On December 18th, Sahiyo hosted a Voices Healing Circle where participants from across workshop cohorts came together to reconnect and meet new members of the Voices network. These sessions are part of Sahiyo's ongoing support events for Voices alumni, serving to create a space for sharing experiences, fostering camaraderie, navigating the challenges, and celebrating the successes encountered post-release of their Voices to End FGM/C digital stories.
This particular Healing Circle engaged Voices alumni who were open to sharing personal experiences from the release of their stories with the most recent Voices cohort. The Circle sparked discussions on the bravery in challenging barriers that make these conversations so difficult, as well as how opening up about female genital cutting (FGC) often means confronting not only personal trauma, but also societal expectations and norms. Alumni also reflected on experiences of receiving empathy from individuals not impacted by the practice, and how they were able to foster connections across diverse experiences.
The overarching goal was to prepare participants of the August 2023 Voices cohort for the public debut of their narratives. Through open discussions, we can gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities and emotions that come with sharing personal experiences.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all participants of the Voices workshops over the years for their courage and resilience in sharing their stories with us and the world, and express our admiration for those taking steps towards breaking the silence and fostering understanding and change in their communities.
Learn more about the Voices to End FGM/C program.