Upcoming Training: Prevention Efforts for FGM/C Across the Country
Sahiyo U.S. invites you to join our upcoming training session: Prevention Efforts for FGM/C Across the Country on December 12, 2024 at 12-1:30 PM PT/ 3-4:30 PM ET. This training was developed in collaboration with our project partners the U.S. End FGM/C Network, Mother Africa, and the Washington Department of Health, as part of our efforts to prevent and respond to FGM/C in Washington State. In this session we will delve into prevention programming and efforts on FGM/C in the United States. Our aim is to equip organizations, service providers, advocates, and community leaders with the knowledge, tools, and frameworks to best engage in preventing FGM/C. Through this training we will uplift best practices and insights on prevention programming and provide individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills to engage in effective and culturally sensitive prevention work. The training will also feature speakers from organizations that have successfully integrated prevention programming strategies into their work to stop FGM/C and save those who are at risk. By the end of the session, participants will: Be introduced to case studies of impactful prevention programs, showcasing key success factors and lessons learned Identify strategies for building cross-sector collaborations and partnerships Learn about best practices for engaging communities in prevention efforts Register here!
Sahiyo Teams Up With Womankind for an FGC 101 Training
On August 14th 2024, Sahiyo U.S. Advisory Board Member, Kaneez Madraswalla, led a FGC 101 training in collaboration with Womankind in New York City. Womankind is a leading organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual violence. They offer multilingual and culturally responsive services to all with a particular focus on Asian communities. The training served as an important first step in raising awareness about FGC among Womankind’s team. Some attendees shared their personal experiences, whether that involved coming from a culture that practices FGC or knowing someone who has been impacted. This exchange of stories and insights highlighted the importance of the work we’re doing to raise awareness and support survivors. This introductory session laid the groundwork for Womankind to integrate FGC awareness into their community support efforts. By initiating this dialogue, we are opening the door to further education, support, and advocacy, taking crucial steps to protect and uplift those impacted by FGC.
Sahiyo Presents FGC 101 Training at ICASA’s Annual Conference
On May 22nd, Sahiyo U.S. had the honor of presenting an FGC 101 training at the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) conference in Springfield, Illinois. This training aimed to raise awareness and educate attendees about the critical issue of female genital cutting (FGC). Our session provided a comprehensive overview of FGC, including terminology, WHO’s classification of FGC, health impacts, and prevalence globally and in the United States, with specific statistics from Illinois. The presentation emphasized the need for stronger data, enhanced research, and community engagement to improve prevention, protection, and support services for women and girls impacted by FGC. Jumai Olumo, a dedicated Sahiyo volunteer and PhD candidate studying community psychology with a special focus on FGM/C, attended in person to support the event. Her academic and professional insights made the discussion both informative and personable. The diverse audience included rape crisis center staff from around the state, counselors, advocates, preventionists, and management/leadership, all of whom play a crucial role in supporting survivors of sexual violence. Participants were struck by the global and local prevalence of FGC, including within the United States. Many attendees were also surprised to learn that only 41 states currently have laws against FGC. One attendee remarked, “The presentation was incredibly impactful for someone like me who had little knowledge of FGC,” while another reflected, “great, informative presentation. Glad to know this organization exists.” The ICASA conference provided an excellent platform for Sahiyo to connect with other organizations and individuals committed to ending sexual violence and supporting survivors. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation and continue raising awareness.
Join our FGM/C 101 Training on May 23rd!
We are pleased to announce our upcoming Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C) 101 Training on May 23rd at 10:30AM-12:00PM Pacific/ 1:30PM-3:00PM Eastern. This session will delve into the hidden realities of FGM/C as a form of gender-based violence, particularly focusing on its impact in Washington State and surrounding areas. Zoom Registration: https://bit.ly/May23FGMCTraining Event Highlights: Understanding FGM/C: Explore the complexities of FGM/C and its secretive nature. Health Impacts: Learn about the severe, lifelong health consequences for impacted women and girls. Data and Research: Discuss the crucial role of data, research, and community engagement in crafting effective support and prevention strategies. Domestic Focus: Take a closer look at the prevalence of FGM/C in the U.S., and more specifically in Washington and nearby metropolitan areas. This training is designed for community members, stakeholders, healthcare providers, and anyone interested in learning more about FGM/C and building an awareness of how to support individuals impacted the practice. If you want to invite Sahiyo to present at your community event or classroom, fill out this interest form. Please contact, aries@sahiyo.org with any questions about our community outreach and education programs.
