Urvashi is a senior at The Madeira School in Mclean, VA. She has been volunteering with Sahiyo since 2020, and is looking forward to taking her involvement one step further through her role as editorial intern. As an aspiring doctor, she has a keen interest in women’s health and feels excited and privileged to learn, raise awareness, and amplify the voices of women whose stories must be heard.
What was your experience of learning about FGC for the first time like?
I was fourteen and had just finished reading Alice Walker’s Possessing the Secret of Joy. Like most reactions to learning about the existence of this practice, mine too was a deeply disturbed one. More than that, I was confused. Confused about the reasons behind such cruelty towards beautiful bodies. Once I learned about the archaic roots of the philosophy behind it, I began doing research on organisations that were working towards its end!
When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo?
I first got involved with Sahiyo in the summer of 2020 as a volunteer. I attended my first FGC study circle and was intimidated by the vast expanse of knowledge that everyone around me seemed to possess. I learned a lot more about FGC (including the fact that using the acronym FGC is a more sensitive alternative to FGM) during that session, and my initial lack of knowledge and closeness to the subject made me that much more determined to contribute in whatever capacity possible.
What does your work with Sahiyo involve?
As an Editorial Intern, my work mainly involves blog outreach and development. I get to reach out to people from all around the world and ask them for their input on our blog! Other than that, I also help with editing our website, publishing new stories and Sahiyo updates, and managing the newsletter. Recently, I got to conduct Sahiyo’s first Zoom interview with a Bhaiyo (male ally) who provided me with an important story and insightful conversation. You can read more about his story here!
How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life?
My involvement with Sahiyo has taught me how to explore sensitive subjects in conversation, be kind and gracious in my approach, and has even reinforced my aspiration of studying medicine! I’m so glad I was able to get involved in the capacity that I have. I hope to be part of the community forever.
What words of wisdom would you like to share with others who may be interested in supporting Sahiyo and the movement against FGC?
I’d tell anyone who was interested in getting involved with Sahiyo to go for it! Learning about the harms perpetuated by this practice may be daunting, frustrating, and disheartening at times, but it is so, so rewarding to see yourself making even the smallest of differences.