Rally, Revel, Repeat : A Changemakers Retreat!
By Lubaina Plumber Remember that pivotal moment when a cause became intensely personal? That’s what happened to me when I discovered the human rights violation of female genital cutting (FGC) a few years ago. It triggered buried memories of my own experience as an eight-year-old survivor. I finally attended the transformative Sahiyo Activists Retreat in 2023, and those three days in Atlanta were sheer magic. I was instantly enveloped in a safe haven of kindred spirits where I could openly share my story without judgment. The thoughtfully planned activities included toolkits, group discussions, and personal anecdotes.All of which illuminated the nuances of the global FGC discourse. Hearing from powerful guest speakers was also incredibly inspiring. But what moved me the most were the authentic conversations with fellow activists. Trading perspectives, bonding over shared trauma, and feeling that profound sense of sisterhood – it was deeply cathartic and healing. The retreat also gave me the courage to initiate tough dialogues back home. I learned to broach the subject of FGC with a patience for ignorance, but still with a fierce determination to educate those who wrongly endorse the practice. I left the retreat with an unshakable support system and a heart full of hope for the future. Now, I’m extending an impassioned invitation to you: Join us at the next three-day Sahiyo Activists Retreat, taking place virtually this year from July 26-July 28! This is your chance to be part of a mighty community united against FGC. To find your tribe, nurture your activist spirit, and amplify your voice through empowering activities. Trust me, those few days will forge bonds that last forever and equip you with tools to create tangible change. Let’s come together, share our stories, and build a world that’s free and safe. The time has come to join the movement. Sign up now by June 1st and let’s make this year’s retreat even more impactful! Related: Join us for Sahiyo’s 8th annual Activists Retreat Passion, Purpose, Party: My take on Sahiyo’s Activists Retreat
Passion, Purpose, Party: My take on Sahiyo’s Activists Retreat
By Lubaina Plumber I remember being 21-years-old, a wide-eyed, aspiring human rights lawyer in Bombay (Mumbai for those who don’t properly identify with the ethos and pulse of the city that never sleeps) when I first stumbled upon, completely accidentally, the grave violation of female genital cutting (FGC). Suddenly, it all came rushing back to me. The event, the place, the people, the gross invasion of my body, my privacy and my rights. I froze in time to realize that this was not just a human rights issue I was researching for a work project, but also something I had survived as a meek 8-year-old child. Through this enlightenment came my connection to Sahiyo. Whilst all concerns around the protection and rights of human beings were within my realm of redressal, I knew at that moment that FGC was personal and a cause I felt deeply triggered by. This harmful practice angered me not only for every single person who endured it, but also for myself and my own experience. Once something becomes personal to you, it is seldom something you can let go of. Advocating against FGC and creating safe spaces for survivors and allies to engage in open dialogue and sharing became a primary focus for me, ultimately leading me to finally attend the Sahiyo in-person Activists Retreat in 2023. My activism and journey came full circle when I sat around the beautiful living room of a fellow Sahiyo member who graciously hosted a group of passionate, remarkable people in her home. The moment I landed in Atlanta, I remember feeling slightly nervous. I had just immigrated to the United States six months prior and this was my first interaction with a group outside of my small workplace. I felt I was venturing out in an unfamiliar country to discuss deeply personal things. After spending three glorious days with the other participants, I can say I have now found people that feel as familiar as my own (brb, wiping tears). I’d be lying if I said I did not thoroughly enjoy the delicious meals, warm hospitality, and thoughtful welcome package/goodie bags as well. But what stood out most were the conversations I had with everybody present, about FGC and about everything else just the same. The Retreat was extremely well-planned and executed even better. I am a staunch proponent of open, authentic, non-judgemental spaces, and the Activists Retreat delivered on all fronts: confidentiality, comfort, and thoughtful sharing. I assumed I knew everything about FGC, given my extensive preoccupation with the issue, but I gleaned SO MUCH from this experience. The toolkits, guest speakers, group activities, and personal anecdotes of others were tremendously enlightening; they helped keep me apprised of the global discourse on FGC. I felt I was not alone in this peculiar world, feeling intensely passionate about issues important to me; there are other kindred souls out there too. The sense of sisterhood, profound empathy, and unadulterated opportunity to be vulnerable is what I will cherish for a long time to come. I am hopeful for the future. For myself and millions of affected individuals needing a platform, a team, an understanding ear, and tangible redressal measures. I discovered I could visit an OBGYN in the United States and share that I underwent cutting, inquiring exactly how my body differs. This notion would not have even crossed my mind before attending the Activists Retreat. I have become even more vocal, forthcoming, and resolved in my mission to mitigate FGC. I have initiated difficult dialogues, broaching the subject with adequate context. I have learned to be patient with ignorance (still letting out the odd sigh and eye roll), gentle yet assertive with the uninformed, and fierce with those who willfully endorse these violations against people/children with or without family consent. I do not take no for an answer when it comes to educating somebody on FGC and that courage has grown knowing there is a whole community who will back me up with loving reinforcement when I need that gentle push. Thank you team Sahiyo for including me in your passion, purpose and party! SEE YOU AGAIN NEXT YEAR 🙂 Learn more about Sahiyo’s Activists Retreat here.
More Than A Survivor: An interview with Lubaina
Sahiyo Volunteer Spotlight: Lubaina Plumber
Lubaina Plumber is a U.S. based volunteer who has been with Sahiyo for a year now. She was a human rights lawyer in Mumbai who just graduated from Washington University School of Law, St Louis with her Masters in Law. She plans to continue her education in the field of public policy and management to build a career and life in which she can effectively support every cause believes in. To learn more about how she has supported our work at Sahiyo, read her interview below. When did you first get involved with Sahiyo? I got in touch with Zehra Patwa, whose article I read a few years ago and she, in turn, put me in touch with Mariya Taher. I spoke to Mariya about opportunities to work for the cause and began my journey, being involved with Sahiyo. What opportunities have you been involved with at Sahiyo? I have written some articles, worked on a handbook and other material and actively participated on the Whatsapp group, set up the Instagram page, and try to do as much as time permits when the opportunity presents itself. How has your involvement impacted your life? Working with an organization teaches one a lot about group involvement, support, and unity. Being involved with an organization that fights for a cause that is very personal for me, is like having a platform for your voice. Sahiyo has given me the gentle push and reminder to keep fighting for my cause, whether or not I see results immediately. What pieces of wisdom would you share with new volunteers or community members who are interested in supporting Sahiyo? I am an advocate and fan of being involved with organizations that support the causes you believe in. Support is the best way of showing your concern and using your time wisely. I would say that people should be open-minded and not hesitate to raise questions — if there is something you don’t agree with, ask and you will receive answers. My personal experience has lead me to believe that Sahiyo respects their volunteers and their opinions as much as we do the cause and the fight for it.