Reflecting on my first Activists’ Retreat: Gender and FGC
By: Anonymous Prior to attending my first Activists’ Retreat this past February, I could tell you that being a survivor of female genital cutting (FGC) means something different to each person it’s been done to, but I think it would’ve lacked a certain authority and understanding. What stuck with me the most from this retreat […]
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and Anti-Immigrant Narratives: Why California Needs to Strengthen Its Law on FGM/C
Worldwide, over 230 million women and girls have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and currently, an additional 30 million girls under the age of 15 are at risk worldwide. In the United States, a 2019 estimate stated that FGM/C has impacted 421,000 women and girls, and while most of these women and girls are survivors […]
Sahiyo hosts Private Film Screening of Documentary “Haram Ni Boti”
By: Samman Masud On March 26, Sahiyo hosted a virtual, private film screening of the documentary, ‘Haram Ni Boti’ for the Activists Retreat, Bhaiyo Male Allies, and the Voices to End FGM/C program alumni. Sahiyo’s volunteers and interns also joined the viewing followed by a discussion with the filmmaker and Bhaiyo member, Hatim Yusuf. Created […]
Sahiyo at CSW70: Advancing Survivor-Led, Anti-Racist Advocacy
By: Nuzhat Zaman This March, Sahiyo participated in the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York City, bringing critical survivor-led perspectives to global conversations on FGM/C, gender-based violence, and bodily autonomy. At CSW70, Sahiyo led and contributed to a series of events that deepened these conversations and […]
A call for global action — racism is harming survivors: new report exposes racial injustice in anti-FGM/C movement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Name: Kristel Mendoza CastilloPhone: +1-508-263-0112Email: Kristel@sahiyo.org A call for global action — racism is harming survivors: new report exposes racial injustice in anti-FGM/C movement MELBOURNE, Australia — A new report finds the movement to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is being held back by racial injustice within its own ranks. A first-of-its-kind […]
Intern Spotlight: Nareen Pogozelski
Every month, Sahiyo likes to highlight the incredible work of our staff members, fellows, and interns. Today, we’re spotlighting Sahiyo’s recent Policy Intern, Nareen Pogozelski. Nareen is a current senior at the University of Southern California, set to graduate in May 2026 with her Bachelor’s in Public Policy. She plans to attend law school—with hopes […]
Bringing Movements Together to Address Harmful Conflations
What happens when survivors, advocates, and community leaders across movements—often working in parallel—are able to come together in one shared space? This May, Sahiyo will help make that possible. Sahiyo is honored to be part of a unique and timely opportunity to convene survivors, advocates, and members of the LGBTQI+ community for a first-of-its-kind gathering […]
Maryland passes legislation strengthening protections against FGM/C
We are happy to share that on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, SB907 and HB1389 were signed into law in Maryland by Governor Wes Moore! HB1289 and SB907 will introduce more in-depth protections for survivors of FGM/C and those who are at risk of undergoing this practice. These protections include: These bills were sponsored by Delegate […]
Investing in the Future of Survivor-Centered Work
At Sahiyo, we believe that lasting social change is built through community-centered investment in survivor voices and gender justice. Sustaining survivor-centered work requires long-term commitment that extends beyond immediate programming needs. One member of Sahiyo’s community shared: “Being part of this community of survivors has given me knowledge, understanding, and confidence I never had before. […]
Applications now open: 2026 digital storytelling workshop!
Sahiyo, Silence Speaks, HOPE MA, and Saheli would like to announce a special workshop for immigrant and refugee survivors of gender-based violence and their allies. This workshop will bring together individuals from diverse immigrant and refugee communities to share stories of resilience, healing, and collective strength. Through storytelling, participants will have the opportunity to reflect […]