Sahiyo U.S. invites you to join our upcoming training session, Framing FGM/C: Understanding and Engaging with Cultural Sensitivity, on August 22nd from 12:00- 1:30 PM Pacific Time. This insightful and interactive event will empower you with the knowledge and skills to discuss FGC with empathy and respect, helping to foster trust and relationships between individuals and communities.

What You'll Gain:

• A better understanding of the types of FGC, the prevalence, and associated health risks of the practice. 
• Insights into the cultural and social contexts that sustain this practice.
• Awareness of how framing FGC in discussions and media influences public perception and policy towards the practice.
• Best practices for having sensitive and respectful conversations about FGC.

Who Should Attend: Healthcare professionals, social workers, community leaders, educators, advocates, and anyone interested in understanding and addressing FGC.

Why Attend: Your participation will equip you with the tools to become a better advocate for the prevention of FGC and support for survivors, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond.

For questions about this training or to learn more about the work being done to prevent and respond to FGC in Washington, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Register now!

Sara is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree at George Mason University in Chinese and Global Affairs and minoring in American Sign Language. On campus, she is an active member of the community as a Certified Personal Trainer and Executive Officer for the Fencing Club. Off campus, she enjoys staying home to read, play video games, and journal. Sara hopes to aspire to leverage her skills and interests to bridge communication gaps between diverse communities. Joining Sahiyo is part of that mission to understand cultural differences and end FGC. 

When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo?

I first found out about Sahiyo when I was researching FGC for a social justice philanthropy class last fall. I gathered information about the practice of FGC, who it affects, and what nonprofits were addressing the issues. I then gave a presentation to my class on the topic. While looking at Sahiyo’s website, I saw that internships were available and mentally bookmarked it for later. 

I applied to be an intern at Sahiyo this past spring, and then began my work with Sahiyo in July 2024. 

What does your work with Sahiyo involve?

As a policy intern, I attend state coalition meetings, interview coalition members, and write various blogs about FGM/C and coalition work. The state coalitions have been created to work collaboratively on strengthening and advocating for policy solutions regarding FGM/C.

I’ve attended meetings for the Washington, Connecticut, Hawaii, and DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) coalitions to End FGM/C. Each coalition is at a different progress stage, so I’m gaining a well-rounded view of the advocacy and implementation process they are pursuing. I’m also writing blogs about how to get involved with anti-FGC activism and the history of FGC in the U.S. Additionally, I’m holding interviews with coalition members to better understand their perspective within this movement and the work they have done to pass legislation.

The Hawaii and DMV coalitions to End FGM/C are still in the beginning stages of building their programs, so I’m doing preliminary research on lawmakers and statistics for them in addition to providing other forms of support.

How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life?

This is my first time working in a policy role and I have already learned so much about advocacy, writing, and communication. With a little experience and knowledge, I feel more confident in speaking out about FGC and educating my family and friends on the topic. Raising awareness is the first step for change, and it’s not as hard to get involved as people think!

FGC was important for me to speak about because it’s not well-known despite its presence in the U.S. I wanted my peers to become more aware of it. 

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

Just join! Sahiyo has a ton of volunteers and opportunities for anyone to make an impact. Everyone who is against FGC should get involved, every bit of involvement counts, and sometimes the smallest actions can lead to unexpected and meaningful change. The effect of collective action cannot be understated. 

 By: Juliet Shires

Policy interns at Sahiyo have been interviewing members of the Connecticut (CT) Coalition to End FGM/C to learn more about them and their important work. Recently, Sahiyo’s policy intern, Juliet Shires, talked to the Executive Director of the U.S End FGM/C Network and CT Coalition member, Caitlin LeMay, about her personal experiences as an advocate as well as the Network’s role in supporting the CT Coalition’s efforts.

Misconceptions Around FGM/C

Caitlin LeMay initially echoed the same belief that is found amongst many Americans, particularly those who identify as white, that FGC is only a practice that takes place in African, Asian countries, or basically anywhere but here.

