By Maryam Kamal Eldin

When I first heard about the Sahiyo Activist Retreat, I knew I had to be a part of it. The retreat presented a unique opportunity for me to connect with others who shared the same commitment to ending female genital cutting (FGC) as I did. For years, I’d been passionate about advocating for survivors and raising awareness about this deeply rooted issue. 

My journey in this movement began in Egypt, where I worked alongside pioneering activists like Nawal El Saadawi, who fearlessly challenged the cultural and systemic roots of FGC. Being part of that movement shaped my understanding of the complexities surrounding this practice and inspired me to continue the fight on a global scale.

As I’ve shifted my focus to the United States, I’ve realized that the movement here is still relatively small and in its early stages of growth, unlike in Egypt, where discussions about FGC have been ongoing for almost a century. This retreat felt like a pivotal moment for the movement against FGC in the U.S., as it brought together passionate individuals who are laying the foundation for a larger, more coordinated effort.

A Space to Learn and Grow

One of the most valuable aspects of the retreat was the sense of community it fostered. Meeting other activists from diverse backgrounds who are all working toward the same goal as me was incredibly inspiring. I was struck by how everyone brought their own unique perspectives and experiences, yet we all shared a common purpose: to create a world free from FGC.

The workshops and discussions were particularly impactful. I learned about new strategies for community outreach, effective ways to engage with policymakers, and how to use storytelling as a powerful tool for change. I also appreciated the safe space created during the retreat, which allowed us to have honest and sometimes difficult conversations about cultural norms, challenges, and the complexities of addressing FGC within our different communities.

The diversity of experiences shared during the retreat reminded me of the Egyptian women and their family members, many of whom shared harrowing stories of survival. Their resilience and courage continues to fuel my advocacy today, and it was heartening to see those same qualities reflected in the activists at the retreat.

My Journey in the Movement

My involvement in the movement to end FGC stems from a deeply personal place. Witnessing the impact of FGC on individuals and communities in Egypt and beyond has fueled my desire to be part of the solution. Working alongside Nawal El Saadawi taught me the importance of integrating education, advocacy, and storytelling to address this issue from all angles.

In the U.S., the movement faces unique challenges. Many people are unaware that FGC even happens here, or they view it as a problem that exists only in other countries. Advocates often struggle to secure funding and attention for the issue, which makes it difficult to build momentum. This retreat, however, showed me that even though the movement in the U.S. is small, it is growing—and the commitment and passion of those involved give me hope for its future.

Building on the Momentum

The retreat has profoundly shaped how I view my role as an activist. It reminded me of the importance of self-care and collective support in sustaining this work. I left feeling more confident in my ability to navigate the challenges that come with advocacy and more determined than ever to push for change.

Moving forward, I plan to incorporate what I’ve learned from the retreat into my ongoing projects. I am currently working on community workshops that address the intergenerational effects of FGC, and I hope to expand my efforts by collaborating with local schools and clinics to create safe spaces for survivors to share their experiences. The connections I made at the retreat will be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals.

A Call to Action

The Sahiyo Activists Retreat has been a transformative experience that I will carry with me for many years to come. It reminded me that while the road to ending FGC is challenging, we are not walking it alone.

The movement to end FGC in the U.S. is still small, but it is growing—and it needs all of us to help it flourish.  Sharing your story, educating your community, or supporting survivor-led efforts, every action makes a difference. Together, with shared knowledge, resources, and determination, we can create lasting change.

If you’re considering attending a future retreat or getting involved in the movement, I encourage you to take that step. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been involved for years, there’s always something new to learn and ways to grow.

To my fellow activists: thank you for your courage, your voices, and your unwavering commitment to this cause. Together, we are stronger.

By Fadima Tall

When I was invited to join the Sahiyo Voices to End FGM/C workshop, I was hesitant to accept. I had only been in the field of FGM/C advocacy for a few months and was still finding my footing as an advocate. I had always struggled with speaking about emotional topics, perhaps as a result of some deep-seated fear of opening up to people. More importantly, I didn’t know if I deserved to be included in a space that was for survivors of FGM/C, which I am not. I pondered deeply about what my role would be in the workshop and what I would have to offer the group, but I drew a blank. Though I knew that other advocates would also be there, there was still a part of me that still felt unworthy of participating in the workshop.

Coming into the first virtual meeting I did not know what to expect from the group, but as we started to get to know each other I finally realized that I had nothing to worry about. Everyone was so welcoming and I saw myself reflected in every single person in that space. While I at first thought I was intruding on a safe space for women who have experienced something I haven’t, it turned out to be the community I never knew I needed. Over the next few weeks, my excitement about the in-person workshop continued to grow. After hearing these women bravely open up and tell us their stories of being cut, I gained the courage to travel with them on this storytelling journey as a supporter, advocate, and more importantly, as a friend. 

