- How did you first hear about Sahiyo?
I first came across Sahiyo on Handshake, a career platform for college students, while searching for internship opportunities in the non-profit sector. After exploring Sahiyo’s website and learning about its mission, I was immediately drawn to its emphasis on community-led advocacy and survivor-centered approaches to ending female genital cutting (FGM/C). This internship has been a very meaningful experience for me, as it connects directly with my passion for human rights advocacy and my interest in supporting nonprofit work.
- What was your experience of learning about female genital cutting (FGM/C) for the first time like?
I first learned about FGM/C during high school in a class called Women in Literature. It was an eye-opening introduction to an issue I had not encountered before, and it left a lasting impression on how I viewed gender-based violence. Since then, and especially through working with Sahiyo, I have been able to learn so much more about the global scope of FGM/C and the nuances surrounding it. Working behind the scenes has shown me that driving long-term change requires more than awareness. It relies on survivor-led advocacy, storytelling, and community-led dialogue.
- When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo?
I first became involved with Sahiyo in April, when I interviewed with our Development Director, Michelle Taylor. I officially joined the team as a development intern in May and will be wrapping up my internship later this fall. Joining the team allowed me to apply my skills, as well as gain new ones to support the critical fundraising and development operations that sustain Sahiyo’s programs.
- What does your work with Sahiyo involve?
As a development intern, my work focuses on supporting Sahiyo’s fundraising operations, grant research and writing, and event logistics. A highlight of my internship has been coordinating the operations for our fourth annual CelebrateHer: Silent Auction & Comedy Show. My role includes conducting outreach to procure auction items, creating promotional graphics, writing auction listings, and setting up the auction platform. I also contribute to funding prospect research, grant writing, drafting donor communications, and maintaining our donor database to support the vital resources that sustain Sahiyo’s mission.
- How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life?
My involvement with Sahiyo has given me a much deeper appreciation for what it takes to build and sustain a human rights movement. It has shown me firsthand how vital survivor-led and community-driven advocacy is to creating lasting cultural change and supporting those affected by FGM/C. Simultaneously, working on the development side has given me a greater insight into the essential administrative and fundraising work happening behind the scenes. Experiencing how thoughtful organizational infrastructure directly sustains grassroots advocacy has shown me how essential every part of nonprofit work is, and it has strengthened my desire to stay involved in supporting human rights advocacy.
- What words of wisdom would you like to share with others who may be interested in supporting Sahiyo and the movement against FGM/C?
My main advice is to take that first step and get informed. Sahiyo’s website is an incredible resource filled with research and educational materials. I encourage anyone interested in learning more to check out the site and look into signing up as a volunteer. Community-led advocacy relies on collective effort, and everyone has something valuable to contribute.
