Bringing Movements Together to Address Harmful Conflations
What happens when survivors, advocates, and community leaders across movements—often working in parallel—are able to come together in one shared space? This May, Sahiyo will help make that possible. Sahiyo is honored to be part of a unique and timely opportunity to convene survivors, advocates, and members of the LGBTQI+ community for a first-of-its-kind gathering […]
Investing in the Future of Survivor-Centered Work
At Sahiyo, we believe that lasting social change is built through community-centered investment in survivor voices and gender justice. Sustaining survivor-centered work requires long-term commitment that extends beyond immediate programming needs. One member of Sahiyo’s community shared: “Being part of this community of survivors has given me knowledge, understanding, and confidence I never had before. […]
What Teens Can Do to Help End FGM/C
By Meher Jammi According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), more than 4.4 million girls are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation or cutting this year (2025). FGM/C is a harmful practice that is rooted in gender inequality, shame, and silence. As teenagers, we often feel powerless when it comes to huge problems […]
Connecticut Judiciary Committee Hears Testimony on SB 259 to Strengthen Protections for Women Against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)
By: Khushi Prakash On Monday, March 2nd, SB 259 was heard before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee. The hearing brought together advocates, policy experts, and survivors who testified to the urgent need for comprehensive state-level protections against FGM/C. They include: Together the speakers highlighted the serious physical, psychological, and social harms associated with FGM/C. […]
Sahiyo’s 10th Annual Activists Retreat
From February 13–15, 2026, Sahiyo hosted its 10th annual Activists Retreat, bringing together seven participants for a weekend of learning, reflection, and strategic planning to address female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). The retreat created a safe and private space for activists interested in ending FGM/C to connect with one another, deepen their understanding of the issue, […]
Beyond the Statute: The Role of South Asian Lawyers in Ending FGM/C
Date: April 2nd Time: 12:00pm -1:00pm EST Type: Virtual This one-hour event situates FGM/C within a North American context and explores the role lawyers can play beyond the courtroom in prevention, advocacy, and survivor-centered support. The virtual panel will introduce participants to the current legal framework around FGM/C in the United States and Canada, while […]
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 […]
Hawaii Policy Update House Bill 2448 Addressing FGM/C Advances out of the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs
By Karishma Patel House Bill 2448 (HB 2448) represents an important step forward for Hawaii in strengthening the state’s protections to safeguard girls from gender-based violence, such as FGM/C, and ensuring that survivors of this harmful practice can seek the justice that they deserve. Introduced by Representative Linda Ichiyama, House Bill 2448 criminalizes acts 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 […]