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: Samman Masud

In August 2024, I, along with Sahiyo U.S. Executive Director Mariya Taher attended the Asian-Pacific Institute for Gender Based-Violence (APIGBV) National Summit in San Francisco, California. This year’s conference was aptly titled, “Growing from our Roots,” and focused on honoring the founding leaders who came together to form APIGBV in 1993, who have made landmark contributions to the field of gender-based violence and culturally specific advocacy since 1993.

The three-day summit welcomed many attendees across the country, including grantees whose community-led, gender-based violence projects are funded by the ARP Support for Survivors Program. As one of the grantees, Sahiyo U.S. has used the funding to grow our Activists Retreat Project, a program that seeks to grow a network of anti-FGC activists and survivor-advocates doing critical advocacy work to end female genital cutting (FGC) in the U.S.

The summit was brimming with positive energy with more than 400 attendees present as well as a great agenda, which welcomed speakers and guests from various organizations working in their respective ways to address the culturally specific needs of survivors, advocates and community members.

Sharing a physical space, enjoying food together, and having vibrant conversations with folks dedicated to social justice work gave me a sense of community that I so badly needed in this moment, which was laden with anxiety from events both on the domestic and the international political front. And so, I didn’t miss the chance to also join the summer soirée hosted by Survivors, Organizations, Allies, Rising (SOAR),a member collective dedicated to addressing gender-based violence issues among South Asian diaspora in the U.S. We gathered at the beautiful Chandran Art Gallery on Geary Street in chilly San Francisco, had great food, and made plans about the future of SOAR with a focus on areas of improvement, such as increasing youth representation, the importance of data collection and project duplication in our advocacy efforts.

There were many portions of the Summit I enjoyed including a workshop on effective storytelling in advocacy work, a session on diversity and equity pitfalls in hierarchical organizations, and a difficult but important conversation on male engagement efforts in gender-based violence work. The discussions in these sessions provided important reminders, likethe need to “keep the lens on the survivor”, a goal that sometimes gets lost due to many challenges that arise with routine operational and administrative work in organizations.  

Recurring discussions about intersectionality brought to the forefront critical issues in gender-based violence work, for example, the need to fund flanguage access resources to help campaigns addressing communities of color. Stressing the importance of \ survivor-led efforts, and keeping the focus on the growing, intersecting needs of diverse communities in the U.S., helps to improve our work, as I hope to bring more language access to Sahiyo. One way of accomplishing this is hosting a community call in Hindi or Gujarati with members of Bhaiyo, our male engagement initiative at Sahiyo, a goal we hope to achieve later this year.

There were many great gatherings and conversations at the Summit, but for me, the highlight was listening to API-GBV Executive Director, Monica Khant in her fireside chat with activist and journalist Helen Zia. A key figure in the Asian American movement and a gender justice advocate, Zia talked about her earlier work in the civil rights movement. Sheemphasized the need to “humanize Asian Americans,” and touched on being Asian in America, which brings with it intersecting forms of oppressions like racism and sexism. 

As an activist working to address FGC among South Asian community members in the U.S., I could relate very well to Zia’s discussion of the challenges that intersecting dynamics can present to survivors and community members addressing gender-based violence. Zia also  stressed the importance of drawing lessons from other marginalized communities in the U.S., such as Black communities that rely on each other in times of crisis. She also emphasized the importance of continuing solidarity work with said communities to solidify the movement and address the root causes of universal, systemic causes of oppression: male privilege and the patriarchy. 

With that, I realize that gender-based violence work is hard, and gets increasingly difficult given other rapidly changing dynamics of the world. Being in community and listening to the success stories of achievements through solidarity makes the work a little bit easier, and the journey more worthwhile.

Sahiyo is excited to unveil our new guide, Sharing Your Experience with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), in partnership with the Voices to End FGM/C project. This project is a dynamic collaboration between Sahiyo U.S., Silence Speaks, and the Asian Women’s Shelter.  

This guide is designed to empower survivors, activists, and advocates by providing the necessary resources to learn how to share personal narratives publicly. This resource aims to amplify voices, educate communities, and, ultimately, mobilize individuals to take personal steps toward addressing female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C).

What You'll Find Inside:

• Writing Tips: Practical advice to help you craft and share your story in a way that feels right for you.
• Emotional Support: Insights on how to prepare yourself emotionally for the storytelling process.
• Public Sharing Guidance: Tips on how to share your story publicly, whether with friends, family, or a wider audience.
• Trauma Education: Information on the impacts of trauma and how to manage the feelings that might come up.

We also encourage you to explore our Voices to End FGM/C website and discover the diverse stories from across the globe.

Why This Guide Is Important

Each story shared through this guide humanizes the issue of FGM/C, fostering empathy and inspiring action. 

For many survivors and advocates, sharing personal stories can be a powerful step towards healing and can also be a way for them to make a difference in their communities. Making space for people to tell their stories can help to transform feelings of helplessness into resilience and solidarity. By sharing our voices, we join in a brave community of survivors and advocates working to raise awareness and inspire change on this issue

Ready to Share Your Story?

If you’re ready to start sharing your experience with FGM/C, this guide is here to help. Your story is powerful and can make a significant impact in helping to raise awareness and support for ending FGM/C for future generations.

Get the Guide

You can access the guide today on the Voices website. You can also learn more about the Voices to End FGM/C program on Sahiyos website If you have any questions or need further support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here for you!

Contact Us

For any questions or more information on the Voices program, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Your voice matters. Share your story and be part of the change.

