The practice of khatna on girls must stop / છોકરીઓ પર ખત્નાની પ્રથા બંધ થવી જોઈએ
By Hakim Rangwala Even in today’s modern age, when Mukesh Ambani entrusted his daughter Isha with the management of a multi-crore retail business, there exists a very repulsive and harmful practice among the Dawoodi Bohra, a Shia sub-sect that generally looks modern and reformist on the surface. When a girl is young, the Bohras cut her clitoris. They believe this to be a religious rite, and even today, well-educated Bohras and those with big businesses strictly practice it. Among Bohras all over the world, this practice of khatna is done by women themselves, and in cities and towns where there is no such woman, girls are taken abroad for it. This organ given by nature [the clitoris], which gives women the maximum sexual pleasure, is called ‘bhrugankur’ in Gujarati. Taking it away from a woman is a harm like no other. This is the only one. A few years ago, a case was filed against three Bohras in Australia for carrying out this practice of khatna on two young girls. This practice is illegal in Australia and other Western countries. Because of this case, the Bohra jamaats in Sydney and other such Western cities issued notices to the local communities not to perform khatna on girls. Now, some humanitarians have filed a legal appeal in court to demand that this practice is banned in India. I think it is not too much to expect that the good people reading this should also join in making this demand to abolish this harmful practice. Hakim’s blog post was originally written in Gujarati. Here is the untranslated version: મુકેશ અંબાણીએ દીકરી ઈશાને લાખો-કરોડો રૂપિયાના વહીવટનો રિટેઇલ વેપાર સોંપીને સ્ત્રી પ્રત્યે સન્માન અને વિશ્વાસ દાખવ્યો એવા આજના આધુનિક યુગમાં પણ ઈસ્લામના શિયા સંપ્રદાયનો પેટા સંપ્રદાય દાઉદી વ્હોરા, જે સામાન્ય રીતે ઉપરથી આધુનિક અને સુધારાવાદી દેખાય છે, એ વ્હોરાઓમાં એક અતિ ધૃણાજનક અને ક્રૂર પ્રક્રિયા અસ્તિત્વમાં છે. સ્ત્રી જ્યારે નાની બાળકી હોય છે ત્યારે આ વ્હોરાઓ એ બાળકીના ક્લાઈટોરીસ નું છેદન કરાવે છે. આ ક્રિયાને તેઓ ધાર્મિકતા સમજે છે અને મોટા કહેવાતા ઉદ્યોગપતિઓ, ભણેલા- ગણેલા દાઉદી વ્હોરાઓ પણ આ ક્રિયાનું ચુસ્ત પાલન કરે છે આજના યુગમાં પણ. દુનિયા આખીમાં સ્ત્રી ખતના કરવાનું કામ ખુદ વ્હોરા સ્ત્રીઓ જ કરતી હોય છે અને જ્યા એવી સ્ત્રી ન રહેતી હોય એ ગામ-શહેરના લોકો પોતાની બાળકીઓને બહારગામ લઈ જઈને પણ આ ખતના કરાવે છે. સ્ત્રીને સેક્સમાં મહત્તમ આનંદ આપતું કુદરતે એને આપેલું અંગ જેને ગુજરાતીમાં ભૃગાંકુર કહે છે. આ અંગ સ્ત્રી પાસેથી આંચકી લેવું એના જેવી ક્રૂર ક્રિયા બીજી એકેય નથી. આ એક અને અજોડ ક્રૂરતા છે. અમુક વર્ષો પહેલા ઓસ્ટ્રેલિયામાં બે યુવતીઓ પર ખત્ના કરવા બદલ ત્રણ વ્હોરા સામે કેસ દાખલ કરવામાં આવ્યો હતો. ઓસ્ટ્રેલિયા અને પશ્ચિમના અન્ય ઘણા દેશોમાં છોકરીઓ પર ખટના ગેરકાયદેસર છે. આ કેસને કારણે, સિડનીમાં અને આમાંના ઘણા પશ્ચિમી શહેરોમાં વ્હોરા જમાતે સ્થાનિક સમુદાયને હવે છોકરીઓ પર ખત્ના ન કરવા સૂચના આપી છે. હવે ભારતમાં આવી ક્રૂર પ્રથા ન હોવી જોઈએ કાયદાથી એવી માંગ અમુક માનવતાવાદી લોકોએ ઉપાડીને કોર્ટમાં અપીલ કરી છે. આ વાંચનાર ભલા લોકોએ પણ આ માંગ માં જોડાવું જોઈએ અને આ ક્રૂર પ્રથા નાબૂદ થવી જોઈએ એવી અપેક્ષા વધુ પડતી નથી જ એવું મને લાગે છે, હો સાહેબ….. In honor of Father’s Day 2024, Sahiyo’s male engagement program, Bhaiyo, has launched a month-long public awareness campaign to uplift the importance of male voices and allies in ending FGC. If you would like to contribute, please email sheena@sahiyo.org. Related: Breaking the Silence: A Conversation with My Father About FGM/C How to have effective conversations about FGC Why men too must speak out against Khatna
Breaking the Silence: A Conversation with My Father About FGM/C
