By: Bakahn Jamal

Talking about FGC with others is not always easy, especially when speaking to men about the subject. Over the month of June, Sahiyo held an awareness campaign in honor of Fathers day, highlighting the importance of engaging in conversations with men about FGC. In connection with that campaign, Sahiyo reached out to Bakahn Jamal, a Project Supervisor for Wadi, an organization promoting self-help programs in the Middle East. A large part of her work is going to rural communities and creating dialogues with local leaders about the dangers of FGC. 

Below, Bakahn shared her experiences and advice for engaging in conversations with men about FGC, and why those conversations are critical to the movement to end FGC.

1. How did you start initiating dialogue with men about FGM/C?

When working with women regarding the topic of FGM and [its consequences] – such as intimacy and sexual issues – women will tell us that we should also speak with their husbands about the implications of FGM because “he does not understand why I might act or feel in certain ways.” Through these conversations, we realized the importance of involving men in a dialogue about these issues.  That is how we started working with men — by asking them what their knowledge of FGM was and also asking them how they felt about the practice. From there, we were able to ask them to help advocate to end the practice in their own communities. 

2. What has been your experience engaging with men about the practice in their communities? 

The subject of FGM with men is always tricky because one will not know what to expect.  Traditionally, FGM is considered “woman’s territory,” meaning men will avoid talking or associating themselves with such conversations about the practice. Most men will immediately shut down such conversations, and some will even get embarrassed or aggressive, but one thing for sure is that they have little to no knowledge about the practice itself. This is why including education within our advocacy work with men is so important because it leads to more productive conversations.

3. Has this experience been positive or negative?

I get both positive and negative reactions. Some men get really upset and shame us for talking about such “embarrassing and shameful” topics. However, there are also men who welcome the topic and tell us that they have many issues within their marriage related to FGC. We also had men who we’ve worked with start advocating for ending the practice in their communities once they fully understood the negative effects FGM has on women and girls. One very good example of this is a man who we worked with called Kak Sarhad. He was a mayor in a village by the name of Tutaqal. His leadership and willingness to speak on the practice was one of the reasons the village became FGM-free. He helped [save] many girls from being cut in his community.

4. Has speaking to men about FGM/C changed the way you approach your work to end FGM/C and if so, how?

I’ve realized that men can be a very big help in ending the practice. There are many influential male figures in our society who can make a huge positive change in our communities, from clerics to mayors, to tribal leaders or even the head of family. When men understand that FGM  endangers their daughters, wives, and close female relatives and friends, they start to understand how their indifference toward the practice only makes the matter worse. We especially try to engage with fathers on the topic because they are often the decision-makers in a household in our society. So, if they say “my daughters are not to be mutilated,” I doubt that anyone in the family would go against that. If you have the support of a well-respected male figure no one will question your motive, even when you are advocating for ending a very deep-rooted tradition. 

5. What message would you like to give men about the importance of ending FGC?

What I want to say to every male figure regarding FGM is that FGM is not only a female issue — this practice also impacts men and the well-being and future of their families. FGM can be very destructive. Without men realizing it, it can impact very small details of their lives and it can also become deadly to their loved ones. So please educate yourself and know ignorance might cost your daughter, your sister, or your wife the future they deserve.  

Related:

• Breaking the Silence: A Conversation with My Father About FGM/C

• The practice of khatna on girls must stop / છોકરીઓ પર ખત્નાની પ્રથા બંધ થવી જોઈએ

• Starting the Dialogue: Sharing Your Experiences on Initiating Conversations with Men about Female Genital Cutting

• Ending FGM – Fight the Mansplaining, Toxic Masculinity, and Patriarchy

 By: Juliet Shires

Policy interns at Sahiyo have been interviewing members of the Connecticut (CT) Coalition to End FGM/C to learn more about them and their important work. Recently, Sahiyo’s policy intern, Juliet Shires, talked to the Executive Director of the U.S End FGM/C Network and CT Coalition member, Caitlin LeMay, about her personal experiences as an advocate as well as the Network’s role in supporting the CT Coalition’s efforts.

