Saathi: Peer Support Program1
Saathi is Sahiyo’s activist support program launched to connect novice activists with more veteran activists as a way to help activists find support and think through the self-care they need to be able to continue engaging in this advocacy work. This peer support program was created to support the mental health/well-being of activists, and in turn encourage additional community members to speak openly about ending Female Genitla Cutting (FGC). Activists serving as Senior peers can also help Novice peers by guiding them on best practices relating to FGC communication (i.e. how to have difficult dialogues with family-friends.)
Thaal Pe Charcha
Thaal Pe Charcha (TPC), which loosely translates as “having discussions while eating food”, is a flagship Sahiyo programme where Bohra women are brought together in a private, informal setting so that they can bond over food and discuss issues that affect their lives, like FGC or Khatna.
Activists Retreat
Activists Retreat The Sahiyo Activist Retreat aims to bring together ‘activists’ who speak out against Female Genital Cutting (FGC) – people who work either publicly or anonymously to raise community and social awareness regarding the importance of ending the harmful practice of FGC. The first Sahiyo Activist Retreat occurred in the U.S. and India in 2018. The retreat now occurs annually. apply to the 2025 retreat View Program Overview Read 2018-2022 Impact Report Read U.S. 2024 Activists Retreat Report Sahiyo understands that social change requires the efforts of many, all motivated by the same goal. As a result, we collaborate with individuals, organizations, and coalitions to build a community passionate about ending the practice of FGC. Sahiyo also actively recognizes that many advocates to end FGC work in isolation. The Sahiyo Activist Retreat aims to bring together these individuals and build a network of Bohra activists by: Strengthening our relationships and connections with one another. Sharing best practices and providing tools for activists to utilize in their advocacy work to bring awareness to and end FGC. The retreats provide an opportunity for advocates and activists to engage in an open and honest discussion regarding the challenges and opportunities they have experienced in their advocacy work against FGC. Read about participants’ experiences at Sahiyo’s Activists Retreat History and Impact: In 2017, Sahiyo circulated a Needs Assessment Survey to anti-FGC activists and advocates. We found that discussion among anti-FGC activists and advocates helps to further the understanding of challenges of working towards ending FGC, and the means of overcoming them. Since 2018, Sahiyo has hosted annual Activist Retreats as a result of these findings. The Sahiyo Activist Retreat encourages activists and advocates who have long worked in isolation; to connect with one another, to strengthen the network of anti-FGC activists and advocates, to share best practices and tools for advocacy and activist work, and to encourage the creation of collaboration between retreat attendees. Since the program’s inception; Sahiyo has trained more than 70 advocates, who have all gone on to: Organize and host workshops aimed at raising awareness of FGC Participate and engage in outreach campaigns with communities Provide testimony at policy briefings on FGC in various states Check out reports from our previous retreats: – Sahiyo U.S. 2021 Activists Retreat (Virtual) – Sahiyo U.S. 2019 Activists Retreat (Brooklyn, NY) – Sahiyo U.S. 2018 Activists Retreat (Brooklyn, NY) U.S Activists Retreat 2024 (Virtual) U.S Activist Retreat 2023 U.S Activist Retreat 2022 – Virtual U.S Activists Retreat 2020 (Virtual) U.S Activist Retreat 2019 India Activist Retreat 2019 U.S Activist Retreat 2018 India Activist Retreat 2018 Support our Activists Retreat Program
Voices to End FGM/C
Voices to End FGM/C Voices to End FGM/C is mobilizing a critical mass of storytellers and activists from across the globe by bringing people together to share and heal from their experiences of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), connect and grow as leaders in their own communities, and create short videos calling for an end to this harmful practice. Watch all digital stories View Program Overview History & Impact Voices to End FGM/C is a joint digital storytelling project initiated by Sahiyo and Silence Speaks. In 2018, the two organizations launched their inaugural digital storytelling workshop, bringing together survivors of FGM/C living in the United States to surface their personal experiences with FGM/C. These nine women’s stories elevated the conversation on FGM/C in the U.S. and the stories have been widely shared through online platforms, screening events, and media articles. Initially called, Sahiyo Stories, the project has servedas an educational tool to discuss FGM/C amongst survivors and within practicing communities. Since 2018, Sahiyo has conducted 9 workshops under the now named Voices to End FGM/C project resulting in the creation of 88 videos that have collectively garnered over 120,000 views across our social media platforms. The Voices project is ultimately about breaking from deeply ingrained social norms by normalizing the voices of those who dare to speak publicly and openly about a harmful practice that for many communities is considered taboo to speak about openly and publicly. With storytelling comes a ripple effect, as one person’s story can inspire others to share their own. As more stories are shared, they contribute to bridging the data gap regarding the number of women and girls impacted by FGM/C globally. 