“I’m surprised I wasn’t more familiar with it earlier…I think that it really speaks to what it’s like being raised in the US and the misconceptions around how FGM/C is not seen as an issue here. I was susceptible to those same misconceptions and miseducation about FGM/C and its impact in the United States. I think because of that…it fuels me even more to spread awareness and spread education about FGM/C [in the US]…I’ve really found a home here and a lot of passion for this work.”.

Caitlin continued to expand on these common misconceptions surrounding FGM/C, making it clear that it is very much a practice that affects the U.S. In fact, American doctors used to perform FGM/C to treat perceived ailments such as “lesbianism”, masturbation, and hysteria. She points out that the first step to ending this practice is recognizing that these problems exist within the U.S.

“The United States has a long history, and present…of practicing FGM/C in our medical institutions as a regular practice. And we are yet to reconcile with that… [It was an] institutionalized practice to control women and their bodies and their behavior.”

These racial stereotypes only serve to perpetuate problems in the U.S.

“The root of the US not reconciling with [FGM/C]... is completely rooted in racism and anti-blackness. Not being able to see what is happening here as FGM/C is all rooted in racism, xenophobia, and anti-Blackness. We need to call it what it is… Education is our best tool [to combat this], it’s where we’ve made the best progress.”

The Network’s Role in the Connecticut Coalition to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

In our interview, Caitlin also explained how the Network helps the CT Coalition, using their experiences working with other state-based coalitions to guide fellow organizations and volunteers in the CT Coalition. They also make sure to tailor their advice according to the state, keeping in mind that their communities have the most knowledge of what their state needs and how to achieve their goals.

“They know who would be the best representatives or senators to reach out to sponsor the bill, to champion them … Engaging the local communities to take the lead on that and really engaging them because they know best.”

Leading through locals goes hand and hand with allowing survivors to take the lead in determining what their needs are and what resources they need to address them. In other words, to determine what would be best “not just for Connecticut but for survivors in Connecticut.” It is a collaborative effort that involves debating and discussing with one another to create a solution that works for all survivors with varying backgrounds and experiences. Caitlin’s and the Network's ultimate goal is to ensure that state coalitions are safe spaces, where survivors can feel heard and have the power to make change in their communities.

“There’s a place for everybody. No matter what your comfort level or what your capacity is, there’s a place and there’s a way to get involved.”

Caitlin and the Network assisted in the passage of Bill SSD 5453 in Washington, a piece of legislation aimed at ending the practice of FGM/C in the state. She highlights it as a prime example “of what can happen when there are these state coalitions that are survivor and community-led.” 

The bill achieved the coalition’s goal of fostering collaboration between state departments and community members who best address survivors’ needs. Now that Washington state has started implementing the bill, Caitlin hopes that Washington can become an example for other states passing new legislation around FGM/C:

“We haven’t seen that before, so I think it’s such a great example and could really provide an example for other states. We really hope that other states see this and learn from it.”

Throughout our conversation, Caitlin highlighted the importance of the progress in Washington state, and how it relates to the work that still needs to be done in Connecticut, and across the country. She also validates how disappointing and frustrating it can be when states like Connecticut don’t prioritize legislation around FGM/C but knows it’s also important to recognize that “we didn’t go backward, we just didn’t go forward.” Furthermore, it’s important to take a step back and look at the larger, global movement toward ending FGM/C and that’s something that can help encourage and provide us with hope.

Still, she encourages anyone passionate about the issue of FGM/C to get involved in advocacy work as there’s work to be done all across the US – even in states that already have a law in place. 

“It’s all connected. Progress that is made in CT helps the movement in The Gambia. Progress made in The Gambia helps movements in Europe or Asia… Any glimmer of progress that we can find can help get us to tomorrow, and get to the next day, and keep us moving forward to that ultimate end goal of ending FGM/C globally.”

We would like to thank Caitlin LeMay for taking the time to sit down with our policy intern and for her continued work with the CT Coalition and the U.S. End FGM/C Network.