Misconceptions Around FGM/C

Caitlin LeMay initially echoed the same belief that is found amongst many Americans, particularly those who identify as white, that FGC is only a practice that takes place in African, Asian countries, or basically anywhere but here.

“I’m surprised I wasn’t more familiar with it earlier…I think that it really speaks to what it’s like being raised in the US and the misconceptions around how FGM/C is not seen as an issue here. I was susceptible to those same misconceptions and miseducation about FGM/C and its impact in the United States. I think because of that…it fuels me even more to spread awareness and spread education about FGM/C [in the US]…I’ve really found a home here and a lot of passion for this work.”.

Caitlin continued to expand on these common misconceptions surrounding FGM/C, making it clear that it is very much a practice that affects the U.S. In fact, American doctors used to perform FGM/C to treat perceived ailments such as “lesbianism”, masturbation, and hysteria. She points out that the first step to ending this practice is recognizing that these problems exist within the U.S.

“The United States has a long history, and present…of practicing FGM/C in our medical institutions as a regular practice. And we are yet to reconcile with that… [It was an] institutionalized practice to control women and their bodies and their behavior.”

These racial stereotypes only serve to perpetuate problems in the U.S.

“The root of the US not reconciling with [FGM/C]... is completely rooted in racism and anti-blackness. Not being able to see what is happening here as FGM/C is all rooted in racism, xenophobia, and anti-Blackness. We need to call it what it is… Education is our best tool [to combat this], it’s where we’ve made the best progress.”

The Network’s Role in the Connecticut Coalition to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

In our interview, Caitlin also explained how the Network helps the CT Coalition, using their experiences working with other state-based coalitions to guide fellow organizations and volunteers in the CT Coalition. They also make sure to tailor their advice according to the state, keeping in mind that their communities have the most knowledge of what their state needs and how to achieve their goals.

“They know who would be the best representatives or senators to reach out to sponsor the bill, to champion them … Engaging the local communities to take the lead on that and really engaging them because they know best.”

Leading through locals goes hand and hand with allowing survivors to take the lead in determining what their needs are and what resources they need to address them. In other words, to determine what would be best “not just for Connecticut but for survivors in Connecticut.” It is a collaborative effort that involves debating and discussing with one another to create a solution that works for all survivors with varying backgrounds and experiences. Caitlin’s and the Network's ultimate goal is to ensure that state coalitions are safe spaces, where survivors can feel heard and have the power to make change in their communities.

“There’s a place for everybody. No matter what your comfort level or what your capacity is, there’s a place and there’s a way to get involved.”

Caitlin and the Network assisted in the passage of Bill SSD 5453 in Washington, a piece of legislation aimed at ending the practice of FGM/C in the state. She highlights it as a prime example “of what can happen when there are these state coalitions that are survivor and community-led.” 

The bill achieved the coalition’s goal of fostering collaboration between state departments and community members who best address survivors’ needs. Now that Washington state has started implementing the bill, Caitlin hopes that Washington can become an example for other states passing new legislation around FGM/C:

“We haven’t seen that before, so I think it’s such a great example and could really provide an example for other states. We really hope that other states see this and learn from it.”

Throughout our conversation, Caitlin highlighted the importance of the progress in Washington state, and how it relates to the work that still needs to be done in Connecticut, and across the country. She also validates how disappointing and frustrating it can be when states like Connecticut don’t prioritize legislation around FGM/C but knows it’s also important to recognize that “we didn’t go backward, we just didn’t go forward.” Furthermore, it’s important to take a step back and look at the larger, global movement toward ending FGM/C and that’s something that can help encourage and provide us with hope.

Still, she encourages anyone passionate about the issue of FGM/C to get involved in advocacy work as there’s work to be done all across the US – even in states that already have a law in place. 

“It’s all connected. Progress that is made in CT helps the movement in The Gambia. Progress made in The Gambia helps movements in Europe or Asia… Any glimmer of progress that we can find can help get us to tomorrow, and get to the next day, and keep us moving forward to that ultimate end goal of ending FGM/C globally.”

We would like to thank Caitlin LeMay for taking the time to sit down with our policy intern and for her continued work with the CT Coalition and the U.S. End FGM/C Network.