By: Sharlon Bolos My father, a Filipino immigrant, was raised in a world where survival was paramount. He never had the opportunity to delve into the complexities of gender inequality. However, I believed it was essential to break the silence and initiate a conversation with him about a topic that is often shrouded in taboo: female genital cutting (FGC). Approaching my father about FGM/C was not an easy task. Growing up, discussions about sensitive topics like this were scarce in our household. Yet, I knew that in order to foster understanding and promote change, I needed to create a space where we could comfortably engage in an open conversation. The opportunity finally presented itself one evening as we sat down to watch TV as we always do. I mustered up the courage to broach the subject, fully aware of the discomfort it might bring. Taking a deep breath, I gently introduced the topic, highlighting its prevalence in certain communities and the harmful effects it has on women and girls. At first, my father seemed taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation. His brows furrowed, indicating his apprehension. However, as I continued, he showed the willingness to engage in conversation and deepen his understanding. To my surprise, he expressed genuine concern for the well-being of women and girls affected by FGC, acknowledging the need for collective action to end this form of gender-based violence. This, in a sense, marked the beginning of a journey towards greater awareness and empathy. My father may not have fully grasped the complexities of gender inequality overnight, but our dialogue opened the door to ongoing discussions and reflection that we may want to explore in the future. In breaking the silence surrounding FGM/C, we pave the way for meaningful change and create a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations. I hope that through continued conversations and advocacy, my father and I in our own ways can work toward ending this harmful practice once and for all. In honor of Father’s Day 2024, Sahiyo’s male engagement program, Bhaiyo, has launched a month-long public awareness campaign to uplift the importance of male voices and allies in ending FGC. Throughout the month of June, we’ll be asking community members to share how they have raised the topic of FGC in conversation with men in their lives. If you would like to contribute, please email sheena@sahiyo.org. Related: How to have effective conversations about FGC This Father’s Day, join our campaign
Exploring Diverse Narratives of FGM/C: A Virtual Voices Screening Event
Join us on June 26th for an engaging and interactive session that offers a unique opportunity for dialogue and reflection surrounding the diverse narratives of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Through the powerful storytelling of our Voices to End FGM/C program, we will showcase a collection of authentic and compelling stories, each offering a glimpse into the lived experiences, resilience, and courage of individuals impacted by FGM/C. Webinar details: Date: Jun 26, 2024 Time: 9-10AM Pacific / 12-1PM Eastern Register: https://bit.ly/FGMCNarratives This session aims to foster understanding, empathy, and solidarity as we explore the multifaceted aspects of this issue. Together, let’s listen, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations about the impact of FGM/C on individuals and communities. We invite you to bring your curiosity and questions, as we strive to create a safe and open environment for dialogue and reflection. From the storytellers: “I was so shocked when I found out that it still happens in some communities around the globe, including the one my sister and I were raised in.” – Hatim (Listen) “As of 2020, estimates are that at least 200 million women and girls have experienced female genital mutilation. This statistic makes me question if I, a trans-non-binary survivor of FGM, am real.” – Dena (On Being A Non-Binary Survivor of FGM/C) “I will never forget, and even if my mind did forget, my body cannot.”– Somaya (Permanent Wound) Don’t miss this important event that brings to light the voices and stories of those who have been impacted by FGM/C. You participation contributes to a larger dialogue about human rights, gender equality, and the urgent need to end FGM/C. We look forward to seeing you there! Register today here.
