On April 25th, our Sahiyo community came together for a deeply engaging webinar, joined by participants from across the globe including the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Switzerland, Myanmar, and India. The event, titled "Quiet Activism and Understanding the Psychosocial Impacts of Female Genital Cutting," brought together a panel of inspiring speakers: Arefa Cassoobhoy, Farrah Dalal, Doris Mukangu, and Lubaina Plumber. Each shared their personal stories of activism and reflected on how their work has evolved during different stages of their lives.
Our speakers opened up about their unique journeys, discussing the “quiet” or private forms of activism that shape their day-to-day lives. They discussed navigating complex psychosocial contexts—ranging from family dynamics to community backlash—and shared valuable insights on the feeling of burnout and fatigue as well as the importance of fostering allyship while prioritizing mental health and wellbeing. We encourage you to watch the full webinar to hear more about their experiences with initiating sensitive conversations within tight-knit communities and leveraging personal stories to foster understanding and empathy.
The warmth and engagement from our audience were palpable, with many expressing their eagerness to dive deeper into the topics of quiet activism and the sense of solidarity, resonating deeply with the speakers. One attendee captured the sentiment beautifully, saying, "I am in awe of you young ladies. I applaud you all for the steps you have taken and how you have dealt with your experiences. Keep up your great work and what you are doing. My heart is with you."
This event reminds us of the power of community and the impact of every thoughtful action in our shared cause.