About The U.S. End FGM/C Network

As a member of the Connecticut Coalition, the U.S. Network helps support the coalition's efforts using the resources it possesses as a national organization. This includes mobilizing members, advocacy, using software to create “Calls to Action" (such as this one), drafting press releases, and other logistical support for volunteers. The Network is also involved with several other Coalitions working at similar goals. This includes the Washington Coalition to End FGM/C. The U.S. Network has helped the WA coalition in its efforts to pass legislation to ban FGC. 

Want to get involved? 

• Visit https://endfgmcinct.com/ for more information or contact the CT Coalition
• Volunteer with Sahiyo
• Get involved with the U.S. End FGM/C Network
• Sign the petition to end FGM/C in CT

Sahiyo U.S. and the U.S.End FGM/C Network invite you to join our upcoming event, “4 Essential Strategies for Self and Community Care in Activism.” This event is free to attend, but we invite you to make a meaningful contribution to support the FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund today. 

Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Time: 9-10 am PT / 12-1 pm ET

Platform: Virtual - Zoom 

Registration Link: bit.ly/CareForActivists 

Description:

Farzana Doctor, an activist, social worker, Sahiyo blog contributor, and author, will share practical strategies to help reduce stress, fatigue, and vicarious trauma, offering actionable ideas to bring more self and community care into the lives and work of those working for social change.

While activism is incredibly rewarding, it can also be demanding and overwhelming. The dedication to addressing global injustices can often lead to burnout, vicarious trauma, and self-doubt. Many of these problems arise due to systemic issues, such as underfunding in the activism sector, oppression, and ongoing global crises. This event aims to equip individuals with tools to prioritize their well-being while doing the invaluable work of supporting and protecting people and communities. 

Don’t miss this important opportunity to learn and engage in a conversation about sustaining activism while maintaining your well-being. 

About the FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund:

We’re excited to announce this event is being held to also support the newly established FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund, a joint initiative by Sahiyo U.S. and the U.S. End FGM/C Network. This fund is dedicated to empowering advocates and survivors who work relentlessly to address FGM/C in their communities to gain the resources and support they need to actively engage in education and policy advocacy. Our goal is to ensure these advocates are fairly compensated and honored for their invaluable contributions, addressing the gaps in funding and acknowledgment they too often face. 

Support FGM/C Policy Advocates! Donate today!

By: Jumai Olumo-Saidu

Attending and presenting at the annual Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) conference in Springfield, Illinois, was a transformative experience. As a volunteer at Sahiyo and a second-year community psychology student at the National Louis University, I co-led an FGC 101 training session with Sahiyo's Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator, Aries Nuno to educate advocates working in the sexual assault and gender-based violence field on the topic of female genital cutting (FGC). This blog reflects on my experience, interactions with the audience, and the impact our FGC 101 training at this conference had on my personal and professional growth.

There were several moments during the FGC 101 presentation that stood out to me. The introduction to FGC, USA statistics, and the specific context of FGC, how it occurs, and who is impacted by it in Illinois all set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion. One memorable interaction was when a woman asked a question about balancing human rights with respecting cultural norms that have existed for generations. Her question highlighted the challenge of advocating against harmful practices without condemning entire cultures. This made me think deeply about approaching such sensitive topics without alienating the communities we aim to support.

Another memorable moment was when a participant asked about alternative ways to empower survivors of FGC. This question shifted the focus from condemning the practice to finding constructive and supportive ways to help those who are affected by it. This moment in the presentation reminded me that our work should not only aim to end the harmful practice of FGC but also to uplift and empower survivors.

The audience's reaction to the stories of survivors was also a significant part of the presentation. The room was filled with shock and discomfort, but also curiosity. The emotional response underscored the importance of our work and the need for continued education and advocacy around this issue. The audience's inquisitive questions highlighted the need for more awareness and understanding of FGC for the broader public, and even those working in fields related to FGC, such as human rights organizations, and those who work to fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

Professional and Personal Growth

This experience has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. Professionally, attending and participating in the conference reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for a balanced approach when discussing FGC in my work. This experience also helped to emphasize the necessity of providing comprehensive resources and support for survivors. A prevalent myth is that FGC has health benefits, while in reality, it poses significant health risks, including chronic pain, infections, and complications in childbirth. The questions and comments from the audience offered valuable insights into such misconceptions and the gaps in knowledge about FGC that still exist today and need to be addressed. 

