digital stories again. As participants in Sahiyo's inaugural Voices to End FGM/C workshop (formerly called Sahiyo Stories), it had been a long time since they’d both viewed their stories, particularly in a public setting. This moment reminded us how powerful and vulnerable storytelling can be—even long after the initial release of the stories. As members of the Dawoodi Bohra community, both Zehra and Leena spoke about the resistance they’ve faced for addressing FGM/C openly. Still, they each shared how, at different moments in their journeys, speaking out has not only empowered them personally but has also helped spark dialogue and awareness within their families and broader social circles.

Another impactful moment was the discussion around language. Saza, who recorded her story in Bahasa Melayu, shared that although she doesn't feel especially fluent in her community’s native tongue, she felt strongly that it was important to tell her story in that language. For her, doing so was a way to reach members of her own community in Singapore and the broader diaspora. She expressed hope that her story might resonate with communities in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, where similar experiences are generally underrepresented, and oftentimes never even spoken of. 

Angela also shared a deeply personal reflection. Though not a survivor herself, she spoke about how creating her digital story during the workshop marked the first time she talked openly about what happened to her childhood friend who underwent FGM/C. She recalled seeing her friend again two years after she went into the Greibo bush and wondering why she no longer wanted to play with her. Angela’s story was a powerful reminder of how FGM/C can impact not only those who experience it directly but also those around them.

Dena, a trans-nonbinary survivor of FGM/C, spoke openly about the internal struggles they faced while developing their digital story. They described grappling with feelings of not being "trans enough," or even "a survivor enough." Their vulnerability in naming these feelings brought attention to the nuanced layers of identity, belonging, and validation that many look for when deciding to share their stories publicly. 

Many attendees were excited and expressed a desire to see more of the digital stories and learn from Sahiyo’s storytelling model. We’re hopeful that these conversations will lead to new partnerships and expanded opportunities to support survivors in sharing their experiences, on their own terms and in their own voices.

Visit our Voices to End FGM/C website to learn more! 

Sahiyo is pleased to share that we have recently hired Olivia Harris as our new Massachusetts Community Training & Technical Assistance Coordinator. Olivia joined the team in January 2025 to support Sahiyo in ending female genital cutting (FGC) in Massachusetts as part of our project funded by the Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds. 

The project launched in 2024 and is led by Sahiyo in collaboration with the U.S. End FGM/C Network and the UMass Chan Medical School. The goal is to build a coordinated system of prevention and care, engage with diverse stakeholders, and lead training programs aimed at addressing FGC throughout the state of Massachusetts. By the end of this project, we hope to establish a statewide coalition to protect and support those impacted by FGC. For more information, please click here. We recently had a partner meeting with the UMass Chan Medical School, and the U.S. Network to End FGM/C to discuss plans for the project. Olivia and Executive Director Mariya Taher attend the meeting, see photos below.

(From left to right: Kaitlin Mitchell & Caitlin LeMay, US End FGM/C Network, Mariya Taher & Olivia Harris Sahiyo US, Domenica Perrone & Dr. Crista Johnson-Agbakwu, UMass Chan Medical School.) 

Olivia comes to Sahiyo with a background in direct service and program management in the non-profit and higher education sectors. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services & Political Science and is completing a Master’s in Learning Experience Design & Technology from Northeastern University. She maintains strong ties to community organizations throughout Massachusetts and has contributed to domestic violence advocacy in the state. As the Massachusetts Community Training & Technical Assistance Coordinator, Olivia looks forward to applying her skillsets and leveraging the collective knowledge of coalition members to helpSahiy end female genital cutting.

We are so happy to have Olivia join the Sahiyo team and we look forward to seeing the incredible work she will do here in the future.

On March 13, 2025, the Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C hosted a powerful session at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), titled "Reframing FGM/C Through an Intersectional Lens." Held at the Church Center for the United Nations, this event created a space for critical dialogue, collective reflection, and renewed commitments to ending female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) worldwide.

From the beginning, the energy in the room was palpable. The symbolic ringing of a bell every 12 minutes—representing the frequency of lives lost due to FGM/C—  anchored the conversation in the real, ongoing consequences of the continuation of FGM/C and the lives lost.

The event was structured around three affirmations designed to challenge dominant narratives about FGM/C, and offer a more inclusive and global reframing of the issue:

Affirmation 1: FGM/C is a Global Issue

Speakers Saza Fardilla (Asia Network to End FGM/C and End FGC Singapore), and Line Baago-Rasmussen (UNICEF), used the latest data to disrupt the misconception that FGM/C only occurs in specific regions. They underscored the need for a truly global response that includes often-overlooked areas such as Asia and diaspora communities. Saza shared insights from her advocacy in Singapore, highlighting how FGM/C continues to affect the Malaysian Muslim population in Singapore. She emphasized that, in her opinion in the Singaporean context, criminalization of FGM/C may not be the most effective or just solution—especially given the potential for further marginalization of an already disadvantaged minority population. Instead, she advocated for a model grounded in community education and collective responsibility. This context-specific approach focuses on engaging communities through dialogue, awareness-building, and and trust-based interventions to address FGM/C.

