Sahiyo’s International Women’s Day Celebration & Silent Auction Donor Spotlight: Danae Laura
Starting March 8th, International Women’s Day, Sahiyo U.S. will be hosting a virtual silent auction to raise funds and awareness for our programs and services to end female genital cutting (FGC). The auction will open on Wednesday, March 8th, 9am PST/ 12pm EST and close on Sunday, March 12th, 6pm PST/ 9pm EST. We have some amazing sponsors and auction items have been provided by our supporters., To uplift and thank them for their contribution, we’re highlighting who they are and why they support Sahiyo. When and how did your involvement with Sahiyo first begin? I first learned about Sahiyo from Mariya Taher, one of the founders. A mutual friend introduced us back in 2015 as I was launching my yoga business, Selfmade, dedicated to marginalized bodies. Over the years, I had heard of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and definitely imagined it to be occurring outside of the United States, if at all still happening in modern day. As I learned more from Sahiyo about the topic, I saw how it is not only a local and present topic, but also a tender one. Women and men affiliated with Sahiyo are brave in their willingness to speak up, while holding respect for their culture and the people practicing due to tradition. Why did you decide to give to Sahiyo’s silent auction? What does the event mean to you? Over the years I have donated here and there, not only in support of the work itself, but also because I’ve always been impressed by Sahiyo’s unique and creative programming. I am overjoyed to support Sahiyo’s silent auction as they continue to expand their reach, their services, and their organizational structure. I decided to give for these reasons, and am hopeful that the event will have a great turnout! What did you donate? I donated a coaching package of six 30-minute sessions for Executive Leadership or Life-Leadership Coaching ($900 value). Executive Leadership Coaching for CEOs & EDs is thought partnership and external input for those with the title of “leader”. Too often the decision makers at an organization don’t have the much needed chance to process out loud for problem solving, naming gray areas, and nuanced skill improvement. Together, we hold space for complex topics such as organizational culture/strategy/change, programming enhancements, and DEI topics (including self-reflection on your racial identity journey). Life-Leadership Coaching for All is thought partnership and external input for those without the formal title of “leader” who are seeking to access or hone their internal compass. Life is full of constant decisions and opportunity costs. This style of coaching helps one process where they have been, where they are, and where they want to go. In a culture focused on consumption and achievement, Danae helps you to self-define your goals and metrics of success. Sometimes sessions will aim to push you harder, and sometimes sessions will encourage you to fall back. How would you like to see your donation help Sahiyo grow? As someone who has studied both social change and organizational strategy, I know how important it is for nonprofits to receive not only ample funding, but also unrestricted funding specifically. Unrestricted funding will allow Sahiyo to support areas of growth that they know are most urgent, separate from grant requirements. Why do you think others should donate to Sahiyo? As a grassroots organization, Sahiyo impacts the community it is serving while serving them. In other words, the goal of empowering women WHILE ending FGM/C is baked into the process via giving women “the mic” and the chance for their stories to be heard. My heritage is mixed, and does not include a culture that practices FGM, but I am familiar with how women are disempowered physically, economically, and politically by cultural practices. Separate from FGM/C, the common practice of hypersexualizing women and girls while demonizing the expression of sexuality places women at constant odds with our body and sense of safety or self. I think others should donate to Sahiyo because pleasure and sexuality are foundational aspects of our lives, and people deserve to make decisions about their own bodies. Ending FGM/C is one way of not only impacting this generation of women, but future generations too. Pleasure is a source of energy and wisdom for activism (see Adrienne Maree Brown ‘Pleasure Activism’). When we nourish people’s ability to access their basic needs, including pleasure, we have a better chance of addressing the pressing issues of our time.
