By: Priya Voetsch
Sean Callaghan, the Head of Research at the Orchid Project, conducts research on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), focusing on the continuation of FGM/C within diaspora communities. In June, Sahiyo’s Programs and Events Intern Priya Voetsch interviewed Sean to learn about his work on FGM/C, and what men’s involvement in the issue can look like – whether it is talking to other male community members, conducting research, or contributing in other capacities in the movement to end FGM/C.
Sean grew up in South Africa and witnessed the anti-apartheid movement. Early on, he became aware of the gendered aspects of the anti-apartheid movement, a thread that continued to emerge later in his work on various human rights issues and conflict resolution efforts within the international community. Initially, Sean worked as a mentor for younger activists in the region, but all aspects of work he engaged in led back to gender-based violence. Seeing a map highlighting the prevalence of FGM/C in East Africa inspired Sean to combat gender-based violence.
“I remember looking at a map of the region, and it was completely colored in,” he recalls.
While working in Tanzania with local activists in the sexual violence space, Sean met a 13-year-old girl who was a mother to a one-year-old child. The encounter left a lasting impression, exposing him to the severe and varied realities of gender-based violence faced by women and girls.
Beyond his professional work in the gender-based violence space, Sean’s personal relationships also shaped his views about patriarchy as an issue and deepened his awareness of how gender-based violence impacted his own community. Sean could not cite a family member who identifies as femme or female who did not have their own ‘Me Too’ story.
A central point Sean emphasized during our interview was his awareness of how his privilege influences his experiences in specific spaces and moments. Engaging in GBV work (including addressing FGM/C) as someone with privilege requires both self-awareness and active involvement. He sees these two qualities as essential steps toward dismantling systems that routinely marginalize and silence the very voices that should be amplified. Sean utilizes his platform to practice accountability and create opportunities for others.
“How do you pass the ball forward? There is an aspect of accountability: societal structures put individuals in certain spots, and he can spend energy to undo that space or can use his power for something useful: to help somebody,” he said.
Such acts of challenging pre-existing structures are required when ushering in change. However, in certain instances, Sean believes it is necessary to practice silence and wait to be invited into spaces, circles, and conversations.
“It’s not up to me. I don’t get to choose. I’ve lost my voice so that the other has a voice and invites me into their space rather than me inviting them into my space. They need to find a space where they stand and invite me into it.” Moreover, Sean explains that there is a necessity in “finding the line between having a voice but not letting my voice dominate, […] using my voice in a constructive way to challenge [norms].”
In terms of male engagement, Sean understands the role that individuals play in perpetuating societal structures, systems, and practices that actively oppress others. For men in particular, he highlights two key components: accountability and responsibility.
Meaningful change, he notes, must be initiated at home.
“The place to start has to be at home. How do I challenge people in my life, such as friends and family? How do I continue to break the stereotypes? How do I challenge or speak out when someone has crossed the line? How do I call people out?”
Home, he continued, is where expectations are created and molded into everyday behavior for an individual. In turn, this involves not only holding oneself accountable but fostering accountability within one’s inner circle.
For men to practice accountability and responsibility, they must recognize how they contribute to these issues and understand the unique, yet powerful, role they can play in challenging oppressive structures and practices.
“Until I am aware of it, I am blind to it.”