Voices from Washington and Beyond: an In-Person Voices to End FGM/C Screening in Kent, WA
On June 13th, we had the privilege of hosting an in-person screening of the Voices to End FGM/C digital storytelling project in Kent, Washington, alongside project partners the US End FGM/C Network, Mother Africa, and the Washington Department of Health. This event provided a platform for courageous Washington-based individuals to share their personal narratives, shedding light on the practice of FGM/C and its profound impact on their lives. The screening featured powerful videos from participants who bravely addressed the physical, emotional, and social consequences of FGM/C. These stories highlighted the diverse and enduring impacts of the practice, reflecting a wide range of cultural and community contexts. Some storytellers shared their experiences of advocacy efforts to end FGM/C, while others explored how healthcare providers can best support survivors or discussed the effects of FGM/C on their family relationships. The event also emphasized the significance of Washington State’s recent legislative progress, particularly the passage of State Senate Bill 5453 in April 2023, aimed at addressing FGM/C within the state. This milestone underscores the importance of multi-sectorial, holistic approaches involving healthcare, government, nonprofit, and community-based organizations, alongside community members directly impacted by FGM/C. A special feature of the event was the panel discussion, where two of the storytellers, Muna and Severina, answered questions about their experiences and insights. The discussion covered topics such as the healing process, the need for support and resources, effective strategies for spreading awareness, challenges faced by survivors in seeking medical care, and ways to engage communities, including men and boys, in the conversation to end FGM/C. The screening in Kent fostered a sense of community and solidarity, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for open dialogue and mutual support. Many participants expressed gratitude for having a survivor-centered space where individuals could share and reflect on their experiences. We are deeply grateful to all the storytellers for their courage and the attendees for actively participating in learning more about FGM/C. Related: Sahiyo U.S. Engages Community Stakeholders in Seattle, Washington to Advance Senate Bill 5453 Initiatives Check out and bookmark Sahiyo’s Events Calendar
How to have effective conversations about FGC
In honor of Father’s Day 2024, Sahiyo’s male engagement program, Bhaiyo, is launching a public awareness campaign to uplift the importance of male voices and allies in ending female genital cutting or FGC. Recognizing that FGC is a community health issue – not just a woman’s issue – the movement to end FGC needs additional male voices and allies to bring this issue to the forefront. This June, we’ll be holding a month-long campaign asking community members to share how they have raised the topic of FGC in conversation with men in their lives. In order to help create safe, insightful, and positive conversations, we have provided a list of tools, questions, guidelines that can help you facilitate these conversations. Keep in mind you an apply many of these tips to conversations with others in your life as well, not just men. 1) Listening: The simple act of genuinely listening to another person is powerful. Listen with your full attention, without judgment or assumptions. Instead of giving advice or telling a person what to feel or do, be a sounding board and brainstorm options. However, setting appropriate limits is important for effective communication. If someone is being hateful towards you, it is okay to not continue the conversation. 2) Sharing stories during conversations: Storytelling can be intimidating for people who find it hard to believe they have any story worth sharing, especially if it’s about something personal, taboo, or hidden. Yet it’s also empowering, supporting an individual’s ability to think through what it is she wants to say, whom she wants to say it to, and what she hopes will happen as a result, while retaining significant control over the use and distribution of her narrative. As healing as it can be, though, it also comes with its own personal risks: a person may feel more vulnerable and alone after sharing, or might be shamed by others. Create the right conditions for somebody to feel safe to share their story with you and encourage them, but don’t pressure them if they’re not ready. 3) Continued conversations: Social change takes time, and often we may experience that we don’t get the results that we want in one conversation. Therefore, it is important to take stock of what has occurred during the course of the conversation, and allow all parties involved some time and space to reflect on it. However, do not let it be your last conversation. Change can only happen if we are constantly in dialogue with each other. 4) If you’re talking to a man, consider initiating conversations with these questions: When did you first come to know about FGC? What is the role men can play in educating communities about FGC? How can brothers/fathers make an impact in these conversations about ending FGC? What message would you like to give to all the fathers and brothers out there about ending FGC? We hope that this guide and list of questions will help you to have stimulating conversations that are enlightening and constructive. For comments and inquiries about the campaign, please reach out to Samman Masud at samman@sahiyo.org. PS: Sahiyo will soon be launching a survey around male engagement on FGC during our June Father’s Day campaign. We’ll be sharing more information in the future about how to participate! Related: This Father’s Day, join our campaign
