Sahiyo understands that social change requires the efforts of many, all motivated by the same goal. As a result, we collaborate with individuals, organizations, and coalitions to build a community passionate about ending the practice of FGC.

Sahiyo also actively recognizes that many advocates to end FGC work in isolation. The Sahiyo Activist Retreat aims to bring together these individuals and build a network of Bohra activists by:

1. Strengthening our relationships and connections with one another.
2. Sharing best practices and providing tools for activists to utilize in their advocacy work to bring awareness to and end FGC.

The retreats provide an opportunity for advocates and activists to engage in an open and honest discussion regarding the challenges and opportunities they have experienced in their advocacy work against FGC.

History and Impact: 

In 2017, Sahiyo circulated a Needs Assessment Survey to anti-FGC activists and advocates. We found that discussion among anti-FGC activists and advocates helps to further the understanding of challenges of working towards ending FGC, and the means of overcoming them. 

Since 2018, Sahiyo has hosted annual Activist Retreats as a result of these findings. The Sahiyo Activist Retreat encourages activists and advocates who have long worked in isolation; to connect with one another, to strengthen the network of anti-FGC activists and advocates, to share best practices and tools for advocacy and activist work, and to encourage the creation of collaboration between retreat attendees. 

Since the program’s inception; Sahiyo has trained more than 70 advocates, who have all gone on to:

• Organize and host workshops aimed at raising awareness of FGC
• Participate and engage in outreach campaigns with communities
• Provide testimony at policy briefings on FGC in various states 

Check out reports from our previous retreats:

- Sahiyo U.S. 2021 Activists Retreat (Virtual)

- Sahiyo U.S. 2019 Activists Retreat (Brooklyn, NY)

- Sahiyo U.S. 2018 Activists Retreat (Brooklyn, NY)