Because these women shared their stories with me, I learned so much about the practice that I hadn’t known, even as an advocate. Everyone’s story of FGM/C is different and every story can teach us something new about the pain that is caused by this practice. Through the workshop, not only did I learn about FGM/C but I also built amazing relationships with the workshop participants. These are friendships that I will cherish forever. I am endlessly inspired by the strength, kindness, and radiance I saw in all of these women and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with them. 

Though my story is not the same, I shared it in the hopes that other non-survivors could see what it looks like to become an advocate. It is not a linear journey and it looks different for everyone, but what we all share is a genuine love and care for the women and girls in our communities who are at risk or have experienced FGM/C.

The story I shared for the workshop starts with me as a young girl beginning to understand that I live in a world that doesn’t value me for who I am, but instead for what I can offer the men around me. I shared moments in my life when I began to understand what FGM/C is and when I realized I needed to be an advocate against it. That story is only beginning, as I continue to grow every day as an advocate. I can only hope that my story has an impact on other aspiring advocates and shows people that anyone can do this important work and that everyone should. 

The Voices to End FGM/C workshop is an experience I am immeasurably grateful to have been a part of and I hope all of our stories shared there will inspire others to become advocates and encourage survivors to share their stories as well.

Fadima Tall is originally from Cameroon and Mali but spent her formative years in Ethiopia. Currently serving as the Policy Research Associate at the US End FGM/C Network, she began her advocacy journey against FGM/C within the organization. Her deep interest in gender issues in Africa drives her pursuit of a PhD in International Relations at American University starting this Fall.

Fadima is eagerly looking forward to participating in an upcoming workshop where she hopes to learn from FGM/C survivors and further develop her advocacy skills. She is also keen on improving her storytelling abilities through the workshop, recognizing its importance in amplifying voices and effecting change. Outside of her professional endeavors, Fadima finds creative fulfillment in art, particularly drawing and painting, which she enjoys in her free time.

By Aarefa Johari

On October 26, 2024, Sahiyo hosted a Thaal Pe Charcha, or TPC, event in Mumbai.

TPC is Sahiyo's flagship program initiated by the Sahiyo team in India, bringing small groups of community members together in safe spaces to have conversations about female genital cutting (FGC) while bonding over a traditional Bohra “thaal” meal. Since 2017, Sahiyo has organized 13 TPC events in Mumbai and Pune in India and two in the United States, reaching nearly 100 participants. 

Our October event was special for many reasons. First, it was an in-person TPC event that we were able to host after nearly a two-year break. We had 12 participants from across Mumbai from different backgrounds and professions, with some in their early 20s and others as old as 80. A few were attending TPC for the first time and shared poignant stories about their experiences with FGC. 

Second, this TPC was organized in partnership with our friends at Equality Now, who not only supported the event itself but also produced “The Beginning.” A short fiction film on FGC written and directed by Sahiyo co-founder Insia Dariwala, “The Beginning” is about the trauma and dilemma of a Bohra mother whose daughter is set to undergo FGC.

During October’s TPC, we watched the film together, and it evoked a range of emotions from participants. A survivor of FGC said she could strongly identify with the story of the protagonist, while a male participant found himself relating to the pressures placed on the protagonist’s husband. Others discussed the many ways in which the film highlighted the nuances of community dynamics that make it difficult to take a stand against FGC. 

At the end of the TPC event, young participants in particular said that the film encouraged them to have conversations about ending FGC with more community members. This feedback, for us, was the most fulfilling takeaway from the event. 

By Aisha Dorley

I first came across the Voices to END FGM/C platform in the fall of 2022. The videos were so personal, vulnerable, and gripping. At the same time, they were educational in a way that no article or research paper could be. When I was presented with the opportunity to attend the workshop, I was a little hesitant at first because I was not a survivor of FGM/C. However, I later came to the realization that as an advocate from a practicing community, my voice could also make a difference in this movement.

Although I have never undergone FGM/C, the issue has still affected my life.I chose to share the story that was most profound to me about my aunt, who went through FGM/C. I spoke about the emotional and psychological consequences she still endures after undergoing the cut nearly 40 years ago.

I enjoyed meeting and getting to know the other participants in the workshop as well. The environment was so supportive and creative. Working with the other women put my mind at ease, and made me feel like I belonged in the space.

I hope that my story can help others to find their voice and speak up. Especially those like me, who come from a practicing community and do not know how they can help or make a difference. I would like for my story to start the conversation within our families that can lead to incremental, but critical, change.

Aisha Dorley is a public health professional with a passion for women’s health and well-being. She holds a masters in public health with a specialization in maternal child health. She channels her expertise towards ensuring the highest standards of care for women and children. Aisha’s career is fueled by a passion to advocate for health equity, striving to bridge gaps in healthcare access and outcomes. Beyond her professional endeavors, she actively engages in community outreach and education initiatives, aiming to empower individuals with knowledge for healthier lifestyles. Aisha Dorley exemplifies a steadfast commitment to improving public health through education, advocacy, and compassionate care.

