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 […]
How Washington Plans to Train Health Workers and Engage Communities Under Senate Bill 5453
By: Khushi Prakash This blog post is part of a multi-part series that explores how Washington State is implementing Senate Bill 5453 and what these changes mean for communities, service providers, and survivors. Part One focuses on the foundations of the law and how Washington plans to develop training and community engagement strategies as part […]
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 […]
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 […]
Intern Spotlight: Nareen Pogozelski
Every month, Sahiyo likes to highlight the incredible work of our staff members, fellows, and interns. Today, we’re spotlighting Sahiyo’s recent Policy Intern, Nareen Pogozelski. Nareen is a current senior at the University of Southern California, set to graduate in May 2026 with her Bachelor’s in Public Policy. She plans to attend law school—with hopes […]
Maryland passes legislation strengthening protections against FGM/C
We are happy to share that on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, SB907 and HB1389 were signed into law in Maryland by Governor Wes Moore! HB1289 and SB907 will introduce more in-depth protections for survivors of FGM/C and those who are at risk of undergoing this practice. These protections include: These bills were sponsored by Delegate […]
Maryland Holds Hearings to Advance Public Health Legislation Addressing FGM/C and Supporting Survivors
By: Khushi Prakash On March 10th, 2026, Maryland lawmakers, advocates, and survivors came together to share testimony on SB907/HB1289: Public Health – Female Genital Mutilation. This legislation would introduce more comprehensive protections for women and girls at risk for FGM/C. Specifically, this bill: At the hearings, in addition to testimony being heard by Lead Sponsors […]
Policy Update from the Washington Coalition to End FGM/C
Following the 2023 passage of SB 5453, the Washington Coalition to End FGM/C continued working to advance policies that center the dignity, safety, and rights of FGM/C survivors. This year, the coalition led coordinated advocacy in support of SB 6017, the next step in strengthening Washington’s response to FGM/C and making sure survivors can access […]
Reflecting on The Maryland Legislative Webinar
On February 25, 2026, the DMV Coalition to End FGM/C, a survivor-oriented and informed coalition focused on advocacy and advancing legislation in the D.C., Maryland, and Viginia or DMV area, hosted a powerful webinar highlighting Maryland’s current FGM/C landscape. Bringing together over 40 individuals from across the state—ranging from state department employees to university students […]