Training the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium on FGC in honor of Zero Tolerance Day for FGC.
We are delighted to share insights from a training session hosted by Sahiyo in partnership with the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium (SF-DVC) on February 8, 2024. Our “FGC-101,” training aimed to shed light on the complex issue of female genital cutting (FGC) and uplift the ongoing collaborative efforts between Sahiyo and AWS on expanding gender-based violence (GBV) services to support survivors of FGC. This training was delivered to 16 advocates and community-based attorneys from the San Francisco Bay area. Led by Sahiyo’s Executive Director, Mariya Taher, and T&TA Coordinator, Aries Nuño, and Orchid Pusey from the Asian Women’s Shelter the training provided a comprehensive overview of FGC, including its physical and psychological impacts, global and U.S. perspectives, effective strategies for supporting survivors. These positive reflections from the participants underscored the importance of our collaborative efforts to address GBV and the value of providing informative and engaging educational experiences: “Thank you for your work! Looking forward to learning more and I appreciate AWS’s leadership on this matter.” “Thank you for a super engaging presentation! I learned a lot.” This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to educate, engage, and empower advocates, enhancing their ability to offer crucial services to those affected by FGC. We extend our gratitude to the participants for their active engagement and to the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium for their partnership! For more training and technical assistance information contact aries@sahiyo.org.
Upcoming Equality Now media training
On December 13th from 12-2:30 PM (Malaysia time), Sahiyo India is participating in a media training workshop with Equality Now and Kalyanamitra. The workshop’s aim is to sensitize journalists and media practitioners reporting on the prevalence of FGM/C in Asia in an effective way. The practice of FGM/C has been recorded in Asian countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Maldives, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Sri Lanka, and India. Though widespread, the practice of FGM/C that occurs in Asia continues to receive little acknowledgement, and so does Asia as a region affected by the practice. This dissonance continues to be found in official statistics as well. For example, according to UNICEF, at least 200 million girls and women alive today and in 31 countries have undergone FGM/C. However, this does not represent the accurate picture as it is based only on data from nationally representative surveys. FGM/C is actually known to take place in at least 92 countries worldwide. (Orchid Project) This combined workshop and discussion event will present an overview of fundamental details about FGM/C in Asia. The discussion module will significantly help participants to better understand what constitutes ‘good’ or ‘bad’ FGM/C media coverage, how to ideate better and pitch more effective FGM/C-related pieces, and how to interact with and represent FGM/C survivors in Asia sensitively. Sahiyo India will be represented by Priya Goswami, a co-founder of Sahiyo as well as a co-founder and CEO of the Mumkin App, which aims to use technology to help survivors of gender-based violence. Priya is also the recipient of a National Film Award for her documentary ‘A Pinch of Skin,’ the first documentary from India to speak about the practice of FGM/C. Through the lens of a filmmaker and a communication designer, she will discuss safe and survivor-centric practices for depicting FGM/C. Please email us to receive the registration link for the session at info@sahiyo.org or to Shruti Sharada at Equality Now at ssharada@equalitynow.org.
