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. […]
“Asking the Question”: Reconnecting with Australia’s African Women’s Clinic
By: Kiah Leone It has been nearly two-and-a-half years since I last sat down with Marie Jones to talk about her work with the African Women’s Clinic (AWC), and the care they provide to survivors of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) living in Australia. At the time of our previous conversation, the AWC was Australia’s only […]
Maryland Holds Hearings to Advance Public Health Legislation Addressing FGM/C and Supporting Survivors
By: Khushi Prakash On March 10th, 2026, Maryland lawmakers, advocates, and survivors came together to share testimony on SB907/HB1289: Public Health – Female Genital Mutilation. This legislation would introduce more comprehensive protections for women and girls at risk for FGM/C. Specifically, this bill: At the hearings, in addition to testimony being heard by Lead Sponsors […]
Policy Update from the Washington Coalition to End FGM/C
Following the 2023 passage of SB 5453, the Washington Coalition to End FGM/C continued working to advance policies that center the dignity, safety, and rights of FGM/C survivors. This year, the coalition led coordinated advocacy in support of SB 6017, the next step in strengthening Washington’s response to FGM/C and making sure survivors can access […]
What Teens Can Do to Help End FGM/C
By Meher Jammi According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), more than 4.4 million girls are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation or cutting this year (2025). FGM/C is a harmful practice that is rooted in gender inequality, shame, and silence. As teenagers, we often feel powerless when it comes to huge problems […]
Bridging the Gap: Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Massachusetts – Results from Our Community Health Needs Assessment Survey
As part of Holistic Organized Partnerships to End FGM/C in Massachusetts’ (HOPE MA) ongoing effort to understand the current landscape of FGM/Cs, we developed a needs assessment survey to gather input directly from organizations and individuals working in this space. The survey draws on multiple data sources to identify gaps, emerging needs, and opportunities that […]