Why did you want to attend the workshop and share your story?

I wanted to attend the workshop because I recognized it as a unique opportunity to share my journey with FGM/C, a silent struggle I had endured for years. The workshop offered a platform for me to break that silence, connect with others, and contribute to a movement aimed at ending this practice. I felt that in sharing my story, I could help raise awareness and inspire others to join the movement to end FGM/C.

What story did you choose to tell and create into a digital story?

I chose to tell my personal story as a survivor of FGM/C. This experience had been a dormant part of my life, until about two years ago when I encountered discussions about FGM/C in an American context. Since then, my involvement with organizations dedicated to ending FGM/C has allowed me to begin addressing the scars and pain of my own past. My digital story captures this journey of healing, advocacy, and the steps I've taken to raise awareness and give support to other survivors.

What have you learned or most enjoyed during the workshop and by meeting others who shared their stories?

During the workshop, I learned the power of vulnerability and the strength that comes from sharing personal stories. Meeting others who shared their experiences with FGM/C was profoundly healing and empowering for me. Hearing from other survivors helped to  create a sense of community and solidarity, reinforcing the importance of collective action in advocating for change on this issue. The part of the workshop I enjoyed the most was the connections I made with the other participants and the support we were able to give each other within our shared mission to uplift our voices and end this practice.

What kind of impact would you like your story to have?

I hope my story will break the silence and shame surrounding FGM/C, and encourage more open conversations on the issue. I aim to inspire legislative changes in order to help end this practice and provide safe havens for those who are affected by it. Additionally, I want to connect with other survivors, offering them support and a sense of community. Ultimately, I hope my story will educate and foster awareness, driving more people to join the movement against FGM/C.

Is there anything in your digital story that you would like to share?

In my digital story, I highlight my journey from silent suffering to active advocacy. I share my involvement with organizations dedicated to ending FGM, the healing process I've undergone, and my renewed determination to speak out against this practice. This story is not just about my pain but about my growth and commitment to making a difference. I hope it resonates with others and encourages them to take action too.

Simenesh Comollo is a domestic violence advisor for the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In this role, she provides support, guidance, and resources to individuals affected by domestic violence, helping them navigate complex situations and access the help they need. Alongside her work, she is pursuing a graduate degree in social work, where she is learning to further enhance her skills and knowledge to better serve her community.

Her journey to the United States began when she was adopted at the age of 14, and she has now spent 14 years here. This experience has shaped her perspective and fueled her dedication to advocacy and social justice. She is particularly passionate about human rights, with a strong focus on addressing and preventing gender-based

By Isatou Jeng

For over a decade, I have used my voice and my story as a survivor of FGM/C to raise awareness around the issue. I started at a time when it was considered too "shameful" to share my personal experience as a survivor. I am glad that I shared my story regardless, though, as it emboldened many other survivors to share their stories and experiences publicly as well. 

Collectively, all of us survivors who spoke up ultimately led to a ban on FGM/C in The Gambia in 2015. I know the power of storytelling, which is also what attracted me to attend the 2024 Voices to End FGM/C workshop. This is the story I chose to share: 

Over the phone, one of my cousins informed me that they had cut my daughter and she added, “But she is doing fine, you don't have to worry.” I couldn't say a word as tears rolled down my face, knowing that I had failed my child. It took me over 15 years to share this part of my story with anyone – not even those closest to me knew about this part of my life. My daughter and I talked over it several times and I have asked for her forgiveness. She did forgive me, but it is I who is still unable to heal. For over a decade, I have helped save so many girls from FGM/C, but I was unable to protect my child. It hurts and I am not sure if I will ever heal from it. 

The workshop has been an incredible experience for me. I have shared my story over the years with others but not digitally. I was able to create and edit my story with the help of amazing facilitators who were always happy to provide support. It was also great to be in the same space with other storytellers who made it feel like we were a family. I felt safe and supported throughout the process and I am glad to be in the same community with champions who are all passionately working to end FGM/C. 

I want my story to reach all corners of the world and be a tool for change. I hope it serves as a call for other survivors to speak out and share their stories as we work together to end FGM/C and protect women and girls. 

I won't ever get tired of apologizing to my daughter. I wish I was there to protect her. I wish she was never cut. It is heartbreaking knowing she is going to live the scar for the rest of her life. All I can say is “I am sorry!”

Isatou Jeng is a program management specialist with 13 years of experience and diverse skills in social justice, youth development, human rights advocacy, and campaigns in the non-profit sector. She has dedicated her life to ending all forms of gender-based violence and her work contributed to the criminalization of FGM/C in the Gambia in 2015. Now with The U.S. End FGM/C Network, Isatou is working with survivors, activists, and allies to end FGM/C in the US and globally.