Maeve is currently an undergraduate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign pursuing a degree in Political Science and Public Relations, with an interest in citizen politics. Through her studies and female-founded extracurriculars, Maeve has become increasingly interested in advocating for women's rights throughout the world. She is excited to be a part of Sahiyo U.S. and be able to support this progressive change. 

When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo?

I first became involved with Sahiyo in May 2024 when looking to get my foot in the door for non-profit work.

What does your work with Sahiyo involve?

Being a Programs and Events Intern with Sahiyo involves a variety of tasks. My role often involves supporting the incredible women here who work selflessly to provide resources and engagement to survivors and fellow advocates against FGM/C. I find pride in being a support system for these women that work for Sahiyo, and that I am able to provide a helping hand in these events to support other women throughout the world. 

How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life?

My involvement with Sahiyo these past few months has drastically impacted my life, opening my eyes to the survivors of FGM/C. The gravity of FGM/C is something that may have been overlooked in my life prior to working with Sahiyo because it is a topic that is not discussed as much as it should be. However, now I have become a huge advocate in supporting survivors of FGM/C. I have always had a passion for women’s rights, but my involvement with Sahiyo has only increased that and gave me a platform  to speak out about women’s rights, and more specifically FGM/C. I have found it extremely fulfilling working with Sahiyo and being able to be apart of the fight to end FGM/C. 

What words of wisdom would you like to share with others who may be interested in supporting Sahiyo and the movement against FGC?

Do what makes you passionate. Your participation in the movement against FGM/C is so much more meaningful than you may think. Move with empathy and courage, and your voice will make an impact.

The California Coalition to End FGM/C is hosting a webinar titled, “FGM/C In California - Past, Present, and Future” 

Date: Friday, October 11th

Time: 12:30 - 1:45 pm ET / 9:30 - 10:45 am PT

Registration: https://bit.ly/CAcoalitionwebinar 

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89895243890?pwd=Y6iLxQmEV1OHv77XbSa8XbrSvbgvYa.1 

Description:

The webinar will be held like a town hall, giving participants the chance to learn in a safe space about the topic of female genital mutilation (FGM/C) through an interactive dialogue. Speakers will include Sahiyo U.S. Executive Director Mariya Taher; Shivangi Mirsa of Equality Now; Senait Admassu and Athia Carrim of the Greater LA FGM Task Force and African Coalition; and Orchid Pusey of the San Francisco Asian Women's Shelter.

Participants will discuss the shortcomings of the current law in California, which was written back in 1996. The coalition will also lay out how the legislation needs to be amended in order to create culturally sensitive and cognizant prevention and support programs to support survivors and those at risk of FGM/C. This Roundtable is an opportunity to share and learn from survivors, advocates, service providers, and community members on the topic of FGM/C and the work being done to address the issue.

Furthermore, this event will seek to connect with California legislators who are accountable for upholding and addressing various components of the original 1996 FGM/C law. Through engaging narratives and open conversation, this webinar will help to garner support in building a greater California coalition to end FGM/C that can better advocate for strengthening existing laws on FGM/C in the State. 

Register for the webinar here.

Sahiyo’s recent webinar, “Framing FGM/C: Understanding and Engaging with Cultural Sensitivity,” left a lasting impression on many of the attendees. With over 160 registrants, the session successfully opened up important conversations on how framing can shape our approach to ending female genital cutting (FGC).

Feedback from participants shared after the event shed light on how this training has influenced their perspectives and engagement. One of the key takeaways from the webinar was how critical it is to frame discussions around FGM/C in a way that respects cultural contexts while still advocating for change. 

As one participant shared:

"It has opened my eyes to an ongoing issue that I hadn’t been fully aware of before. I plan on using the communication skills presented in this slideshow for organizing and discussing issues."

Throughout the session, participants shared their thoughts and experiences, many remarking on how the personal stories shared deeply moved them. Digital stories shown from the Voices to End FGM/C project sparked meaningful reflections on how the way we talk about FGM/C impacts both the movement and those affected:

"Seeing Renee's story really impacted me and demonstrated the importance of awareness of this world issue."

"Hearing stories always motivates me towards advocacy – the courage is contagious."

This training was funded by the Washington State Department of Health and held in partnerships with the U.S. Network to End FGM/C. Visit the Washington state project website to learn more and watch Renee's story below!

The newly established FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund provides vital resources and support to those tirelessly working to prevent FGM/C and support survivors. Created through a partnership between Sahiyo U.S. and the U.S. End FGM/C Network, this fund aims to:

• Empower survivors and individuals from communities impacted by FGM/C
• Enable survivors, activists, and advocates to actively engage in education and policy advocacy
• Ensure that activists are fairly compensated for their contributions, recognizing that they are often overlooked and underfunded. 

Advocates working to end FGM/C face numerous challenges including resistance from communities, lack of resources, and risks to their health and mental well being. Finding ways to support these advocates can help ensure individuals can continue their vital work to end FGM/C, effectively and safely.

The goal of the fund is to empower activists, advocates, and survivors to create meaningful change in their communities and end this harmful practice.

Your donation is essential in sustaining the critical work of advocates dedicated to ending FGM/C. By donating to The FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund, you’re directly empowering advocates, ensuring they have the financial, technical, and emotional support necessary to continue their impactful work. Your contribution strengthens their capacity, safeguards their well-being, and creates lasting change in the world.

Donate Here.

(P.S. don’t miss out on our upcoming event, “4 Essential Strategies for Self and Community Care in Activism,” with Farzana Doctor, on Tuesday, September 10th at 9:00 AM PST/ 12:00 PM EST. Register Here.)

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!