Reflections on the Sahiyo Activist Retreat: A Transformative Experience
By Maryam Kamal Eldin When I first heard about the Sahiyo Activist Retreat, I knew I had to be a part of it. The retreat presented a unique opportunity for me to connect with others who shared the same commitment to ending female genital cutting (FGC) as I did. For years, I’d been passionate about advocating […]
Reflecting on Sahiyo’s 2024 Activists Retreat
This past July, Sahiyo hosted its eighth annual Activists Retreat virtually, welcoming activists and individuals belonging to FGC-practicing communities to discuss the impact of this harmful practice in a safe and inclusive space. Typically, this program is exclusive to activists and members in the South Asian Bohra community. However, this year’s retreat piloted an inclusive […]
Reflecting on the Activist Retreat
By Arefa Cassoobhoy Why did you want to attend the retreat? I had attended a virtual retreat during Covid and I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed meeting other people virtually, so that helped me feel comfortable that I would do well in an in-person group. Going to the virtual retreat also made me […]
Rally, Revel, Repeat : A Changemakers Retreat!
By Lubaina Plumber Remember that pivotal moment when a cause became intensely personal? That’s what happened to me when I discovered the human rights violation of female genital cutting (FGC) a few years ago. It triggered buried memories of my own experience as an eight-year-old survivor. I finally attended the transformative Sahiyo Activists Retreat in […]
Join Us at Sahiyos Activists Retreat
Sahiyo U.S. will host its eighth annual Activists Retreat virtually via Zoom from July 26th – July 28th, 2024. Sahiyo’s Activist Retreats bring anti-FGC activists together in a safe space to female genital cutting and work together to end the practice. Survivors, activists, and anybody interested in learning more about FGC and ending it are […]
U.S. Activists Retreat 2024 Frequently Asked Questions
Sahiyo is pleased to announce that the 2024 U.S. Activists’ Retreat to any person connected to a community or communities engaged in the practice of FGM/C and who is interested in ending the practice of FGM/C. Learn more about what the Retreat is all about from past retreat attendees who have written for our blog! […]
A Space to Belong: My Reflection on the 2023 Activist Retreat
By: Umme Kulsoom Arif Pronouns: they/them Age: 29 Why Did You Want To Attend The Activist Retreat? I attended the Activist Retreat for the first time virtually in 2022, and it was a really affirming experience over those three days. However, I was really excited for an in-person retreat, especially because I had not really […]
Join us for Sahiyo’s 8th annual Activists Retreat
From July 26 – July 28th, 2024, Sahiyo U.S. will host its 8th annual Activists Retreat virtually via Zoom. Sahiyo hosts an annual Activist Retreats to bring anti-FGC activists together in a safe space and discuss the issue of female genital cutting, in an effort to collaboratively work towards ending the practice. Since 2018, over […]
Voices to End FGM/C Cohort #9 – Hybrid Digital Storytelling Workshop
We’re hosting our second hybrid-format Voices to End FGM/C Digital Storytelling Workshop this June 2024! Survivors and advocates will share their stories and learn to craft them as short videos. This participatory media process will be guided by facilitators from Sahiyo, Silence Speaks, and Asian Women’s Shelter. Online Workshop Dates: Tuesday May 28 and Tuesday […]
Passion, Purpose, Party: My take on Sahiyo’s Activists Retreat
By Lubaina Plumber I remember being 21-years-old, a wide-eyed, aspiring human rights lawyer in Bombay (Mumbai for those who don’t properly identify with the ethos and pulse of the city that never sleeps) when I first stumbled upon, completely accidentally, the grave violation of female genital cutting (FGC). Suddenly, it all came rushing back to […]