Therapeutic Aspects

The conference was a therapeutic experience as well. Sharing the stories of survivors and discussing the nuances of FGC allowed me to process and reflect on the emotional weight of this work. It also reinforced my commitment to advocacy and education in this field. The supportive environment of the conference, combined with my colleagues and the audience's shared passion, created a sense of community and solidarity that was comforting and empowering.

It allowed me and the participants to voice the struggles and triumphs of advocating against FGC. The audience's engagement and the meaningful dialogue that ensued affirmed the importance of our efforts and the positive impact we can and do have on the world. This experience reminded me why I chose this path and reinvigorated my dedication to making a difference in this space.

Leading the FGC 101 training at the ICASA conference was a defining moment in my journey as a community psychology student and an advocate against FGC. The interactions and reactions from the audience were enlightening and underscored the critical need for continued education and advocacy on the practice. This experience not only contributed to my professional development but also provided a therapeutic outlet to process the emotional aspects of this work. As I move forward, I am more committed than ever to supporting survivors, educating others about FGC, and ensuring that cultural sensitivity and human rights remain at the forefront of our efforts to end this harmful practice.

Related links:

• Sahiyo Presents FGC 101 Training at ICASA’s Annual Conference
• Paving the Path to End FGC in Washington State! Year 1 in Review
• FGC 101 Training for Volunteers at Asian Women's Shelter

By Juliet Shires

Recently, policy interns at Sahiyo have been interviewing members of the Connecticut (CT) Coalition to End FGM/C to learn more about coalition members' important work toward policy creation on female genital cutting (FGC). In the first blog of the series, Sahiyo’s policy intern, Juliet Shires, interviewed the Executive Director of the U.S End FGM/C Network and CT Coalition member Caitlin LeMay. For this second blog, she talked to Joanne Golden, a member of the Sahiyo U.S. Advisory Board and an attorney working in Massachusetts. Juliet and Joanne discussed how listening to survivors and those from affected communities and her personal knowledge as a lawyer strengthens coalitions to more effectively pass holistic legislation.

The Importance of the Lawyer-Survivor Partnership

Joanne Golden's journey as an activist working to prevent FGC started when she learned about the harmful practice and sought to pass legislation in Massachusetts to protect children from undergoing it, which eventually happened after seven years of advocacy efforts in August 2020. After being successful in Massachusetts, she began advising the CT Coalition to End FGM/C on how to do the same. She explains how meeting Mariya Taher, the Executive Director of Sahiyo U.S., and other survivors in 2015 changed her perspective on how to approach the issue of FGC as well as the understanding of her role as a lawyer within coalition work: 

"My mindset changed in that it wasn’t really about what I was doing [as a lawyer] but who we were doing it for.” 

Lawyers and lawmakers are needed to support the bill and get it passed through the legislative system as they bring the knowledge of how these systems work, but that work is meaningless without involving those communities and individuals impacted by FGC, the voices of survivors are needed to contribute to those laws, Joanne explained.

“At the time a majority of people who [shared their stories] were at-risk were people of color, Muslim, and oftentimes immigrants. I fit none of those…My role wasn’t to put myself forward to ask all the questions. [It was to] let the survivors or to let people who could testify, [like doctors with medical/professional relationships to survivors,] take charge in those situations…It was saying how can I use my knowledge and my experience (as a woman and a lawyer) to protect the vulnerable. The question is how to apply that.”

Joanne recognizes how in her role as a lawyer she must be especially culturally sensitive when approaching FGC given that it is often a deeply rooted practice in many different cultures. 

“I think first of all it's important to have some humility and to understand that you do not know everything [as a lawyer]...you come at it from one aspect and say how can I use my knowledge and experience as a human and a woman [to help]? I know the law and how it’s meant to work, but the question is how to apply that.”

