Starting March 8th, International Women’s Day, Sahiyo U.S. will be hosting a virtual silent auction to raise funds and awareness for our programs and services to end female genital cutting (FGC). The auction will open on Wednesday, March 8th, 9am PST/ 12pm EST and close on Sunday, March 12th, 6pm PST/ 9pm EST. We have some amazing sponsors and auction items have been provided by our supporters., To uplift and thank them for their contribution, we’re highlighting who they are and why they support Sahiyo.
When and how did your involvement with Sahiyo first begin?
I first learned about Sahiyo from Mariya Taher, one of the founders. A mutual friend introduced us back in 2015 as I was launching my yoga business, Selfmade, dedicated to marginalized bodies. Over the years, I had heard of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and definitely imagined it to be occurring outside of the United States, if at all still happening in modern day. As I learned more from Sahiyo about the topic, I saw how it is not only a local and present topic, but also a tender one. Women and men affiliated with Sahiyo are brave in their willingness to speak up, while holding respect for their culture and the people practicing due to tradition.
Why did you decide to give to Sahiyo’s silent auction? What does the event mean to you?
Over the years I have donated here and there, not only in support of the work itself, but also because I’ve always been impressed by Sahiyo’s unique and creative programming. I am overjoyed to support Sahiyo’s silent auction as they continue to expand their reach, their services, and their organizational structure. I decided to give for these reasons, and am hopeful that the event will have a great turnout!
What did you donate?
I donated a coaching package of six 30-minute sessions for Executive Leadership or Life-Leadership Coaching ($900 value).
- Executive Leadership Coaching for CEOs & EDs is thought partnership and external input for those with the title of "leader". Too often the decision makers at an organization don't have the much needed chance to process out loud for problem solving, naming gray areas, and nuanced skill improvement. Together, we hold space for complex topics such as organizational culture/strategy/change, programming enhancements, and DEI topics (including self-reflection on your racial identity journey).
- Life-Leadership Coaching for All is thought partnership and external input for those without the formal title of "leader" who are seeking to access or hone their internal compass. Life is full of constant decisions and opportunity costs. This style of coaching helps one process where they have been, where they are, and where they want to go. In a culture focused on consumption and achievement, Danae helps you to self-define your goals and metrics of success. Sometimes sessions will aim to push you harder, and sometimes sessions will encourage you to fall back.
How would you like to see your donation help Sahiyo grow?
As someone who has studied both social change and organizational strategy, I know how important it is for nonprofits to receive not only ample funding, but also unrestricted funding specifically. Unrestricted funding will allow Sahiyo to support areas of growth that they know are most urgent, separate from grant requirements.
Why do you think others should donate to Sahiyo?
As a grassroots organization, Sahiyo impacts the community it is serving while serving them. In other words, the goal of empowering women WHILE ending FGM/C is baked into the process via giving women “the mic” and the chance for their stories to be heard. My heritage is mixed, and does not include a culture that practices FGM, but I am familiar with how women are disempowered physically, economically, and politically by cultural practices. Separate from FGM/C, the common practice of hypersexualizing women and girls while demonizing the expression of sexuality places women at constant odds with our body and sense of safety or self. I think others should donate to Sahiyo because pleasure and sexuality are foundational aspects of our lives, and people deserve to make decisions about their own bodies. Ending FGM/C is one way of not only impacting this generation of women, but future generations too. Pleasure is a source of energy and wisdom for activism (see Adrienne Maree Brown ‘Pleasure Activism’). When we nourish people’s ability to access their basic needs, including pleasure, we have a better chance of addressing the pressing issues of our time.