FGC 101 Training for Volunteers at Asian Women’s Shelter
As part of Sahiyo’s long-standing collaboration with the Asian Women’s Shelter (AWS), a training session was held on October 28th to empower incoming volunteers. The training aimed to equip AWS’s dedicated volunteers with essential knowledge and foundational skills for understanding the pressing issue of female genital cutting (FGC), both globally and within their communities in the United States. The training was not about transforming volunteers into experts, but rather about creating a safe and nurturing space for learning and dialogue; Sahiyo and AWS recognize the importance of both fostering an environment where volunteers feel encouraged to learn more about FGC, and providing them with resources to continue the conversation in their communities. Throughout the presentation, an atmosphere of open dialogue prevailed. Volunteers actively engaged in the session, asking numerous questions and reflecting on the content. This dynamic exchange of ideas and information is crucial in breaking the silence that often shrouds FGC. By asking questions and reflecting on the material, the volunteers are taking first steps in becoming advocates for survivors and being able to raise awareness in their communities. The partnership between Sahiyo and AWS is not only about knowledge transfer, but also about building a strong foundation of empathy, understanding, and support. We believe in the power of collective learning and collaboration, and will continue our commitment to empowering voices, strengthening communities, and ending the cycle of silence surrounding FGC.
Bridgewell Organizes Training for Social Workers
Social workers are an important stakeholder group to provide training for when it comes to supporting survivors of female genital cutting (FGC), and building the cultural competency of social workers is vital. Within the U.S., however, many social workers, advocates, and social service providers are not adequately equipped to address FGC in their practice. On Nov 8, in collaboration with Sahiyo and the US Network to End FGM/C Network, Bridgewell organized a training that provided continuing education units (CEUs) to social workers; the training gave an introductory foundation for understanding what FGC is, including its prevalence in the U.S. and globally, as well as and the role of social workers in addressing and responding to this issue. The workshop shared key competencies and best practices for working with survivors of FGC and supported increasing attendees’ confidence in talking about and addressing FGC in their practice.
Exploring FGC with GBV Service Providers
Female genital cutting (FGC) is an often overlooked facet of gender-based violence (GBV) in the United States. On November 2nd, Sahiyo joined forces with South Asian SOAR to host a training session tailored for service providers in the GBV sector. Facilitators delved into the complexities of FGC, providing attendees with insights into FGC’s various forms and the emotional and physical impacts of this harmful practice. Compelling stories from survivors, shared through Sahiyo’s Voices to End FGM/C project, shed light on the intersectional identities of survivors and their emotional journeys, as well as their inspiring advocacy efforts. The training also explored the cultural contexts of FGC, examining its presence globally, and more specifically in the U.S., receiving an overview of current U.S. laws related to FGC. A reflection discussion prompted conversations about effective ways to engage with the general public and survivors on the issue of FGC. With more than 15 SOAR coalition members in attendance, this knowledge equips service providers to offer comprehensive support, bridging the understanding gap surrounding the complexities of FGC. As one participant stated: This session opened the other side of GBV, which is often absent from our day-to-day narratives. Thank you????. If your organization is interested in inviting Sahiyo to conduct a training session, please contact Sahiyo’s Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator Aries Nuño for more information.
Register today for training on FGM/C for Social Workers
Title: FGM/C: It’s Time to Talk About ItDate: November 8, 2023 Time: 9:30-1:30 PM EST Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is recognized in the US and internationally as a human rights violation and a form of gender-based violence. However, many social workers, advocates, and social service providers are not adequately equipped to address FGM/C in their practice. This workshop will provide an introductory foundation for understanding what FGM/C is, including its prevalence in the U.S. and globally, and the role of social workers in addressing and responding to this issue. In addition, the workshop will share key competencies and best practices for working with survivors of FGM/C. This workshop intends to increase attendees’ confidence in talking about and addressing FGM/C in their practice and provide relevant resources. Objectives: Participants will learn about the role of social workers in addressing FGM/C. Participants will learn about the common service needs for people who have been impacted by FGM/C. Participants will learn how to apply core social work competencies and approaches to working with people impacted by FGM/C in culturally responsive ways. Participants will gain an introductory understanding of what female genital cutting/mutilation is; including the types of FGM/C, justifications for the practices, physical and psychological impacts, and its prevalence in the US and globally. Register for the event here. For more information, please visit the event page on Bridgewell’s website.