Being humble also involves educating yourself, according to Joanne. It demonstrates your capacity to learn and listen to survivors of FGC to make the work you do more effective. On that note, Joanne contacted the Islamic Cultural Center in Boston and spoke to the Imam about what could be some ways to best approach FGC-impacted communities: 

“How can we get the message across that FGC is not necessary, not from a religious point of view, not from a legal point of view? And how to make people comfortable with the idea that they can abandon this practice for their benefit? Those are the tough conversations to have…once I was knowledgeable enough to make those arguments, I stepped forward and I thought I could be an advocate to help educate others.”

Overall, Joanne stresses the importance of carefully crafting bills so that “people don’t get to use the law for their own agenda.” For example, the Massachusetts coalition reached out to GLAAD, an LGBTQ advocacy organization, to rephrase the bill on FGC so that it didn't conflate gender-affirming surgery with FGC, and also make the former illegal. Joanne says lawyers provide the expertise and knowledge to ensure legislation is not written in a way that could bring about unintentional harmful consequences without people realizing it.  

Misconceptions Around FGM/C and the Law

Since FGC is often connected with ideas of religion amongst some practicing communities, Joanne explains how some pro-FGC individuals believe that FGC should fall under the First Amendment as freedom of religion. 

“[People think that] the First Amendment protects religion. And it doesn’t protect religion, it protects your practice of your beliefs. It protects the individual. So, in understanding that [FGC is] not rooted in religion, it was a social practice and therefore we would not be denying someone’s ability to practice their religion or their faith…it has to do with more than religion...Really, what you’re talking about is a way to suppress a woman’s sexuality.” 

Joanne explains that to successfully pass state legislation on FGC, an American perception, one emphasizing the individual rather than the collective, can be helpful.

“There’s a perception in the United States that we’re all about the individual and not about the family and not about society [which differs from other democracies across the world]. I think learning how to say that what you’re doing is preserving society by protecting the individual is important… [FGC can be seen as] a way to suppress a girl’s individuality.”

Joanne also illustrates the importance of understanding the American political context in passing laws by explaining that because the US government is based on a federalist system, there is a great need for FGC legislation to be enacted in every state. Particularly since the 2018 Michigan Case ruled that FGC was a criminal activity on the state level and that Congress had overstepped its authority to pass such a law in the manner that it had.

“Because the federal law existed since 1996, people thought that was enough…they forget federalism. There are areas of the law that are exclusive to the federal government and the rest is for the states… The federal government can only do so much… If anything came out of [the Michigan case] it was so we could show people ‘look this is what happens’ without states law [on FGC]”

Once state laws are passed, however, advocacy still needs to occur to ensure the laws are implemented and function as they should. 

“The most vulnerable in society are not disposable…[Part of showing this is] having education and resources available to them to say no, and if no is not enough and [FGC] happens then to get them services to help them heal…The work’s not done just because the bill has passed.”

The bill in Massachusetts passed in 2020, and there was an educational component, which Joanne pointed out has not been adequately addressed as efforts on behalf of the Department of Public Health were diverted to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now that we are past that, “we have to get their attention again…The law is there, and if a case is brought then a judge can use it [to prosecute the perpetrators of FGC]... If we can prevent it from happening [through public education], I think that’d be a much bigger win”

Joanne also shared that resources need to be used properly to educate Massachusetts residents about the harms of FGC.

“So you need to have education in nursing programs and in medical doctor programs for those who will have patients that have undergone this physical, emotional, and mental trauma due to FGM/C and you’re going to have to give them services. Then there’s the prevention part of it which is to let people know that this is not a required religious practice. This is not a tradition that should be continued. You’re not only harming the child and the woman she’s going to become but also your family and your society as a whole… Having education and resources available allows impacted communities to say no to having their daughters cut.”

Thank you to Joanne Golden for taking the time to sit down with our policy intern, Juliet Shires, and for her continued work with the CT Coalition and within Massachusetts.

Related:

• The Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C Interview Series: Caitlin LeMay
  

Want to get involved? 

• Visit https://endfgmcinct.com/ for more information or contact the CT Coalition
• Volunteer with Sahiyo
• Sign the petition to end FGM/C in CT

In case you haven’t heard, the Gambian authorities decided to keep the FGC ban in place and the Sahiyo community couldn’t be more thrilled! If the ban had been repealed, Gambia would have become the first country in the world to overturn a law banning FGC, setting a dangerous precedent worldwide. 