9 Workshops 82 Participants from 19+ Countries 88 Videos 120,000+ views After taking part in our Voices program, 92% of our workshop participants have remained involved with our organization, serving as guest speakers in events and advisors on projects, such as our Critical Intersections Research and developing educational materials. Webinar Highlight: Youth Advocacy Against FGM/C: A Conversation on Change On November 4, 2024, Sahiyo hosted a webinar featuring dynamic youth advocates, including Voices alumni Umme Kulsoom Arif, Hunter Kessous, and Saza Faradilla, as well as Sahiyo volunteers Nur Bookwala and Atiqah Suhaimi. The webinar provided a safe and supportive platform for these young advocates to discuss their personal experiences in advocating against FGM/C and to share insights into how their advocacy efforts have evolved over time. Click HERE to watch the webinar. The map below highlights the countries represented by participants in the Voices to End FGM/C project, showcasing the global reach and diverse backgrounds of our storytellers. These stories have been used on a variety of platforms as educational material, serving not only communities that continue FGM/C but also aiding in the training of healthcare professionals to support survivors, government officials who can use policy to address FGM/C, and other service providers who might be able to support survivors and work towards prevention for future generations. Visit the Voices website to learn more about the project Explore our Voices Screening Guide to effectively use our digital stories for FGM/C advocacy and education and our Sharing Your Experience with FGM/C Guide to empower individuals and communities in sharing personal narratives. Voices to End FGM/C Podcast Voices to End FGM/C has grown to include more than 80 storytellers from 19+ countries. They came to our workshops and crafted powerful short videos … but so much was left unsaid. If you’re interested in hearing more from our storytellers and learning more about the medical and legal landscape for FGM/C in the U.S. and in other parts of the world, tune in now to our podcast. In six episodes ranging in length from 20-40 minutes each, Mariya and Amy talk with Voices digital storytelling participants about the complex familial, cultural, and political contexts of their stories. Some episodes bring in guests who have acted in their capacity as partners, therapists, public health professionals, and elected officials to speak out against FGM/C. If you’ve always wanted to know more about FGM/C, or if you’re wondering why, as a feminist or social justice activist, you should care about the topic, tune in now. All episodes are available on the Voices to End FGM/C website, as well as on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen to Episode Zero below: Listen to more episodes Read about our Storytellers: Support our Voices to End FGM/C Program
Community Outreach
Community Outreach and Education Community outreach and education are essential in ending harmful practices like female genital cutting (FGC). Since our founding, Sahiyo has spoken on various platforms, including conferences on women’s rights, gender, and religion, college guest lectures, and local community events. We engage in public presentations, webinars, and media outreach to raise awareness and foster dialogue on FGC prevention and impact. If you would like to invite Sahiyo to speak at an event, or for a workshop or discussion, fill out the Community Presentation Request form and email us at info@sahiyo.org. REQUEST PRESENTATION Events Calendar VIEW PROGRAM OVERVIEW What We Offer 1 Female Genital Cutting (FGC) 101: This presentation provides a foundational understanding of FGC in the United States and globally. Participants will learn about the various forms of FGC, its profound impacts, cultural justifications for its continuation, and the origins of the movement against FGC. 2 Framing FGC: This presentation delves into the complexities of framing FGC in public discourse. It addresses how to speak about FGC sensitively and accurately, considering cultural contexts and the perspectives of survivors. Learn effective communication strategies to foster understanding and support for the movement against FGC. 3 Incorporating Storytelling into Gender-Based Violence Work: This session highlights Sahiyo’s innovative storytelling program, Voices to End FGM/C, and how other storytelling initiatives have helped spark discussions on gender-based violence. Reflecting on the use of digital platforms, magazines, theater work, film, and art, learn how storytelling can be a powerful tool for social change and amplify the voices of individuals impacted by FGC. Public Webinars Support Our Community Outreach Program
More Than A Survivor: An interview with Sakina