Affirmation 2: FGM/C is a potentially life-threatening form of SGBV and violence against children

This segment, which featured remarks from  Dr. Leyla Hussain (The Girl Generation), and Professor James Rockey (Birmingham University), reframed FGM/C as not just a cultural issue, but a serious form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and child abuse. Professor Rockey shared findings from his recent study, revealing that FGM/C is responsible for approximately 44,000 deaths annually across 15 countries where the practice is prevalent. That equates to one girl or young woman dying every 12 minutes due to FGM/C-related complications. They also addressed how mainstream narratives often exclude or dilute certain forms of genital harm, such as labiaplasty or the “husband stitch,” further complicating advocacy efforts. Audience members explored how redefining FGM/C within the SGBV framework can open doors for deeper policy and health system integration.

Affirmation 3: We need to expose the manipulative narrative around FGM/C in anti-rights agenda

Speakers Marianne Nguena Kana (End FGM European Network) and Caitlin LeMay (US End FGM/C Network) tackled the ways anti-rights movements in the U.S. and Europe have co-opted FGM/C narratives to advance xenophobic or anti-immigrant agendas. A particularly troubling aspect discussed was the conflation of FGM/C with gender-affirming care, especially within the United States.​ This conflation has been exemplified by recent political actions, such as the executive order issued by President Donald Trump on January 28, 2025, titled "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation." This order erroneously equates gender-affirming treatments for transgender youth with female genital mutilation, directing the Department of Justice and state authorities to prioritize the enforcement of laws banning FGM/C in contexts unrelated to their original intent. By exposing these manipulations, they emphasized the importance of survivor-led messaging that resists political exploitation and centers on community well-being. 

As the event drew to a close, participants were left with a renewed understanding of why framing matters—not just in the language we use, but in how we shape policies, allocate funding, and build global solidarity. The conversations had reaffirmed the necessity of listening to and learning from those most impacted by FGM/C, and ensuring that all strategies to end this  form of gender-based violence reflect diverse, lived realities. The liveliness and depth of the conversation could have easily continued well beyond the scheduled time, but of course, we had to bring the event to a close. We look forward to future opportunities to bring the issue of FGM/C to the world stage—centering intersectional approaches, community-driven solutions, and survivor-led advocacy every step of the way!

Sahiyo is pleased to announce the release of the new resource, How to Engage Survivors & Communities Impacted by Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting(FGM/C): A Toolkit for Creating Engagement. This toolkit aims to empower individuals and organizations who work to end FGM/C and support survivors through informed, respectful, and culturally sensitive engagement practices.

Developed through a collaborative process, this toolkit is a culmination of real-world insights, proven strategies, and evidence-based methodologies gathered from community-based organizations across the United States. The resources provided will equip advocates with the tools they need to foster dialogues, build trust, and mobilize communities to challenge harmful social norms, ultimately contributing to the prevention of FGM/C and the empowerment of survivors throughout the U.S.

The development of this toolkit reflects the collective expertise of our key stakeholders involved in the project. Their stories and experiences highlight the importance of listening, learning, and creating meaningful change.

“Sahiyo is a powerful force among those seeking to prevent and respond to FGM/C in the United States. This toolkit marks an exciting expansion of Sahiyo’s efforts, by equipping other service providers, advocates, and community leaders with the resources necessary to engage ethically in the fight to eradicate FGM/C. In this toolkit, Sahiyo has compiled guidance and strategies from survivors and other thought leaders, so anyone with an interest in addressing FGM/C has an accessible way to do so.” - Hannah Feeney, RTI International

The toolkit includes:

• Survivor and Community Engagement - An Overview, a discussion of why this resource is important and how it makes a difference.  
• Ethical and Cultural Considerations to guide respectful and trauma-informed engagement.
• Strategies for Survivor and Community Engagement, includes real-world case studies and adaptable tools.
• Decision-making in Program and Event Planning shares ways to adapt various forms of engagement to suit the specific needs and contexts of each community. 

Sahiyo Co-Founder Mariya Taher emphasized that the

“Recognition of FGM/C as a form of gender-based violence impacting those living in the U.S. has gained attention and increased awareness over the last few years, yet prevention and support services to address it are few. This vital resource examines how community-based organizations work across the U.S. to respond to this public health concern and offers valuable insights to others seeking to build similar programs and initiatives to address FGM/C.”

As we release the toolkit, Sahiyo invites advocates, service providers, and community leaders to explore how the toolkit can support their work.

For more information or to request a copy of the toolkit, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

About Sahiyo: Sahiyo is dedicated to empowering Asian and other communities to end female genital cutting (FGM/C) and create positive social change. By working towards an FGM/C-free world, Sahiyo U.S. aims to recognize and emphasize the values of consent and a child’s/woman’s right over her own body, and to enable a culture in which female sexuality is not feared or suppressed but embraced as normal. We utilize collaborative grassroots campaigns, social mobilization, and storytelling techniques to train communities to build a critical mass of community-based voices against FGM/C and lead the change to end it. We also partner with frontline professionals (e.g. healthcare providers) to create culturally sensitive systems of care for survivors, and partner with government officials to address policy-level change.