Reflecting on the Activist Retreat
By Arefa Cassoobhoy Why did you want to attend the retreat? I had attended a virtual retreat during Covid and I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed meeting other people virtually, so that helped me feel comfortable that I would do well in an in-person group. Going to the virtual retreat also made me realize that I was ready to learn more about FGC and the history of the practice in the Bohra community. I knew that Zehra Petwa and Mariya were FGC experts when it came to talking about FGC, so I wanted to learn from them and the team how to communicate in a nonjudgmental way about the practice. I also wanted to learn how to support survivors who have gone through it. What have you learned or most enjoyed at the retreat? I was blown away by the kinship aspect of the retreat. I was born and raised in the US, and the Bohras I knew were the families that I grew up with, so it’s a pretty small close-knit group. We’re all very similar when it comes down to our backgrounds, and so at the retreat I got to meet Bohras who had different life experiences. The conversations were interesting, honest, and insightful. It was great to see how people’s ideas for activism were evolving throughout the weekend. We talked about what we thought our roles were in the community and how that relates to helping stop FGC. We also talked about how we can discuss FGC with our families and how it’s important to be able to have those real conversations. I already had compassion for the people impacted by FGC, but the retreat really helped me build a toolkit of how to talk about it and support people. Also, I think as a doctor, as a parent, and as a woman, I feel there’s an obligation that I have to protect young girls. There are a lot of bad things going on in the world, but this particular issue is close to me in a way that I feel like I can make a difference. It’s important to recognize that FGC occurs across the world and it’s not limited by religion or socioeconomic status or geography. At the retreat, we brought in a physician who I had worked with in the past who performs surgeries and provides medical care related to FGC – and there are a lot of people in Atlanta that need this medical care. She gave a great primer on some of the medical issues that come up with FGC, and that was extremely impactful. How do you think this retreat will inform your work as an activist? This retreat helped me clarify the next steps for my activism. It made me realize that I had a lot more questions about the legal part of FGC. So now this year I’m on a committee with Sahiyo working on a legal timeline to help us understand and break down what’s happening state-by-state in the US and potentially address what’s going on in other countries. This is a topic where people can feel like they are making small changes, and they may feel like it’s not going to make a difference. But when you look at these timelines, you see how people’s voices are influencing incremental changes that add up quickly. What work are you doing currently or hoping to do in the future? The most important thing that I learned from the retreat is that I want people around me to know about the topic, not in a sensational way, but in a grounded and respectful way that encourages positive change. I think it helps bring awareness to the Bohra community, because it’s so hush-hush. Being vocal about FGC allows it to come up more in day-to-day conversations. That makes it easier for people to speak out and not feel afraid or embarrassed. I plan to continue speaking out about FGC and hope people feel welcome to come talk to me about their need for healing and how to prevent girls around them from experiencing FGC. Join us at the next three-day Sahiyo Activists Retreat, taking place virtually this year from July 26-July 28. Sign up now by June 1st. Related: Join us for Sahiyo’s 8th annual Activists Retreat Rally, Revel, Repeat : A Changemakers Retreat!
Impactful Media Reporting on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the United States: A Reflection on our April 17, 2024 Webinar
By Megan Seaver On April 17th, Sahiyo U.S and Equality Now had the honor of hosting a virtual event, “Impactful Media Reporting on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the United States: A Conversation.” This webinar explored how to report on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in a culturally cognizant, gender-sensitive, and ethical way. Attendees were media and communications professionals. Speakers included a panel of media and advocacy experts, such as: Washington State Senator Karen Kaiser, Emma Batha of Thomson Reuters Foundation News, Journalist Milena Mikael Debass, and documentary filmmaker Milena Warns from Without Exception Films. The moderators were Sahiyo Co-founder and U.S. Executive Director, Mariya Taher, and Equality Now Communications Officer for North America, Mel Bailey. Through this conversation, attendees were better able to understand the prevalence and complexity of FGM/C within the U.S. and the importance of engaging with survivors in a considerate manner when reporting on FGM/C. Additionally, attendees gained strategies on how to use media platforms to raise awareness and educate the public on FGM/C. They also learned analytical tools for covering related news, such as legal developments and community advocacy efforts effectively. Here are some highlights from webinar attendees: The importance of building relationships with survivors: “I can’t stress enough how important it is to build those contacts with survivors because that is how you get stories. When I meet advocates, or survivors I like to spend quite a lot