Sahiyo’s International Women’s Day Celebration & Silent Auction Donor Spotlight: Dr. Akil Taherbhai
Starting March 8th, International Women’s Day, Sahiyo U.S. will be hosting a virtual silent auction to raise funds and awareness for our programs and services to end female genital cutting (FGC). The auction will open on Wednesday, March 8th, 9am PST/ 12pm EST and close on Sunday, March 12th, 6pm PST/ 9pm EST. We have some amazing sponsors and auction items have been provided by our supporters. To uplift and thank them for their contribution, we’re highlighting who they are and why they support Sahiyo. When and how did your involvement with Sahiyo first begin? So, I think it started when I had a conversation with my cousin, who was familiar with Sahiyo’s work, about FGM/C and he told me about all the great work that Sahiyo is doing. Back in the 70s, I was practicing medicine in The Middle East, and it was a great shock to me that my co-workers and colleagues, all doctors, were circumcising their own daughters. I think that’s when I first began feeling passionate about this issue. I only actively got involved with Sahiyo after speaking with Arefa Casshobhoy, who, at a community gathering, asked me if I’d like to get more familiar with Sahiyo’s work. I said, 100%, this is what I really believe in. Arefa’s a splendid person, and she really pushed me to think about my role in contributing to this work. Why did you decide to donate to Sahiyo’s silent auction? What does the event mean to you? When I saw what Sahiyo was doing, I was immediately committed to helping in any way that I could. The more money we raise, the more work we can do. I don’t mind putting my book out– it has already been well received and reviewed, and I have done hundreds of interviews and podcasts to help people understand heart disease, as it is the leading cause of death in the world today. So, my point is, by donating four copies of my book to Sahiyo’s auction, I want to help the organization raise as much money as possible, while also providing valuable information to the highest bidder. What did you donate? I donated four signed copies of my book, Open Heart, as well as an hour of my time to answer any of the highest bidder’s questions over a Zoom call. I wear three hats- a doctor, an open heart surgery survivor, and a septuagenarian athlete. So, I can and will answer any questions from the highest bidder regarding the prevention of chronic disease, fitness, and open heart surgery. I want people to learn from my shortcomings and mistakes, and at the same time contribute to a cause that is close to me. How would you like to see your donation help Sahiyo grow? My broad focus of the impact of this donation is contributing to ending this practice of FGM/C. I want this cause to be helped, whether it is Nigeria or Egypt or the U.S., or wherever. That is my first aim. And then, if I am needed for other things, such as the Bhaiyo program, I will use whatever expertise I have to contribute to it. I’ve gotten so much from the community, and I want to give back. It is my community, too. Why do you think others should donate to Sahiyo? I think others should donate to Sahiyo, because, in my opinion, there is no better way for them to contribute to something larger than themselves. The message I would give to others is this: donate your time, donate your expertise, and donate your money. Whether you are an actor, a CEO, a physician, or whatever, and if you have the means, use your resources and skill-sets to donate to this cause. It is not going to get better unless we act now. My final message to people is: dig deep in your pockets.
Sahiyo’s International Women’s Day Celebration & Silent Auction Donor Spotlight: Tahir Taherbhai
Starting March 8th, International Women’s Day, Sahiyo U.S. will be hosting a virtual silent auction to raise funds and awareness for our programs and services to end female genital cutting (FGC). The auction will open on Wednesday, March 8th, 9am PST/ 12pm EST and close on Sunday, March 12th, 6pm PST/ 9pm EST. We have some amazing sponsors and auction items have been provided by our supporters., To uplift and thank them for their contribution, we’re highlighting who they are and why they support Sahiyo. When and how did your involvement with Sahiyo first begin? I was only very recently formally introduced to Sahiyo by Arefa Casshobhoy, who is the daughter of one of my closest friends. Before that, I knew of the organisation’s existence through my daughter, who had interacted with Sahiyo in California about four years ago. Even then, I was not aware of the work that was being done by the organisation; however, regarding the practice of FGM/C, I have been aware of it since I was in high school, and it is an issue that’s very close to my heart. My cousin, a doctor who was much older than me, talked to me about it as I was growing up. We made sure that it was not practiced within our own family. So when Arefa talked to me about Sahiyo, I was thrilled to learn about the work that you all are doing. Why did you decide to give to Sahiyo’s Silent Auction? What does the event mean to you? When I heard that Sahiyo was hosting its first-ever Auction, I knew I wanted to help in whatever way I could. I knew it would be hard for me to physically get involved because of my age andthe nature of work on Khatna would be overwhelming for me. But, I thought that the least I could do was financially contribute to the cause. What did you donate? I donated $500 in cash, and since I am a franchisee of Taco Bell, I matched my donation with $500 worth of Taco Bell coupons. How would you like your donation to help Sahiyo grow? I think I’d like this money to go towards generating awareness. It’s so sad, you know, that this practice is so hush-hush within our [Bohra] community and half the men in the household don’t even know it is taking place. I wish more men would get educated and involved in this, just as I was given the opportunity to do when I was younger. Why do you think others should donate to Sahiyo? With Sahiyo’s wide volunteer network and people like Arefa on the Advisory Board, I know that the team truly cares about the work that they are doing and the money is going in the right direction. People should donate to Sahiyo U.S. because their donations will be used prudently, and for a great cause. A note from the Editor: If you are interested in male engagement work around FGM/C, we encourage you to look into Sahiyo’s male ally program, Bhaiyo.
