CelebrateHer 2026: Comedy, Community, and Supporting Survivors During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are reminded that safety, dignity, and freedom from violence are fundamental human rights. Gender-based violence takes many forms, including female genital cutting (FGC), a harmful practice rooted in gender inequality and power imbalances. When carried out by family members, FGC can also be considered a form of domestic violence. […]
Sahiyo Executive Director Mariya Taher Speaks at UN Human Rights Council Panel on Digital Technologies and Ending FGM
On February 23rd, 2026, the Human Rights Council convened for a high-level panel discussion on the role of digital technologies in preventing and eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM). The panel brought together senior representatives from United Nations entities, member and observer states, and civil society to examine how digital innovation can help accelerate efforts to […]
Investing in Lasting Impact: How the Sahiyo Endowment Supports Survivor-Led Change
At Sahiyo, our work to support survivors of female genital cutting (FGC) and advance gender justice depends on the dedication of survivor leaders and the generosity of our supporters. While program and event donations are vital, long-term sustainability requires a different kind of investment: the Sahiyo Endowment. What Is the Sahiyo Endowment? The Sahiyo Endowment […]
Silence No More: Confronting Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Hawaii
By Mariya Taher In 2025, Hawaii proudly ranked as the best state in the nation for women’s equality, a testament to the deeply held Hawaiian values of respect and care for wahine. Yet, beneath this veneer of progress, a silent violence persists: female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), a form of gender-based violence outlawed in most of […]
Connecticut Raises Bill to Protect Children from Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Judiciary Committee for 2026 Legislative Session
By: Khushi Prakash On February 18, 2026 the proposal to protect children from female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) was formally placed on the Judiciary Committee agenda, and the very next day, Raised Bill No. 259 was introduced. This bill is a needed step forward for survivor protections in Connecticut. What the bill does Next Steps The […]
Advancing Protections: Connecticut Legislators Briefed on the Urgent Need for Comprehensive Legislation Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
By: Khushi Prakash On January 29th, 2026, the Connecticut Coalition to End Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) partnered with the Commission on Women, Chidlren, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO) to host an informational briefing for Connecticut legislators and their staff at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Survivors, advocates, and members of the CT […]
An Update on Our Transition from Flipcause
At Sahiyo, transparency and accountability to our community are core to how we operate. We want to share an update regarding recent developments involving Flipcause, our former online fundraising platform, and the steps we took to safeguard our supporters’ contributions. Late last year, we became aware of legal and financial challenges affecting Flipcause. As news […]
Orwall’s Senate Bill 6017 Advances Survivor Protections and Support in Washington State
By: Khushi Prakash Senate Bill 6017 is a survivor-centered piece of legislation in Washington State that strengthens protections for individuals impacted by sexual and gender-based violence, including survivors of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Sponsored by Senator Tina Orwall, the bill focuses on reducing re-traumatization, expanding survivor rights, and ensuring state laws better reflect trauma-informed and […]
Protecting Children, Supporting Survivors: Advancing FGM/C Legislation in Maryland
By Nareen Pogozelski The DMV Coalition to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, is hosting a webinar on February 25 at 11:30 AM ET to raise awareness amongst individuals and organizations on the work that has been done to address the human rights violation of FGM/C in Maryland. Webinar Details: Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is […]
Reflecting on HOPE MA’s Coalition Launch Event on February 6
On February 6, 2026 — the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting — the HOPE MA Coalition, (Holistic Organized Partnerships to End FGM/C in Massachusetts), officially launched at Girls Inc. of Worcester, bringing together nearly 40 healthcare providers, social workers, community advocates, survivors, and allies for a day of collective learning and […]