of time with them, and meet them in person, because even if that interaction does not lead to a story you’re still increasing your knowledge which makes for better reporting and also builds trust so that the survivor or organization better understands what you as the report are seeking from the interaction” – Emma Batha The impact of a comprehensive approach and the role the media plays in it: “We are here to talk about media in all its forms and the roles that media can play when it comes to having a multi-sectoral approach to end FGM/C. Multi-sectoral means the collective effort of government agencies [and] local organizations, provides FGM/C education builds awareness, as well as support services for survivors at the federal, state, and local levels, to end FGM/C.” – Mariya Taher How media can tackle misinformation: “It takes a lot of education, and the media is a part of that process because people have a lot of misinformation. Unfortunately, we had to clarify that this practice is not religious practice… so it was somewhat of a difficult communications project and I have to give credit to the Washington coalition for providing first-person testimony to correct, and educate and to elucidate this issue.” – Senator Karen Kaiser On Survivor-led initiatives: “I wanted to write something that highlighted survivor-lead efforts to end the practice in the U.S. Figuring out how to show that work through videos took time, to build relationships, and how to make it visual. I had several conversations with Mariya, always kind of thinking about what types of work I could highlight. By the end, I was able to interview three survivor activists, but also film the Activist Retreat which is put on by Sahiyo in New York, [as well as help a D.C.survivors support group for African women, and a training for law enforcement on how to look for signs of FGM/C taking place in their community.” – Milena Mikael Debass Bring the issue of FGM/C to a wider audience: “We have a docu-series that focuses on different issues women face around the world and FGM/C is one of those. The one thing I keep coming back to is that we don’t give people enough credit. People want to learn about this, myself included. When we were going to film in different parts of the world, I spoke to my friends about this project and they wanted to know more about it. Then when we included the celebrity component we interviewed Constance Wu, an actress in Crazy Rich Asians who personally chose to discuss this topic because she personally wanted to learn about it.” – Milena Warns To learn more about this event, watch the recording below: [youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJsW0Ll024I”] Learn more about media communication/reporting on FGM/C with the resources below: Sahiyo survivor stories – Sahiyo Resource Guide for Sensitive and Effective Reporting on FGM/C – Sahiyo Global FGM media reporting toolkit – Equality Now US FGM media factsheet – Equality Now US FGM State Law Map – Equality Now
Reflections after sharing my story during the Psychosocial Impacts of FGM/C Webinar
Farrah Dalal was one of the speakers who participated in our “Quiet Activism and the Psychosocial Impacts of Female Genital Cutting” webinar. Watch a recording of the event here. By Farrah Dalal Sharing my story and participating in events to uplift the cause of ending FGM/C always leaves me with feelings of physical heaviness afterwards. Normally, I would take this time to do some self-care, a nourishing meal, a comforting TV show, or a mindless walk through the grocery store. Today, I wanted to describe what I am feeling and release some of this tension through writing. As the years have passed, the topic is one that energizes and exhausts me at the same time. I wanted to expand on this, because as an activist and a survivor these two roles are often at odds. It’s hard to do the work, when the work still brings up so much emotion. I have difficulty deciding what to do with myself when the physical symptoms are present, and you realize how much pain the body stores. Giving myself permission to rest after these experiences has been very helpful for me. During the webinar, I touched a lot on the theme of duality and living as two different people. I think almost anyone can relate to this concept and has experienced it at some point in their lives. For me, in my story, I talked about how exhausting it is to live this way and I had been doing that for the majority of my formative years. I am still actively doing the work of integrating these two separate people. A few years ago, I read Know My Name: A Memoir, Chanel Miller’s memoir. For many years she was known as “Emily Doe” in the media during the Stanford swimmer Brock Turner’s sexual assault trial before deciding to come forward about her experience. The book was beautifully written, as she discusses the psychosocial impacts that manifested after the incident. I cried several times while reading it. I saw my younger self reflected in those pages, trying to grapple with who I was and what was being done to me. She so eloquently declares that coming forward – knowing her name – was a part of reclaiming herself and her lost identity – that she was still Chanel. That this was only one part of her, one bad thing that had happened, that shouldn’t erase all of the good things or the good things to come in her life. I couldn’t believe how similar our experiences and our “A-ha” moments were. This is around the time that I had decided to also “come forward” and share my story with my name and photo as part of my own healing journey through the “Voices to End FGM/C” project in 2022. No doubt, it was unnerving to share my story publicly. I thought about someone “Googling” me and this very well may be the first thing that