Reflecting on The Maryland Legislative Webinar
On February 25, 2026, the DMV Coalition to End FGM/C, a survivor-oriented and informed coalition focused on advocacy and advancing legislation in the D.C., Maryland, and Viginia or DMV area, hosted a powerful webinar highlighting Maryland’s current FGM/C landscape. Bringing together over 40 individuals from across the state—ranging from state department employees to university students […]
Connecticut Judiciary Committee Hears Testimony on SB 259 to Strengthen Protections for Women Against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)
By: Khushi Prakash On Monday, March 2nd, SB 259 was heard before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee. The hearing brought together advocates, policy experts, and survivors who testified to the urgent need for comprehensive state-level protections against FGM/C. They include: Together the speakers highlighted the serious physical, psychological, and social harms associated with FGM/C. […]
Sahiyo’s 10th Annual Activists Retreat
From February 13–15, 2026, Sahiyo hosted its 10th annual Activists Retreat, bringing together seven participants for a weekend of learning, reflection, and strategic planning to address female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). The retreat created a safe and private space for activists interested in ending FGM/C to connect with one another, deepen their understanding of the issue, […]
Intern spotlight: Khushi Prakash
Every month, Sahiyo likes to highlight the incredible work of our staff members, fellows, and interns. Today, we’re spotlighting Sahiyo’s current Policy Intern, Khushi Prakash. Khushi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Epidemiology/Biostatistics and Biology from the University of Western Ontario. She is now pursuing a Master of Public Health degree specializing in Health Policy & […]
Climate Change, Displacement And The Rising Risk Of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
By Mannat K, Sahiyo Volunteer When we think about the impacts of climate change, we often focus on rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and threats to food security. What receives far less attention is how environmental crises disproportionately harm women and girls, particularly those in vulnerable communities, by intensifying gender-based violence such as female […]
Reflections from London: Survivor-Experts on Healing, Solidarity, and the Future of the Anti-FGM/C Movement
By Renee Bergstrom In December 2025, Sahiyo and Dr. Leyla Hussein convened a small, in-person gathering of seven survivors and experts from Africa, Asia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The meeting created space to foster honest dialogue, promote healing in solidarity, and discuss how anti-racist narratives have impacted the FGM/C movement. Participants also […]
Beyond the Statute: The Role of South Asian Lawyers in Ending FGM/C
Date: April 2nd Time: 12:00pm -1:00pm EST Type: Virtual This one-hour event situates FGM/C within a North American context and explores the role lawyers can play beyond the courtroom in prevention, advocacy, and survivor-centered support. The virtual panel will introduce participants to the current legal framework around FGM/C in the United States and Canada, while […]
CelebrateHer 2026: Comedy, Community, and Supporting Survivors During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are reminded that safety, dignity, and freedom from violence are fundamental human rights. Gender-based violence takes many forms, including female genital cutting (FGC), a harmful practice rooted in gender inequality and power imbalances. When carried out by family members, FGC can also be considered a form of domestic violence. […]
Sahiyo Executive Director Mariya Taher Speaks at UN Human Rights Council Panel on Digital Technologies and Ending FGM
On February 23rd, 2026, the Human Rights Council convened for a high-level panel discussion on the role of digital technologies in preventing and eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM). The panel brought together senior representatives from United Nations entities, member and observer states, and civil society to examine how digital innovation can help accelerate efforts to […]
Hawaii Policy Update House Bill 2448 Addressing FGM/C Advances out of the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs
By Karishma Patel House Bill 2448 (HB 2448) represents an important step forward for Hawaii in strengthening the state’s protections to safeguard girls from gender-based violence, such as FGM/C, and ensuring that survivors of this harmful practice can seek the justice that they deserve. Introduced by Representative Linda Ichiyama, House Bill 2448 criminalizes acts of […]