In December 2025, Sahiyo will celebrate its 10th anniversary, and we’re hosting a campaign to mark the occasion! Starting in July and running through December, we will be highlighting each of our programs, reflecting on our accomplishments, and planning for the future.
This month, we’re focusing on and talking to past Sahiyo Activists Retreat attendees. Each year, Sahiyo brings together community-based individuals who are involved in or hope to be involved in anti-FGC activism, so they can be in a safe and supportive space where they can engage in meaningful discussions and strengthen efforts to eliminate this form of gender-based violence. The retreats include educational programs, self-care activities, and presentations from advocates engaged in anti-FGC advocacy initiatives in their communities.
Recently, we spoke to past attendee Zehra Patwa — an activist, Sahiyo U.S. Advisory Board Chair, the Co-Founder and U.S. Lead of WeSpeakOut — about her experiences.
By: Zehra Patwa
- What Activists Retreat did you attend?
I attended all the retreats that took place from 2018-2025. The only one I missed was the July 2024 virtual retreat! I have also been on the planning committee for all retreats 2019-2025, except July 2024.
- What prompted you to attend? Can you talk about what drew you to this program and if the retreat met your expectations?
I had been an activist in the FGC space for three years when the opportunity to attend the first retreat came up. At that point, I was burned out and ready to give up activism completely or at least take a long break from it. Being part of the retreat restored my energy by showing me that there were others who cared about this issue as much as I did and that we could all lean on each other. I can’t begin to express my huge gratitude for bringing me this kind of support when I needed it most. And now, after having attended several retreats, I can pay it forward!
- What words come to mind when you think about the Activists Retreat project and your experience with it?
Camaraderie, support, friendship, laughter, fun, education
- What was the most memorable/ or your favorite aspect of the Activists Retreat you attended?
The sense of community that is built within each cohort and across cohorts through our quarterly alumni check-ins. I have made some wonderful friendships with other retreat attendees.
- Did you form any connections with the other retreat participants, if so do you still keep in contact with them?
Absolutely yes!
- How has your experience at the Activists Retreat changed or impacted your life?
It has impacted my life in numerous ways. It’s given me the strength to keep working to end FGM/C knowing that I have this incredible, knowledgeable and diverse support system to rely on. It’s increased the number of cool friends I’ve made to whom I can throw out a random question and always get an interesting answer!
- Why do you think retreats like the Sahiyo Activists Retreat are important in the activists and advocacy field?
By sharing knowledge about the cultural, political and legislative aspects of FGM/C, we learn to be more effective communicators and advocates for this cause. And knowing that this network of activists, including Sahiyo staff, is there for us, makes us feel safe and supported when we are telling our personal stories, especially as survivors and those from practicing communities. We are never in this alone.
- How has the program evolved over time?
The education aspect has evolved significantly since my first retreat. There are so many different kinds of analysis and impact of study results, as well as educational resources in an easily digestible format, such as the timeline of FGM/C in the Bohra community. It highlights just how long people have been working to end this practice and how much has been done in so many different areas. This was a surprise to most retreat attendees.
- As we celebrate 10 years, what makes you most proud to be a part of this program?
I’m most proud of the bravery that attendees have shown both during, and after, the retreat. They leave with an action plan of personal, group and community actions and I see them really making an impact in their own lives, their families’ lives and in the community. Sahiyo has created a space for us to find our personal bravery which means more than I could ever express in words!
