Engaging Men to End Gender-Based Violence – An Interview with Sean Callaghan
By: Priya Voetsch Sean Callaghan, the Head of Research at the Orchid Project, conducts research on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), focusing on the continuation of FGM/C within diaspora communities. In June, Sahiyo’s Programs and Events Intern Priya Voetsch interviewed Sean to learn about his work on FGM/C, and what men’s involvement in the issue can […]
Complicated Attempts in Alabama: Struggles to Address Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Through Legislation
Alabama is one of nine remaining states in the United States that do not currently have laws to prevent and protect survivors and at-risk individuals from female genital cutting (FGC). Research by the Population Reference Bureau indicates that 1,480 girls and women in Alabama are at risk of undergoing FGC. Another more recent study released […]
One of Nine: Hawaii and the Struggle to Pass Legislation Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
A 2023 research study by Sean Callaghan states that in Hawaii, 304 individuals are living with the consequences of female genital cutting (FGC), and 1,041 individuals are potentially at risk of FGC. Yet, Hawaii is still one of nine states remaining in the U.S. that have not passed laws to prevent and protect survivors and […]
FGM/C 101 Training with Massachusetts Child Advocacy Centers
On July 22, HOPE MA partnered with the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance to present “Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting 101” as part of a lunch-and-learn professional development series for Massachusetts Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) across the commonwealth. This 60-minute session introduced essential knowledge about FGM/C, reviewed Massachusetts law H4606, and explored how CAC staff can recognize and respond […]
Joint Statement condemning the harmful conflation of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) with gender-affirming care
The U.S. End FGM/C Network, Equality Now, Sahiyo, and The World Professional Association for Transgender Health are disheartened by the harmful and inaccurate conflation of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)– a recognized human rights violation which all of our organizations are committed to addressing– with gender-affirming care, an essential form of healthcare treatment for transgender individuals. […]
The U.S. must preserve integrity of law against female genital mutilation/cutting and condemn its harmful conflation with gender-affirming care
OPEN LETTER AND SIGN-ON STATEMENT THE U.S. MUST PRESERVE INTEGRITY OF LAW AGAINST FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION/CUTTING AND CONDEMN ITS HARMFUL CONFLATION WITH GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE The U.S. End FGM/C Network, the Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C and the Americas Alliance to End FGM/C are joined by 92 civil society organizations from across the […]
Your Chance to be a Change Maker: Help us meet our $10,000 Goal!
In 2025, Sahiyo celebrates a milestone, our 10-year anniversary! The past 10 years have been incredible in terms of empowering voices, fostering change, and supporting survivors. The theme for our celebration; “10 Years of Changemaking–Together for a Future Without FGC,” reflects the far-reaching progress we’ve made and the collective effort that has occurred to drive […]
Sahiyo Discusses x UNMUTED: Centering a Few to Echo the Many
By Elaina Baliner When we talk about female genital cutting (FGC), the number that always gets cited is 230 million. 230 million women and girls around the world who have undergone or are at risk of undergoing the practice. But behind that number are 230 million stories. 230 million voices. 230 million lives marked by […]
Continuing the Conversation: Reflecting on the June 2025 Roundtable on FGM/C in California
By Rachel Aguilar On June 27, 2025, Sahiyo, in partnership with Equality Now and the U.S. End FGM/C Network, hosted a roundtable discussion titled “FGM/C in California: Continuing the Conversation.” This roundtable built upon the October 2024 webinar, “Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in California – Past, Present, and Future,” and brought together advocates, survivors, service providers, […]
DMV Coalition Hosts Powerful Webinar on Ending Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the Region
By: Katie Bai On July 1st, 2025, the DMV Coalition to End FGM/C hosted an impactful webinar, titled “A History of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Washington D.C.,” that brought together over 40 attendees from across the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and beyond! The event was a powerful reminder of the strength and momentum behind […]