Breaking the Silence
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 […]
My Story, My Voice
Why did you want to attend the workshop and share your story? I was interested in attending the workshop as it was the first one that I had come across that focused on survivors of FGM/C. I wanted to connect with other survivors and hear their stories, while also being able to share my own […]
Perseverance and Power
By Sinnah Bangura After I had my daughter, I was introduced to a support group with other survivors of FGC. I found a YouTube video where a survivor was speaking about her experience undergoing the practice and the impact it’s had on her life. It was at this point that I began to understand more about […]
To Speak
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 […]
On My Own Terms
Why did you want to attend the workshop and share your story? I’ve had the opportunity to talk about my experience with female genital mutilation (FGM) and the ways in which it has impacted my life and my community. However, finding a platform that allows me to take ownership of my story—and have autonomy and […]
I Am SORRY!
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 […]
My Journey to Advocacy
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 […]
Staff Spotlight: Communications Assistant Kira Omans
Kira joins Sahiyo with a background in humanitarian advocacy, communications, community outreach, and storytelling. She completed her B.F.A. with a concentration in Stage and Screen Performance and a Communications minor from George Mason University. She also works as an activist fighting for adoptee rights. Kira is dedicated to Sahiyo’s mission of ending female genital cutting, […]