Maeve is currently an undergraduate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign pursuing a degree in Political Science and Public Relations, with an interest in citizen politics. Through her studies and female-founded extracurriculars, Maeve has become increasingly interested in advocating for women's rights throughout the world. She is excited to be a part of Sahiyo U.S. and be able to support this progressive change. 

When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo?

I first became involved with Sahiyo in May 2024 when looking to get my foot in the door for non-profit work.

What does your work with Sahiyo involve?

Being a Programs and Events Intern with Sahiyo involves a variety of tasks. My role often involves supporting the incredible women here who work selflessly to provide resources and engagement to survivors and fellow advocates against FGM/C. I find pride in being a support system for these women that work for Sahiyo, and that I am able to provide a helping hand in these events to support other women throughout the world. 

How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life?

My involvement with Sahiyo these past few months has drastically impacted my life, opening my eyes to the survivors of FGM/C. The gravity of FGM/C is something that may have been overlooked in my life prior to working with Sahiyo because it is a topic that is not discussed as much as it should be. However, now I have become a huge advocate in supporting survivors of FGM/C. I have always had a passion for women’s rights, but my involvement with Sahiyo has only increased that and gave me a platform  to speak out about women’s rights, and more specifically FGM/C. I have found it extremely fulfilling working with Sahiyo and being able to be apart of the fight to end FGM/C. 

What words of wisdom would you like to share with others who may be interested in supporting Sahiyo and the movement against FGC?

Do what makes you passionate. Your participation in the movement against FGM/C is so much more meaningful than you may think. Move with empathy and courage, and your voice will make an impact.

By Rachel Wine

Held on September 10, and co-hosted by Sahiyo and The U.S. End FGM/C Network, Farzana Doctor introduced her new workbook: “52 Weeks To A Sweeter Life”. The workbook is dedicated to the caregiver type and provides strategies for self-care and tapping into care via community, both of which are often overlooked in the sphere of activism. 

Farzana began by sharing her experiences with burnout and vicarious trauma, as well as her personal journey toward self-care as an activist. As she relays in the book, her experience is unique but also ties into the greater experience of grind culture and deprioritization of individual and collective well-being. To combat these challenges, Farzana explores what self-care and community care look like, how they are linked, and highlights the four strategies for well-being she deems essential:

1. [Know] burnout is structurally rooted
2. Understand the links between self- and community-care
3. Normalize burnout and compassion fatigue as human experiences that require our gentle attention
4. Let your nervous system be your guide

As an activist, and someone that struggles to take time for myself, I am grateful for the accessible and open-hearted guide Farzana has created. You can buy a copy of Farzana’s workbook here. 

The event ended with a testimony from Severina Lemachokoti, an anti-FGC activist, human rights defender, and gender activist from the Samburu community in Northern Kenya. Severina’s experiences with the challenges of balancing activism and her personal life provided a successful backdrop for the need of the FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund.

Recognizing the need to support activists who often provided labor and advocacy to further social justice issues at the expense of their well-being, the U.S. Network in partnership with Sahiyo U.S.  launched the FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund. The fund’s goal is to ensure advocates are fairly compensated and honored for their invaluable contributions, addressing the gaps in funding and acknowledgment they too often face.

The California Coalition to End FGM/C is hosting a webinar titled, “FGM/C In California - Past, Present, and Future” 

Date: Friday, October 11th

Time: 12:30 - 1:45 pm ET / 9:30 - 10:45 am PT

Registration: https://bit.ly/CAcoalitionwebinar 

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89895243890?pwd=Y6iLxQmEV1OHv77XbSa8XbrSvbgvYa.1 

Description:

The webinar will be held like a town hall, giving participants the chance to learn in a safe space about the topic of female genital mutilation (FGM/C) through an interactive dialogue. Speakers will include Sahiyo U.S. Executive Director Mariya Taher; Shivangi Mirsa of Equality Now; Senait Admassu and Athia Carrim of the Greater LA FGM Task Force and African Coalition; and Orchid Pusey of the San Francisco Asian Women's Shelter.

Participants will discuss the shortcomings of the current law in California, which was written back in 1996. The coalition will also lay out how the legislation needs to be amended in order to create culturally sensitive and cognizant prevention and support programs to support survivors and those at risk of FGM/C. This Roundtable is an opportunity to share and learn from survivors, advocates, service providers, and community members on the topic of FGM/C and the work being done to address the issue.