About The U.S. End FGM/C Network

As a member of the Connecticut Coalition, the U.S. Network helps support the coalition's efforts using the resources it possesses as a national organization. This includes mobilizing members, advocacy, using software to create “Calls to Action" (such as this one), drafting press releases, and other logistical support for volunteers. The Network is also involved with several other Coalitions working at similar goals. This includes the Washington Coalition to End FGM/C. The U.S. Network has helped the WA coalition in its efforts to pass legislation to ban FGC. 

Want to get involved? 

• Visit https://endfgmcinct.com/ for more information or contact the CT Coalition
• Volunteer with Sahiyo
• Get involved with the U.S. End FGM/C Network
• Sign the petition to end FGM/C in CT

By: Jumai Olumo-Saidu

Attending and presenting at the annual Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) conference in Springfield, Illinois, was a transformative experience. As a volunteer at Sahiyo and a second-year community psychology student at the National Louis University, I co-led an FGC 101 training session with Sahiyo's Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator, Aries Nuno to educate advocates working in the sexual assault and gender-based violence field on the topic of female genital cutting (FGC). This blog reflects on my experience, interactions with the audience, and the impact our FGC 101 training at this conference had on my personal and professional growth.

There were several moments during the FGC 101 presentation that stood out to me. The introduction to FGC, USA statistics, and the specific context of FGC, how it occurs, and who is impacted by it in Illinois all set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion. One memorable interaction was when a woman asked a question about balancing human rights with respecting cultural norms that have existed for generations. Her question highlighted the challenge of advocating against harmful practices without condemning entire cultures. This made me think deeply about approaching such sensitive topics without alienating the communities we aim to support.

Another memorable moment was when a participant asked about alternative ways to empower survivors of FGC. This question shifted the focus from condemning the practice to finding constructive and supportive ways to help those who are affected by it. This moment in the presentation reminded me that our work should not only aim to end the harmful practice of FGC but also to uplift and empower survivors.

The audience's reaction to the stories of survivors was also a significant part of the presentation. The room was filled with shock and discomfort, but also curiosity. The emotional response underscored the importance of our work and the need for continued education and advocacy around this issue. The audience's inquisitive questions highlighted the need for more awareness and understanding of FGC for the broader public, and even those working in fields related to FGC, such as human rights organizations, and those who work to fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

Professional and Personal Growth

This experience has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. Professionally, attending and participating in the conference reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for a balanced approach when discussing FGC in my work. This experience also helped to emphasize the necessity of providing comprehensive resources and support for survivors. A prevalent myth is that FGC has health benefits, while in reality, it poses significant health risks, including chronic pain, infections, and complications in childbirth. The questions and comments from the audience offered valuable insights into such misconceptions and the gaps in knowledge about FGC that still exist today and need to be addressed. 

Therapeutic Aspects

The conference was a therapeutic experience as well. Sharing the stories of survivors and discussing the nuances of FGC allowed me to process and reflect on the emotional weight of this work. It also reinforced my commitment to advocacy and education in this field. The supportive environment of the conference, combined with my colleagues and the audience's shared passion, created a sense of community and solidarity that was comforting and empowering.

It allowed me and the participants to voice the struggles and triumphs of advocating against FGC. The audience's engagement and the meaningful dialogue that ensued affirmed the importance of our efforts and the positive impact we can and do have on the world. This experience reminded me why I chose this path and reinvigorated my dedication to making a difference in this space.

Leading the FGC 101 training at the ICASA conference was a defining moment in my journey as a community psychology student and an advocate against FGC. The interactions and reactions from the audience were enlightening and underscored the critical need for continued education and advocacy on the practice. This experience not only contributed to my professional development but also provided a therapeutic outlet to process the emotional aspects of this work. As I move forward, I am more committed than ever to supporting survivors, educating others about FGC, and ensuring that cultural sensitivity and human rights remain at the forefront of our efforts to end this harmful practice.

