Reflecting on HOPE MA’s Coalition Launch Event on February 6
On February 6, 2026 — the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting — the HOPE MA Coalition, (Holistic Organized Partnerships to End FGM/C in Massachusetts), officially launched at Girls Inc. of Worcester, bringing together nearly 40 healthcare providers, social workers, community advocates, survivors, and allies for a day of collective learning and […]
Sahiyo at CSW70: Survivor-Led, Anti-Racist Advocacy in Action
This March, Sahiyo will participate in multiple events at the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York City, bringing survivor-led perspectives to global conversations on FGM/C, gender-based violence, and bodily autonomy. View the event details below! Dismantling Racism in Anti-FGM/C Movements: Path to Decolonial, Survivor-Led Advocacy This […]
Recap: FGM/C 101 Training with Plymouth Health Services
On January 14th, the HOPE MA team facilitated a virtual FGM/C 101 training for Plymouth Health Services, bringing together school nurses, student support staff, counselors, and other educational professionals working with children and families. Carilyn Rains, Director of School Health Services, provided invaluable partnership in bringing this session to education and wellness professionals across her […]
Reflecting on what I learned as Sahiyo’s Policy Intern
By Hiromi Nishida My name is Hiromi Nishida and I am a Policy Intern with Sahiyo. I began my position in July 2025, and this week marks the end of my six month internship with Sahiyo. I am so grateful for the trust of the Sahiyo team, as well as the members of the Hawaii […]
Official launch of the HOPE MA Coalition on February 6th, 2026, International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
On Friday, February 6, 2026, the Holistic Organized Partnerships to End FGM/C in MA (HOPE MA) team will honor the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM/C with the official HOPE MA Coalition Launch Event. This community event will recognize the work of advocates in Massachusetts and bring together healthcare providers, social workers, community advocates, […]
End of Year FGM/C 101 Training with the Coalition for a Healthier Greater Worcester
On December 19th, the HOPE MA team had the privilege of facilitating a live FGM/C 101 training for members of the Coalition for a Healthier Greater Worcester. Thanks to Casey Bates, Director of the Coalition, and Tempe Staples, Research and Evaluation Coordinator, for their partnership in bringing this session to fruition and for their commitment […]
Consent is Universal: Reclaiming Bodily Integrity for Every Child
By A.M. This piece explores how I came to believe that no person who cannot consent should be subjected to any form of genital alteration. When I first learned about female genital cutting (FGC), I immediately questioned the male equivalent. A quick Google search taught me that FGC is incredibly dangerous and has significant, long-term […]
The Courage to Speak: Severina reflects on the journey of sharing her FGM/C Story
By: Megan Seaver Severina Lemachokoti is an anti-FGM campaigner, a human rights defender and a gender rights activist from the Samburu community in Northern Kenya. She was interviewed by Sahiyo’s editorial coordinator, Sheena Vasani. In this interview, Severina reflects on her experience being a part of the first Voices to End FGC cohort and how […]
CALL TO ACTION: Expanding Survivor Protections in Washington State with SB 6017
By: Khushi Prakash The Washington Coalition to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) has partnered with Senator Tina Orwall to work on a SB 6017, legislation introduced to build on the existing FGM/C law. The bill is scheduled for hearing on Monday, January 26 at 10:30am PT before the Senate Law and Justice Committee. The primary […]
Know Your Rights: A Resource for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Survivors
By Hiromi Nishida At Sahiyo, we aim to address all facets of female genital cutting (FGC) at the global, national, state, and local levels; our mission is not only about ending FGC, but also about contributing to a broader culture of healing and healthy expression of female sexuality, autonomy, and strength. FGC, also known as […]