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 […]
Protecting CT Girls by Ending FGM/C: Informational Briefing for Legislators and Staff
Date: 1/29/2026 Time: 10 to 11:30 am Briefing; 11:30 to 12:30 ; Networking Lunch with Legislators Location: LOB Hearing Room 2A; Networking Lunch – 2nd floor Atrium Description: An informational briefing to Connecticut legislators and their staff ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session. The briefing will provide background information on FGM/C as a human rights […]
Join Us for Sahiyo’s 12th Activists Retreat in February 2026
Sahiyo will host its 12th Activists Retreat virtually from February 13-15, 2026. Open exclusively to members of the South Asian Bohra community, this retreat provides a safe, inclusive space for advocates and community members to share stories, build solidarity, and explore practical strategies to address FGC. Through dialogue, reflection, and collective action planning, participants will […]
Sahiyo in London: Confronting Racial Hierarchies Within the Global Movement to End FGM/C
From December 10-12, 2025, Sahiyo, in partnership with Dr Leyla Siirad Hussein Gikand, embarked on a critical initiative to confront and dismantle anti-Blackness and racial hierarchies within the global movement to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in the city of London. Sahiyo’s recent research, stemming from the Critical Intersections research project, highlighted significant challenges, including […]
Intern Spotlight: Abigail Moisan
By Abigail Moisan Every month, Sahiyo likes to highlight the incredible work of our staff members, fellows, and interns. Today, we’re spotlighting Sahiyo’s current Editorial Intern, Abigail Moisan. Abigail is a graduate from Colby-Sawyer College where she majored in Creative and Professional Writing and minored in Nutrition. She believes personal stories are the foundation for […]
Strengthening Maryland’s Law Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: The SAFE Act and the Path Forward
By Nareen Pogozelski On November 1, 2025, the DMV Coalition to End FGM/C — a regional coalition of organizations working to end gender-based violence in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, of which Sahiyo is a member — had the privilege of presenting our bill proposal at the 30th Annual Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women (MLAW) […]
Dear Maasi: How Do I Regain Pleasure After Going Through FGM?
Dear Maasi, is a column about everything you wanted to know about sex and relationships but were afraid to ask! It’s a partnership between Sahiyo and WeSpeakOut, and is for all of us who have questions about khatna (female genital mutilation/cutting or FGM/C) and how it impacts our bodies, minds, sexualities and relationships. We welcome […]