Announcing a New Website for FGM/C Prevention & Response Project in Washington State!
Sahiyo U.S. and partners of the FGM/C Prevention & Response in Washington State project are thrilled to announce the launch of wafgmc.com, the new comprehensive resource hub for the project! This website is designed to provide essential information and updates on our initiatives in Washington (WA). On the site, you’ll find valuable educational resources, information on the legislative history of FGM/C in WA, and opportunities to get involved with the project. Designed to support professionals, community members, and survivors, this site ensures accessibility and engagement for all, with translation options available in various languages (such as Arabic, Spanish, French, and more). Lastly, take some time to visit our page on upcoming training opportunities. Here, you can find details about training sessions that Sahiyo U.S. and project partner the U.S. End FGM/C Network, are planning to host over the next year on various topics related to FGM/C prevention and response. You can also request a specialized training by completing the request form to hold an in-person or virtual training for your group or organization. For more information please visit wafgmc.com.
Paving the Path to End FGC in Washington State! Year 1 in Review
We’re excited to share the highlights of an incredible journey we’ve embarked on with our partners Mother Africa, The U.S. End FGM/C Network, and the Washington State Department of Health. Our collective mission to prevent and respond to female genital cutting (FGC) across Washington State has seen tremendous progress since Year 1 began this past March, thanks to the enthusiastic support and participation of our community members. From the very beginning, with the Washington Coalition championing the law against FGC that eventually passed in April 2023, engaging with our communities has been at the heart of our efforts. In Year 1, our outreach activities brought together over 100 individuals, creating spaces for meaningful conversations and shared learning. Through a series of informative events, including an FGC 101 training and thought-provoking webinars, we have not only spread awareness but also sparked important discussions. During this period, two of our meetings were hosted in-person in Kent, WA, inviting community members to get involved with the project and learn more about FGC. The first meeting held in April 2024, was the kick-off event for this initiative and involved various strategy sessions. Attendees collaborated in resource mapping exercises, identifying key players for our advisory committee and brainstorming innovative programming ideas. The energy and excitement in the room for this project were palpable as attendees shared their insights and built connections with individuals in their nearby communities. This event not only laid the groundwork for our project’s future activities but also exemplified our commitment to community-driven solutions and inclusive dialogue. The final in-person meeting for the year was hosted on June 13th, and included a screening session of videos from Sahiyo’s Voices to End FGM/C project titled, “Video Screening & Discussion with Survivors of FGM/C in Washington State.” This event was particularly moving, as two of the storytellers themselves were present and participated in a panel discussion answering questions about their experiences, insights, and what they are looking forward to with this project. These moments of connection remind us of the importance of community-led initiatives and the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy. As we look forward to Year 2, we are filled with hope and determination! To learn more visit the project’s website and watch the Year 1 below: [youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaPL70v6LjE”]
Volunteer Spotlight: Policy Intern Juliet Shires
Juliet Shires is a rising junior at San Diego State University studying English with minors in Political Science and French. She is passionate about making meaningful policy changes accompanied by comprehensive educational programming. Juliet is excited to be working with Sahiyo to join the fight against gender-based violence, bringing marginalized voices to the forefront. When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo? I began my time at Sahiyo as a policy intern at the end of March 2024. I found Sahiyo because I was looking for internships where I could get involved with policy work. I wasn’t searching for advocacy around a particular issue but when I found Sahiyo and looked more into their work, I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in. What does your work with Sahiyo involve? My day-to-day work with Sahiyo can take many different forms. Most of it revolves around Sahiyo’s advocacy work with several state coalitions to pass or improve laws around FGC. This can take the form of attending meetings and interviewing coalition members in order to write blog posts highlighting the work that the coalition is doing. Most recently I have been planning the “CA Coalition – FGM/C in California – Past, Present, and Future” webinar. The aim of which is to grow the policy work we are doing in California. This webinar should take place in early August. In the Washington coalition, I have aided in the implementation phase of Senate Bill 5453, which was passed last year, helping fill out plans going into next year and researching how other states have implemented their own FGC laws. How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life? I have learned so much already in my time with Sahiyo. From the importance of listening to survivors, to realizing just how many people and communities are impacted by FGC. Furthermore, Sahiyo has shown me how much I enjoy working on single-issue policy. What this means is that my work at Sahiyo revolves around FGC, allowing me to focus on helping to support policy that revolves around a specific issue, which leads to policies that are better attuned to addressing FGC. What words of wisdom would you like to share with others who may be interested in supporting Sahiyo and the movement against FGC? Just get involved in any way you can, and in whatever way you have the capacity to do so. The most intimidating step is always the first, so I think it’s important to just jump right in with advocacy, and take the time to learn about the issue. Related: Volunteer Spotlight: Programs Intern Sophia Jones Staff Spotlight Community Engagement Coordinator: Samman Masud A conversation with Washington activist Absa Samba: SB 5453 a product of collaboration and persistence Washington State becomes 41st state to pass law against FGM/C