Reflections on the Oxford International Colloquium Toward Ending FGM: Mainstreaming FGM/C Within the GBV/VAWG Sector
By: Catherine Cox The last time I was in Oxford was in December, and the fog hung so low across the city that you could barely see two feet in front of you. I was back now, in July this time, and finally able to really see the beauty of the city during one of […]
Sahiyo’s Activists Retreat Returns This October
Sahiyo will host its 12th annual Activists Retreat virtually from October 16-18, 2026. This year, the retreat will not only be open to survivors and activists from FGM/C-impacted communities, but will also welcome advocates from community-based organizations interested in learning more about FGM/C as part of Sahiyo’s pilot initiative to broaden participation and engage advocates […]
Applications now open: 2026 digital storytelling workshop!
Sahiyo, Silence Speaks, HOPE MA, and Saheli would like to announce a special workshop for immigrant and refugee survivors of gender-based violence and their allies. This workshop will bring together individuals from diverse immigrant and refugee communities to share stories of resilience, healing, and collective strength. Through storytelling, participants will have the opportunity to reflect […]
Joint statement regarding hearings related to female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) before the Supreme Court of India
The Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C, the End FGM/C Africa Network, and The Girl Generation: Support to the Africa-led Movement to End FGM/C, issue this joint statement in response to the ongoing hearings before the Supreme Court of India addressing female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). We welcome the fact that this critical human rights […]
Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C Holds Press Conference on Landmark Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Legislation
By: Khushi Prakash On April 27, 2026, the Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/G, in partnership with the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO), held a press conference in front of the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford. Survivors, advocates, and legislators gathered to raise awareness of Connecticut Raised Bill SB 259. Speakers included: […]
After 6 Years of Organizing, Connecticut Passes Legislation to Protect Children from Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting
We are thrilled to announce that after six years of survivor-led organizing, (including a Change.org petition), coalition-building, education, and community engagement, legislation addressing FGM/C has passed in Connecticut. CT Senate Bill 259 was passed April 21st in the Connecticut Senate and passed on Monday, April 27th in the House of Representatives. The bill will next […]
Unsilenced: A Conversation with Tasneem Perry on What it Means to Share Her Story As a Survivor of FGM/C
By: Megan Seaver Earlier this year, Sahiyo’s Co-Editorial Coordinator, Megan Seaver, sat down with long time Sahiyo partner and survivor Tasneem Perry to discuss the recent removal of an article in The Sun, featuring her story about female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), following backlash from the Dawoodi Bohra community. Speaking out about FGM/C and sharing her […]
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and Anti-Immigrant Narratives: Why California Needs to Strengthen Its Law on FGM/C
Worldwide, over 230 million women and girls have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and currently, an additional 30 million girls under the age of 15 are at risk worldwide. In the United States, a 2019 estimate stated that FGM/C has impacted 421,000 women and girls, and while most of these women and girls are survivors […]
A call for global action — racism is harming survivors: new report exposes racial injustice in anti-FGM/C movement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Name: Kristel Mendoza CastilloPhone: +1-508-263-0112Email: Kristel@sahiyo.org A call for global action — racism is harming survivors: new report exposes racial injustice in anti-FGM/C movement MELBOURNE, Australia — A new report finds the movement to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is being held back by racial injustice within its own ranks. A first-of-its-kind […]
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 […]