South Asian SOAR launches Zine
In May 2023, South Asian SOAR launched a Zine to commemorate and honor the stories of 16 South Asian survivors of gender-based violence who took part in their 2022 pilot storytelling workshop. The program consisted of a Storytelling Workshop, ongoing Story Circles, & additional opportunities to build community and continue working on stories (learn more […]
Roundtable on Systems Change to Address FGM/C Perspectives from State and Municipal Coalitions – a virtual event
On June 23rd, RTI’s Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Training and Technical Assistance Project (AFTTAP) team organized the event Roundtable on Systems Change to Address FGM/C Perspectives from State and Municipal Coalitions. The roundtable featured state and municipal coalitions and working groups from across the United States that work to address FGM/C domestically. Sahiyo U.S. Executive Director […]
Cohosting Catalyzing Global Action to End FGM/C – A Pre-Conference at Women Deliver 2023
The Women Deliver 2023 Conference (WD 2023) is taking place in-person, as well as virtually, from July 17-20th in Kigali, Rwanda. The conference is expected to convene 6,000 people in Kigali, and over 200,000 people online. On July 16th, Sahiyo, as a member of the Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C, co-hosted this year’s […]
Announcing the Women Deliver 2023 Conference
The Women Deliver 2023 Conference (WD 2023) is scheduled to take place in-person, as well as virtually, from 17-20 July 2023, in Kigali, Rwanda. The conference is expected to convene 6000 people in Kigali, and over 200,000 people online. Before the opening ceremony on July 17th, there will be a series of Pre-Conferences held over […]
Do I belong? Reflecting on the Activists Retreat
By Sakina Sharp Sahiyo’s annual Activists Retreat is a great way for both women and men connected to the Bohra community to discuss the issue of khatna, or female genital cutting (FGC). This is my third year attending the event, and I appreciate that this Retreat offers a safe space to have conversations about khatna. […]
More Than A Survivor: Celebrating Queer Joy
At Sahiyo, we believe in creating a space where all voices are heard and celebrated. We acknowledge the unique experiences of Queer survivors within the FGC community and aim to provide support, inclusivity, and joy! In celebration of Pride Month, we asked members of our community what joy looks like to them: Umme Kulsoom Arif “My […]
Dear Maasi: Why it is that women who have gone through FGM/C continue to do it to their young ones?
Dear Maasi is a column about everything you wanted to know about sex and relationships but were afraid to ask! It’s a partnership between Sahiyo and WeSpeakOut, and is for all of us who have questions about khatna (female genital mutilation/cutting or FGM/C) and how it impacts our bodies, minds, sexualities, and relationships. We welcome you […]
Building a NASW approved trainings for Social Workers
On May 30th, RTI International hosted a training for social workers on female genital cutting (FGC). Recognizing that many first responders and clinical providers in the U.S. are not adequately equipped to address FGC in their practice, this training provided continuing education units for licensed social workers. The training provided an introductory foundation for understanding […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Events & Programs Intern Derrick Simiyu
Derrick Simiyu is a programs, monitoring and evaluation professional and passionate about upholding women’s rights and gender equality which drove him to volunteering in a community based organisation that supports girls in areas of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). What was your experience of learning about female genital cutting (FGC) […]
Six Tips for Stress Reduction: Exercising Your Vagus Nerve to Heal Pelvic Pain
Originally written by Serenity Serafini, PT, DPT May is Pelvic Pain Awareness Month. Pelvic pain has been reported by some individuals after undergoing the harmful practice of female genital cutting (FGC). This can include pain with vaginal intercourse, termed dyspareunia, which is reported in almost 24.9% of FGC survivors Chronic pelvic pain after FGC has […]