Related links:

• Sahiyo Presents FGC 101 Training at ICASA’s Annual Conference
• Paving the Path to End FGC in Washington State! Year 1 in Review
• FGC 101 Training for Volunteers at Asian Women's Shelter

Policy work has been central to Sahiyo’s goal to end the practice of FGM/C and find ways to support survivors since our founding in 2015. Thus, Sahiyo U.S. is proud to publish, “Policy Outreach, Education, and Advocacy: Impact Report 2015-2023”, our newest report that reviews the work that Sahiyo U.S. has carried out and partnered with other organizations at the global, national, state, and local levels in geographies such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington, Michigan, and New York City. 

Take a look at some of the highlights:

Why We Engage in Policy Work: We recognize that to end FGC and support survivors, policies must be informed by and created in partnership with communities impacted by FGC. 

FGC is considered a social norm in practicing communities, and laws against FGC may help to prevent the practice by acting as a mechanism to shape the behavior of communities or individuals. Policies can be educational tools, deterrents, and influencers for psychosocial change. In guiding the creation of laws, communities can begin to realize that harmful practices – even those perceived to be steeped in culture and/or religion – should not be perpetuated. Furthermore, research indicates that to achieve maximum impact, policies should be developed holistically. This involves integrating community education and outreach components, alongside civil remedies for survivors, rather than relying solely on criminalization which does not fully address the larger goal of ending the practice.

Policy Program Goals: Here are Sahiyo’s goals for our advocacy work: 

• Educate frontline professionals (i.e. healthcare providers, social workers, childcare professionals, etc...), lawmakers, and constituents while also engaging them to support policies addressing FGC.
• Unite diverse stakeholders and establish shared concerns and connections related to FGC, fostering a collective impact and the creation of state-level coalitions dedicated to advocating for policy changes that address FGC.
• Uplift and include the voices of survivors in educating policymakers.
• Increase individual civic engagement in the legislative process and ensure that impacted communities have a voice in the creation of policies in order to prevent FGM/C and support survivors.

By the Numbers: Program Impact from 2016-2023

• 3 state coalitions were formed.
• 2 states passed new legislation on FGC.
• 1 website was created for the Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C.
• 2 Facebook pages were created for the Washington Coalition & Connecticut Coalition.
• 58 educational meetings held with legislators.
• 19 educational outreach webinars related to policy were hosted.
• 42 policy-related blog posts were posted on Sahiyo's website.
• 2 action alerts created in partnership with UNICEF USA & Equality Now.

To learn more, read the full report here.

In case you haven’t heard, the Gambian authorities decided to keep the FGC ban in place and the Sahiyo community couldn’t be more thrilled! If the ban had been repealed, Gambia would have become the first country in the world to overturn a law banning FGC, setting a dangerous precedent worldwide. 

Sahiyo advisory member and Voices to End FGC alumni Absa Samba is a Gambian FGC survivor who told The Associated Press she celebrated with others in front of parliament. “It's such a huge sense of relief, but I believe this is just the beginning of the work.”

We’d like to thank our fellow activists and the myriad of political, medical, and legal organizations worldwide that expressed their support for maintaining the current legislation. Such support was instrumental in the decision to keep the ban in place. We hope the global outcry made it loud and clear to lawmakers worldwide: FGC legislation is not up for debate.

But Absa is correct – this is just the beginning of our work. We’re ecstatic Gambian lawmakers chose the right side of history this past week, but the fact that repealing such a ban was even up for debate is troublesome. We were dangerously close to a repeal that would have rendered millions in The Gambia vulnerable.

According to UNICEF, around 230 million women worldwide have undergone female genital cutting in the past eight years, with the majority in Africa and others in the Middle East and Asia. That’s an increase of 15 percent, indicating now more than ever it is critically important to stay vigilant, speak up, and work even harder to put more people at risk. 

To get involved in the movement to end FGC, please visit Sahiyo.org to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and various programs. You can also support Sahiyo's work to end female genital cutting and empower survivors by donating here. 

To learn more about the crisis in The Gambia, read Sahiyo and the Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C’s Joint Statement on the issue published shortly before the announcement.

Related links:

• Our Fight to End FGM in The Gambia: Who is Listening?

• UNICEF released new data on global prevalence of FGM/C 

• Behind the Wall by Gambian activist and FGC survivor Isatou Jallow