comes up – something so personal and private – out there for the whole world to know and judge me for. At the same time, my passion for ending this practice takes precedence and the other things seem so small in comparison now. I can understand other survivors could be fearful and hesitant, or “feeling stuck” about sharing their experiences. It took a very long time for me to reach this point of openness, and I think having my own children greatly contributed to my having more of a public role in advancing the conversation to end the practice. When my story was released, the weight of what I had been carrying alone for so many years was lifted. Putting it out there was something I not only felt compelled to do, but needed to do for myself. It felt like, “now this is not just my responsibility, but your responsibility too. Here is my name and face and my personal experience and it matters. I am not from a faraway or fictitious land, I am your real family member, friend, neighbor, colleague – a citizen of your community.” To echo what was shared in the webinar, yes, we need to end this practice in our communities, AND there are still hundreds of thousands of survivors who live among you and need affirming care. When I shared my “Voices” video the amount of support and acknowledgement I received was deeply healing, and even a quiet “thumbs up” or “heart” made me feel seen. I will continue to do the work that honors me. I’m not entirely sure what that will always look like – some days it may be loud, and others it may be quiet – but it will always be a part of my new identity that is still forming. Related: My story doesn’t end here by Farrah Dalal Female Genital Cutting Survivor Support Resources
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
Key takeaways from the “From Rhetoric to Reality: Closing the Funding Gap to End FGM/C” event
By Sheena Vasani and Mariya Taher It’s hard to believe, but in monetary terms, all it could take to avert one case of FGM/C is $95 – roughly the cost many of us pay for a year or so of Netflix. Despite that fact, one of the reasons female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is on the rise worldwide is because of a lack of adequate funding. How is that possible? That’s one of the many questions Sahiyo and other members of The Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C coalition explored on March 15th during a parallel event at the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68). Hosted by the Global Platform coalition in partnership with the United States Mission to the United Nations, the “From Rhetoric to Reality: Closing the Funding Gap to End FGM/C” event sought to educate, mobilize, and inspire stakeholders from around the world with innovative ways to close the gap. Speakers included experts and influential change-makers from around the world, including: Wisal Ahmed, Global Coordinator of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Asenath Mwithigah, the CEO of Orchid Project Susan Gibbs/Sarah Roma, Director of the Women’s Rights Program at Wallace Global Fund Stephanie Baric, Senior Gender-Based Violence Technical Advisor (FGM/C & CEFMU), USAID’s Office of Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment Sharon Armstrong, the Director-General of the Social Development Bureau at Global Affairs Canada Jaha Dukureh, the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa on FGM and child marriage, was unable to attend as she was in The Gambia working to keep a law banning FGM alive. However, she still shared with us a short video message addressing funding needs and awareness about the situation in The Gambia. Meanwhile, international conceptual artist Sophia Wallace — who is well-known for her viral project Cliteracy —also donated her art to the event. As a part of the event, Sahiyo and others presented some eye-opening – and at times, jaw-dropping – findings. For example, the world has seen a 15 percent increase in the total number of FGM/C survivors compared to data released in 2016, according to UNICEF data presented at the event. That equates to an additional 30 million people, meaning a total of 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM/C. Because of this, FGM/C rates must decline globally 27 times faster if we hope to eliminate the practice by 2030. We also need $3.3 billion just to avert 24.6 million FGM/C cases in 31 priority countries by 2030, a UNFPA report reveals. Yet as only $275 million in development assistance will be spent between 2020-2030, that leaves a funding gap of over $2.1 billion. And that’s just for the 31 countries the report focused on – not the additional 60+ countries where FGC is also practiced. It’s safe to say the situation is pretty dire. And yet despite all those numbers, the event also gave us reasons to have hope. The event sought to bring together various stakeholders and government figures to help elevate conversation and commitment toward closing the funding gap. To that end, we promoted the Kigali Declaration, specifically calling for a Global Commitment Summit to significantly increase funding for FGM/C prevention and response efforts worldwide – and especially shift funding directly toward frontline, grassroots activists. UNICEF data reveals that half of the progress made in the last three decades happened in just the past 10 years alone. This rapid change reflects changing attitudes towards FGM/C – in other words, efforts by organizations like Sahiyo to change social norms are working. But to get rid of FGM/C sooner rather than later, we also need increased funding – and now. Join us in calling on governments and donors worldwide to put their money where their mouth is – sign and share the Kigali Declaration with your network, and spread the word.