Reflections from a Retreat in The Adirondacks: Confronting Leopold’s Ghost and The Fight for Autonomy and Democracy
Between May 13th and 17th, Sahiyo, Equality Now, and The U.S. End FGM/C Network hosted a convening of FGM/C survivors, advocates, policy experts, and LGBTQIA+ allies at a retreat center in the Adirondack Mountains Participants gathered to hold conversations centered on building shared understanding and strategic messaging around bodily autonomy, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), gender-affirming […]
Reflections from a Retreat in The Adirondacks: Finding Ourselves in Each Other’s Stories
Between May 13th and 17th, Sahiyo, Equality Now, and The U.S. End FGM/C Network hosted a convening of FGM/C survivors, advocates, policy experts, and LGBTQIA+ allies at a retreat center in the Adirondack Mountains Participants gathered to hold conversations centered on building shared understanding and strategic messaging around bodily autonomy, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), gender-affirming […]
Reflections on the Oxford International Colloquium Toward Ending FGM: Mainstreaming FGM/C Within the GBV/VAWG Sector
By: Catherine Cox The last time I was in Oxford was in December, and the fog hung so low across the city that you could barely see two feet in front of you. I was back now, in July this time, and finally able to really see the beauty of the city during one of […]
Sahiyo’s Activists Retreat Returns This October
Sahiyo will host its 12th annual Activists Retreat virtually from October 16-18, 2026. This year, the retreat will not only be open to survivors and activists from FGM/C-impacted communities, but will also welcome advocates from community-based organizations interested in learning more about FGM/C as part of Sahiyo’s pilot initiative to broaden participation and engage advocates […]
Applications now open: 2026 digital storytelling workshop!
Sahiyo, Silence Speaks, HOPE MA, and Saheli would like to announce a special workshop for immigrant and refugee survivors of gender-based violence and their allies. This workshop will bring together individuals from diverse immigrant and refugee communities to share stories of resilience, healing, and collective strength. Through storytelling, participants will have the opportunity to reflect […]
Farrah Dalal Reflects on the 2026 Activist Retreat
By: Farrah Dalal I chose to participate in the Sahiyo Activists Retreat because I feel as a survivor and activist it is important to maintain connection to the networks of people doing the difficult work of affecting change in our community and around the world. There has been so much progress since my youth, and […]
Reflecting on my first Activists’ Retreat: Gender and FGC
By: Anonymous Prior to attending my first Activists’ Retreat this past February, I could tell you that being a survivor of female genital cutting (FGC) means something different to each person it’s been done to, but I think it would’ve lacked a certain authority and understanding. What stuck with me the most from this retreat […]
Investing in the Future of Survivor-Centered Work
At Sahiyo, we believe that lasting social change is built through community-centered investment in survivor voices and gender justice. Sustaining survivor-centered work requires long-term commitment that extends beyond immediate programming needs. One member of Sahiyo’s community shared: “Being part of this community of survivors has given me knowledge, understanding, and confidence I never had before. […]
Reflecting on The Maryland Legislative Webinar
On February 25, 2026, the DMV Coalition to End FGM/C, a survivor-oriented and informed coalition focused on advocacy and advancing legislation in the D.C., Maryland, and Viginia or DMV area, hosted a powerful webinar highlighting Maryland’s current FGM/C landscape. Bringing together over 40 individuals from across the state—ranging from state department employees to university students […]
Sahiyo at CSW70: Survivor-Led, Anti-Racist Advocacy in Action
This March, Sahiyo will participate in multiple events at the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York City, bringing survivor-led perspectives to global conversations on FGM/C, gender-based violence, and bodily autonomy. View the event details below! Dismantling Racism in Anti-FGM/C Movements: Path to Decolonial, Survivor-Led Advocacy This […]