Intern Spotlight: Maeve Monger Events & Programs Intern
Maeve is currently an undergraduate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign pursuing a degree in Political Science and Public Relations, with an interest in citizen politics. Through her studies and female-founded extracurriculars, Maeve has become increasingly interested in advocating for women’s rights throughout the world. She is excited to be a part of Sahiyo U.S. and be able to support this progressive change. When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo? I first became involved with Sahiyo in May 2024 when looking to get my foot in the door for non-profit work. What does your work with Sahiyo involve? Being a Programs and Events Intern with Sahiyo involves a variety of tasks. My role often involves supporting the incredible women here who work selflessly to provide resources and engagement to survivors and fellow advocates against FGM/C. I find pride in being a support system for these women that work for Sahiyo, and that I am able to provide a helping hand in these events to support other women throughout the world. How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life? My involvement with Sahiyo these past few months has drastically impacted my life, opening my eyes to the survivors of FGM/C. The gravity of FGM/C is something that may have been overlooked in my life prior to working with Sahiyo because it is a topic that is not discussed as much as it should be. However, now I have become a huge advocate in supporting survivors of FGM/C. I have always had a passion for women’s rights, but my involvement with Sahiyo has only increased that and gave me a platform to speak out about women’s rights, and more specifically FGM/C. I have found it extremely fulfilling working with Sahiyo and being able to be apart of the fight to end FGM/C. What words of wisdom would you like to share with others who may be interested in supporting Sahiyo and the movement against FGC? Do what makes you passionate. Your participation in the movement against FGM/C is so much more meaningful than you may think. Move with empathy and courage, and your voice will make an impact.
FGM/C in California – Past, Present, and Future
The California Coalition to End FGM/C is hosting a webinar titled, “FGM/C In California – Past, Present, and Future” Date: Friday, October 11th Time: 12:30 – 1:45 pm ET / 9:30 – 10:45 am PT Registration: https://bit.ly/CAcoalitionwebinar Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89895243890?pwd=Y6iLxQmEV1OHv77XbSa8XbrSvbgvYa.1 Description: The webinar will be held like a town hall, giving participants the chance to learn in a safe space about the topic of female genital mutilation (FGM/C) through an interactive dialogue. Speakers will include Sahiyo U.S. Executive Director Mariya Taher; Shivangi Mirsa of Equality Now; Senait Admassu and Athia Carrim of the Greater LA FGM Task Force and African Coalition; and Orchid Pusey of the San Francisco Asian Women’s Shelter. Participants will discuss the shortcomings of the current law in California, which was written back in 1996. The coalition will also lay out how the legislation needs to be amended in order to create culturally sensitive and cognizant prevention and support programs to support survivors and those at risk of FGM/C. This Roundtable is an opportunity to share and learn from survivors, advocates, service providers, and community members on the topic of FGM/C and the work being done to address the issue. Furthermore, this event will seek to connect with California legislators who are accountable for upholding and addressing various components of the original 1996 FGM/C law. Through engaging narratives and open conversation, this webinar will help to garner support in building a greater California coalition to end FGM/C that can better advocate for strengthening existing laws on FGM/C in the State. Register for the webinar here. [youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTAZ0vrd0cg”]
Takeaways from Sahiyo’s Webinar on Framing FGM/C
Sahiyo’s recent webinar, “Framing FGM/C: Understanding and Engaging with Cultural Sensitivity,” left a lasting impression on many of the attendees. With over 160 registrants, the session successfully opened up important conversations on how framing can shape our approach to ending female genital cutting (FGC). Feedback from participants shared after the event shed light on how this training has influenced their perspectives and engagement. One of the key takeaways from the webinar was how critical it is to frame discussions around FGM/C in a way that respects cultural contexts while still advocating for change. As one participant shared: “It has opened my eyes to an ongoing issue that I hadn’t been fully aware of before. I plan on using the communication skills presented in this slideshow for organizing and discussing issues.” Throughout the session, participants shared their thoughts and experiences, many remarking on how the personal stories shared deeply moved them. Digital stories shown from the Voices to End FGM/C project sparked meaningful reflections on how the way we talk about FGM/C impacts both the movement and those affected: “Seeing Renee’s story really impacted me and demonstrated the importance of awareness of this world issue.” “Hearing stories always motivates me towards advocacy – the courage is contagious.” This training was funded by the Washington State Department of Health and held in partnerships with the U.S. Network to End FGM/C. Visit the Washington state project website to learn more and watch Renee’s story below! [youtube url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlO-_WRWZoU]