On March 8th, the Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C hosted a parallel event, “There’s an App For That? Technological Innovation and Change Towards Ending Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting” at the NGOCSW67. This webinar explored the ways in which technology, internet communication, and the digitalization of raising awareness can help achieve the elimination of FGM/C. This event also served as an opportunity to hear from some of the leading innovators in the area of technological solutions to addressing FGM/C. 

Sahiyo co-founder and Mumkin co-founder and CEO Priya Goswami, was one of the panelists. She addressed and advocated for the urgent need for feminist technological interventions and the limitations and challenges of developing an innovation around the taboo subject of FGM/C.

Goswami believes that though technology poses some limitations, it has also effectively been used as an important tool for digital activism and feminist storytelling. Now, it is increasingly being used in more sophisticated ways, with apps like Mumkin and i-Cut from Kenya. Some other examples of tech for FGM/C include create interactive maps, such as map created by END FGM EU, which signpost the global prevalence of FGM/C. 

The event also raised the critical issue of the funding gap for building innovations around FGM/C. Goswami emphasized that if we, feminist innovators, trailblazers, and activists, don’t create a technology that represents us, someone out there who does not represent our cause might. “Technologies can be very powerful if written to serve people rather than treat humans as ‘users’”. This is the clarion call for new feminist creators and funders to step up and create change harnessing the power of tech.

The Mumkin app can be found in the Google Play Store for Android phones. 

In 2019, the Idaho Legislature established a law protecting girls from female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), recognizing it as a violation of human rights. 

Yet, for the past two years, the same Idaho Legislature has targeted Trans youth, another vulnerable community, by attempting to amend the existing FGM/C law. This amendment would prohibit gender-affirming healthcare from being performed on children, even if they have parental consent. 

In 2022, Rep. Bruce Skaung introduced HB 675, which would prohibit surgery “if it is for the sole purpose of attempting to change or affirm the child’s perception of the child’s sex if that perception is inconsistent with the child’s biological sex.” The bill passed the House but was rejected by the Senate, as it was viewed to be an infringement on parental rights.

However, as of February 15th, another attempt is being made to take away medical care for Trans youth through HB 71. This bill has passed the House and is on to the Senate for a vote. 

This Bill is problematic for many reasons; particularly the false assumption that gender-affirming care and FGM/C are comparable. They are not. This Bill puts Trans youth and children at risk of FGM/C, both vulnerable groups, in greater danger. Diluting the current statue, Idaho Code 18-1506B, with attempts to discriminate against Trans youth will ultimately hurt more children and inhibit progress in ending FGM/C in Idaho.

Learn more about this Bill by reading this Statement from the US End FGM Network.

In 2020 and 2021, the Department of Justice - Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) awarded grants to organizations across the U.S. who deliver community-based programming to end FGC. The goal of this grant was to encourage educating communities and forming community networks of agencies and organizations that were positioned to identify those at risk and respond to survivors. Sahyo, in partnership with Asian Women’s Shelter (AWS) and StoryCenter, was awarded one of these three-year grants.

At the end of January 2023, Sahiyo U.S.attended the OVC grantee convening in Washington DC. Over the course of the two-day gathering, participants were able to network, discuss challenges and opportunities in their work with FGC survivors, and build strategies and skills to take back and implement in their programming.

During the event, Sahiyo’s Executive Director Mariya Taher facilitated two workshops, the first around strategies to build survivor engagement in programming, and the second looking at effective solutions to encourage male engagement in the work to end FGC.

To learn more about Sahiyo’s work with AWS, visit our Technical Assistance page.    

On March 7th, the Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C issued a joint letter calling for a Global Summit to end female genital cutting/mutilation (FGM/C). The Global Platform, a consortium of civil society organizations, champions, survivors, and grassroots representatives united to support the abandonment and prevention of FGM/C, also called attention to the funding gap (or lack of adequate funding) of over $2 billion. The letter suggests ‘convening a Global Summit aimed at sincere commitments and increased sustainable funding.’

Learn more about this advocacy call.

1. Submit written testimony
2. Testify virtually
3. To vote pro
4. Testify in-person

Statement from the Washington Coalition:

We are a newly formed Coalition working to end the practice of FGM/C in the State of Washington. We comprise a broad group of survivors, stakeholders and advocates. Forty US States have laws banning the practice of FGM/C. Washington has yet to address this important human rights issue in any manner. This proposed legislation SB 5453 under review today is a good first step towards ending the practice and supporting survivors in Washington State.

Review the Washington Coalition’s factsheet to learn more about this bill and its significance.

Sahiyo U.S. is proud to announce that Mariya Taher, Sahiyo Co-Founder and U.S. Executive Director, is one of the new LEAP Leaders, joining Cohort 9!

For the past ten years, the LEAP (Leadership Education and Advancement for Professionals) program has created a container where leaders of color can learn, strategize, and build community with each other. LEAP has brought together leaders from across the United States and territories to cultivate a multi-racial network of leaders striving to define what being an executive leader in the gender-based violence field looks like and to expand opportunities for advancement through professional development and networking. 

Learn more about the LEAP program here.

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.