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 […]
Finding freedom through sharing your story: how speaking up liberated activist Lomaris “Lo” Diaz
In December, Sahiyo U.S. and TightLipped explored the power of sharing one’s story during our “Pain, Stigma, and Sexual Health: Healing Through Storytelling webinar. After recently chatting with one of the panelists, Grace Culqui, I had the pleasure of interviewing another participant: Lomaris “Lo” Diaz. For years, Lomaris struggled with vulvovaginal issues which caused her […]
Finding safe people and protecting your peace is key, says activist Grace Culqui
By Sheena Vasani After Sahiyo U.S. and TightLipped hosted the webinar, “Pain, Stigma, and Sexual Health: Healing Through Storytelling” in December 2023, I spoke to Grace Culqui to learn more about her experiences as a webinar panelist and chronic pelvic pain survivor. During the webinar, Grace opened up for the first time in a public […]
Calling on the CT legislature to protect girls from FGM/C
A bill to protect children from female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Connecticut (CT) has not been raised by the Connecticut Judiciary Committee in the 2024 legislative session. This news comes as a shock to many survivors of FGM/C and anti-FGM/C activists who have been campaigning for the bill to be introduced. The bill would have […]
UNICEF releases new data on global prevalence of FGM/C
By Rachel Wine On March 8th, 2024, UNICEF released Female Genital Mutilation: A Global Concern, a new report with updated data on the global prevalence of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Compared to data released eight years ago, this reveals a 15% increase in the practice; survivors now number at 230 million. Data in the report […]
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 […]
Pathways to Progress: Community Engagement in Ending Female Genital Cutting Reflection
On March 18th, Sahiyo in partnership with RTI International hosted a virtual community forum to discuss the role of community engagement in prevention efforts to raise awareness on FGM/C and support communities impacted by it. Speakers included Mariya Taher, Samman Masud, Wonder Guannu, and Breanne Lash. Throughout the webinar, speakers uplifted their organization’s examples of […]
Sahiyo’s Outreach at Townview High School
On February 23rd, Sahiyo had the opportunity to talk to students at the Townview High School Career Fair in Dallas, Texas. Our Training and Technical Assistance (T&TA) Coordinator, Aries Nuno, provided information about Sahiyo’s mission to end FGC and offered a glimpse into the workings of NGOs. The event allowed us to educate students about […]
Sahiyo’s Second Annual Silent Auction & Comedy Show Reflection
Thank you to everyone who participated in Sahiyo’s 2nd annual Women’s Day Celebration & Silent Auction! We are truly grateful for the show of support. With the help of our incredible donors and supporters, we raised over $13K. Our five-day celebration of women’s voices began on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, by opening our virtual auction […]
Empowering Voices: The Launch of the Voices to End FGM/C Screening Guide
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Voices to End FGM/C Screening Guide, an educational resource developed by Sahiyo, Silence Speaks, and the Asian Women’s Shelter. This guide marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to amplify the voices of survivors, educate people, and mobilize communities to support ending female genital mutilation/cutting […]