Sahiyo advisory member and Voices to End FGC alumni Absa Samba is a Gambian FGC survivor who told The Associated Press she celebrated with others in front of parliament. “It's such a huge sense of relief, but I believe this is just the beginning of the work.”

We’d like to thank our fellow activists and the myriad of political, medical, and legal organizations worldwide that expressed their support for maintaining the current legislation. Such support was instrumental in the decision to keep the ban in place. We hope the global outcry made it loud and clear to lawmakers worldwide: FGC legislation is not up for debate.

But Absa is correct – this is just the beginning of our work. We’re ecstatic Gambian lawmakers chose the right side of history this past week, but the fact that repealing such a ban was even up for debate is troublesome. We were dangerously close to a repeal that would have rendered millions in The Gambia vulnerable.

According to UNICEF, around 230 million women worldwide have undergone female genital cutting in the past eight years, with the majority in Africa and others in the Middle East and Asia. That’s an increase of 15 percent, indicating now more than ever it is critically important to stay vigilant, speak up, and work even harder to put more people at risk. 

To get involved in the movement to end FGC, please visit Sahiyo.org to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and various programs. You can also support Sahiyo's work to end female genital cutting and empower survivors by donating here. 

To learn more about the crisis in The Gambia, read Sahiyo and the Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C’s Joint Statement on the issue published shortly before the announcement.

Related links:

• Our Fight to End FGM in The Gambia: Who is Listening?

• UNICEF released new data on global prevalence of FGM/C 

• Behind the Wall by Gambian activist and FGC survivor Isatou Jallow

Sahiyo U.S. invites you to join our upcoming training session, Framing FGM/C: Understanding and Engaging with Cultural Sensitivity, on August 22nd from 12:00- 1:30 PM Pacific Time. This insightful and interactive event will empower you with the knowledge and skills to discuss FGC with empathy and respect, helping to foster trust and relationships between individuals and communities.

What You'll Gain:

• A better understanding of the types of FGC, the prevalence, and associated health risks of the practice. 
• Insights into the cultural and social contexts that sustain this practice.
• Awareness of how framing FGC in discussions and media influences public perception and policy towards the practice.
• Best practices for having sensitive and respectful conversations about FGC.

Who Should Attend: Healthcare professionals, social workers, community leaders, educators, advocates, and anyone interested in understanding and addressing FGC.

Why Attend: Your participation will equip you with the tools to become a better advocate for the prevention of FGC and support for survivors, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond.

For questions about this training or to learn more about the work being done to prevent and respond to FGC in Washington, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Register now!

Earlier this year, we were honored to join forces with the Milken Institute School of Public Health, the U.S. End FGM/C Network, and the Global Woman PEACE Foundation (GWPF) to address FGC across the United States. This initiative, funded by a $300,000 grant from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (DOJ-OVW), marks a significant step forward in our fight to end FGC.

Throughout this project, our dedicated team will conduct listening sessions, offer comprehensive training and technical assistance (T&TA), and develop online resources to enhance the capacity of state agency partners and community service providers in supporting FGC survivors. This initiative represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to create a safer and more supportive environment for impacted individuals.

On June 20, 2024, we hosted an impactful in-person meeting at George Washington University with our project partners. This gathering allowed us to review the project timeline in great depth and align on progress and upcoming milestones. A highlight of the meeting was reviewing the data we have collected thus far from the listening sessions, which provided invaluable insights into the knowledge, strengths, and needs of the grantees regarding FGC awareness and understanding. This data-driven approach initiated rich discussions and brainstorming sessions among the partners, emphasizing the importance of organizing our T&TA as a learning collaborative. We explored ideas for creating a toolkit of case studies and guided sessions by subject matter experts to facilitate peer learning. Our goal is to build a framework for ongoing support and capacity building in FGC prevention and response, recognizing that this is a journey we undertake together, pioneering new efforts and approaches in addressing FGC. 

We look forward to sharing some of our recent findings with federal agencies in a meeting later this month. Our goal is to inspire and advocate for additional federal funding and support for these efforts nationwide, recognizing that our strength lies in our collective commitment and collaboration.