Furthermore, this event will seek to connect with California legislators who are accountable for upholding and addressing various components of the original 1996 FGM/C law. Through engaging narratives and open conversation, this webinar will help to garner support in building a greater California coalition to end FGM/C that can better advocate for strengthening existing laws on FGM/C in the State. 

Register for the webinar here.

The newly established FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund provides vital resources and support to those tirelessly working to prevent FGM/C and support survivors. Created through a partnership between Sahiyo U.S. and the U.S. End FGM/C Network, this fund aims to:

• Empower survivors and individuals from communities impacted by 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. 

Advocates working to end FGM/C face numerous challenges including resistance from communities, lack of resources, and risks to their health and mental well being. Finding ways to support these advocates can help ensure individuals can continue their vital work to end FGM/C, effectively and safely.

The goal of the fund is to empower activists, advocates, and survivors to create meaningful change in their communities and end this harmful practice.

Your donation is essential in sustaining the critical work of advocates dedicated to ending FGM/C. By donating to The FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund, you’re directly empowering advocates, ensuring they have the financial, technical, and emotional support necessary to continue their impactful work. Your contribution strengthens their capacity, safeguards their well-being, and creates lasting change in the world.

Donate Here.

(P.S. don’t miss out on our upcoming event, “4 Essential Strategies for Self and Community Care in Activism,” with Farzana Doctor, on Tuesday, September 10th at 9:00 AM PST/ 12:00 PM EST. Register Here.)

Sahiyo’s recent webinar, “Framing FGM/C: Understanding and Engaging with Cultural Sensitivity,” left a lasting impression on many of the attendees. With over 160 registrants, the session successfully opened up important conversations on how framing can shape our approach to ending female genital cutting (FGC).

Feedback from participants shared after the event shed light on how this training has influenced their perspectives and engagement. One of the key takeaways from the webinar was how critical it is to frame discussions around FGM/C in a way that respects cultural contexts while still advocating for change. 

As one participant shared:

"It has opened my eyes to an ongoing issue that I hadn’t been fully aware of before. I plan on using the communication skills presented in this slideshow for organizing and discussing issues."

Throughout the session, participants shared their thoughts and experiences, many remarking on how the personal stories shared deeply moved them. Digital stories shown from the Voices to End FGM/C project sparked meaningful reflections on how the way we talk about FGM/C impacts both the movement and those affected:

"Seeing Renee's story really impacted me and demonstrated the importance of awareness of this world issue."

"Hearing stories always motivates me towards advocacy – the courage is contagious."

This training was funded by the Washington State Department of Health and held in partnerships with the U.S. Network to End FGM/C. Visit the Washington state project website to learn more and watch Renee's story below!

Sahiyo U.S. and the U.S.End FGM/C Network invite you to join our upcoming event, “4 Essential Strategies for Self and Community Care in Activism.” This event is free to attend, but we invite you to make a meaningful contribution to support the FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund today. 

Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Time: 9-10 am PT / 12-1 pm ET

Platform: Virtual - Zoom 

Registration Link: bit.ly/CareForActivists 

Description:

Farzana Doctor, an activist, social worker, Sahiyo blog contributor, and author, will share practical strategies to help reduce stress, fatigue, and vicarious trauma, offering actionable ideas to bring more self and community care into the lives and work of those working for social change.

While activism is incredibly rewarding, it can also be demanding and overwhelming. The dedication to addressing global injustices can often lead to burnout, vicarious trauma, and self-doubt. Many of these problems arise due to systemic issues, such as underfunding in the activism sector, oppression, and ongoing global crises. This event aims to equip individuals with tools to prioritize their well-being while doing the invaluable work of supporting and protecting people and communities. 

Don’t miss this important opportunity to learn and engage in a conversation about sustaining activism while maintaining your well-being. 

About the FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund:

We’re excited to announce this event is being held to also support the newly established FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund, a joint initiative by Sahiyo U.S. and the U.S. End FGM/C Network. This fund is dedicated to empowering advocates and survivors who work relentlessly to address FGM/C in their communities to gain the resources and support they need to actively engage in education and policy advocacy. Our goal is to ensure these advocates are fairly compensated and honored for their invaluable contributions, addressing the gaps in funding and acknowledgment they too often face. 

Support FGM/C Policy Advocates! Donate today!