Sahiyo’s International Women’s Day Celebration & Silent Auction Donor Spotlight: Zehra Patwa
Starting March 8th, International Women’s Day, Sahiyo U.S. will be hosting a virtual silent auction to raise funds and awareness for our programs and services to end female genital cutting (FGC). The auction will open on Wednesday, March 8th, 9am PST/ 12pm EST and close on Sunday, March 12th, 6pm PST/ 9pm EST. We have some amazing sponsors and auction items have been provided by our supporters., To uplift and thank them for their contribution, we’re highlighting who they are and why they support Sahiyo. When and how did your involvement with Sahiyo first begin? Back in 2015, I was invited to join a WhatsApp group of women around the world who were starting to talk about khatna or female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in the Bohra community. This mighty group of women included the founders of Sahiyo. I had recently learned that khatna was taking place within my community and had also learned that I had been cut as a 7-year old girl. I was still working on accepting that my community perpetrated this harmful traditional practice, but hearing what other women had experienced further reinforced the impact of this practice and spurred me to speak out publicly about khatna. Since then I have been connected to Sahiyo in various ways, as a partner with WeSpeakOut, a retreat organizer, a volunteer, and now, as Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board. Why did you decide to become a donor for Sahiyo’s Inaugural Women’s Day Celebration and Silent Auction? What does giving to Sahiyo mean to you? When Sahiyo came up with the idea of a Silent Auction AND a Comedy Show, I was hooked! It’s such a fun way to do good in the world and I know how hard the staff at Sahiyo has worked to make this event outstanding. This International Women’s Day event is an indication that many people feel passionate about human rights and are willing to do what it takes to ensure girls are safe from harm. I want to see Sahiyo thrive and continue to do its important work to reach as many people as possible. Supporting Sahiyo is very personal to me. Sahiyo’s founders, staff, and volunteers have taught me so many skills to help process my experience of khatna and to help me find my voice so that I can spread awareness and educate others on the risks of the practice. I love to support the amazing work Sahiyo does so that others can benefit from their programs as I have. What did you donate? Two of my friends, who are artists, commissioned pieces for the auction. I’m so excited to share their work with a larger audience! You can now preview Kiran Zaman’s Kiran Zaman’s We Don’t Bow Our Heads, an original mixed media artwork piece derived from the Urdu poem, “We Sinful Women,” by Kishwar Naheed, online. How would you like to see your donation help Sahiyo grow? Sahiyo does so many important things but one thing that I find to be critical is empowering and amplifying the voices of those impacted by FGM/C. One of my favorite Sahiyo programs is the Voices workshop which brings diverse voices together and helps those impacted by FGM/C to share their stories and experiences. I saw, first hand, how impactful this sharing can be when my Voices video was first promoted in 2018. Not only did I benefit personally from telling my story, but I also gained new friends and learned that my story had helped others who were in the same boat as me. Why do you think others should donate to Sahiyo? I would highly encourage supporting Sahiyo as everyone involved in the organization is 100% committed to the mission and is laser focused in ensuring their work is done sensitively and respectfully. If your goal is to positively impact the lives of countless women and girls, you can do no better than to donate to Sahiyo so that they can continue to grow their range of programs to expand that impact even further. Ending FGM/C is the ultimate goal and supporting Sahiyo’s programs will bring us closer to that goal.
Tickets now available for Sahiyo’s Live Comedy Show!
Sahiyo is excited to announce our first ever virtual silent auction to raise $15K in support of our work to end female genital cutting. The auction will open on International Women’s Day, Wednesday, March 8th and close on Sunday, March 12th. To kick-off our 5-day celebration of women’s voices, we’re hosting a virtual evening of comedy and entertainment in a live comedy show on Wednesday, March 8th at 5pm PST/ 8pm EST. Join us to support an important cause and an evening of entertainment, comedy, and more! Featured comedians include Zahra Noorbakhsh, Marga Gomez, Pallavi Gunalan, and more! Secure your tickets today: https://bit.ly/Sahiyo2023KickOff. If you’re interested in donating to our silent auction or becoming a sponsor, click HERE. We appreciate your support and generosity.
Sahiyo’s Inaugural International Women’s Day Celebration & Silent Auction
Dates: Wednesday, March 08 – Sunday, March 12, 2023 Website Link: https://sahiyo.org/get-involved/events/sahiyo-silent-auction.html Item Donation Link: https://forms.gle/b7cHAALDU8QemtSi6 Sahiyo is planning our first ever virtual silent auction fundraising event to raise $15K in support of our work to end female genital cutting (FGC). The auction will open on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 and close on Sunday, March 12, 2023. During this 5-day event, we will celebrate women’s voices with video spotlights, stories, and entertainment. Do you have an item you’d like to donate or would you like to participate in our program? We are looking for silent auction items to help raise funds to end female genital cutting as well as some incredible women to celebrate during the event including artists, poets, authors, singers, activists, etc. If you are interested in joining us for this celebration, please contact michelle@sahiyo.org to sign up.