On November 6th, Sahiyo, as part of the Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C, supported a legislative briefing on the topic of female genital cutting (FGC) hosted by the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO) and Connecticut Representative Jillian Gilchrest. Special guests included Mariya Taher, Co-Founder and U.S. Executive Director of Sahiyo, as well as experts from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

Connecticut remains one of only 9 states in the U.S. yet to address this human rights violation in any manner; this briefing provided insights into the legislative landscape surrounding FGC in the U.S., as well as progress made, challenges faced, and how to move forward in addressing FGC. NCSL also summarized the laws addressing FGC in the 41 states. The Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C will continue to advocate for a bill to be introduced into this next legislative cycle, starting in January 2024, in hopes that CT legislation will recognize the need to promote a safer, healthier future for all in the state. 

Learn more about Sahiyo’s policy work here.

By Kiah Leone

In celebration of World Sexual Health Day, I sat down with Dr. Awwad, the co-founder of Egypt’s first-ever multidisciplinary female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) clinic, Restore, to learn about the care and support offered to FGM/C survivors as they navigate relationships with their bodies, their partners, and themselves. The discussion is shared in two parts: in the first part, I explored how FGM/C impacts survivors' sexual health and the types of surgical and non-surgical therapies Restore offers their patients. In this second part, I discuss tailoring sexual education for survivors and Restore’s role in FGM/C prevention.

Starting conversations around sex and sexual health within the context of FGM/C can be difficult, particularly in countries like Egypt where these topics are considered taboo:

“Kids here [in Egypt] don’t grow up in schools with sex education classes or health education classes, so [FGM/C survivors] really don’t have any familiarity with that part of their body… They [survivors] don’t speak to their families [about sex], they can’t speak to their friends…you’ll find that no one spoke to their moms either and they kind of just figured it out on their own.”

To help ease survivors into conversations surrounding sex and sexual health within a clinic setting, Dr. Awwad begins by getting a sense of the type of sexual education her patients have already had, if any. Depending on the patient, Dr. Awwad might provide them with a mirror and ask if they would like to see their genitalia. If the patient agrees, Dr. Awwad explains each of the genitalia’s parts. 

“I usually like to explain specifically about the clitoris – the anatomy of it, how it works. We talk about reaching orgasms, how a woman reaches them, and the misconceptions that are around vaginal orgasms versus clitoral. I try to give [survivors] as much information as possible.”

To further assist survivors, Restore’s psychologist and sexual therapist run a program to help survivors re-identify with their bodies. 

“It’s all about their body…normal sensations, pleasurable sensations, all of these things…the results [from the program] have been really good so far, because the women learn how to reconnect with their bodies and feel comfortable.”

Dr. Awaad emphasizes that education not only improves survivors' understanding of sex and sexual health, but also acts as a prevention tool.

“The thing that we can do to reduce FGM/C in Egypt and actually start seeing numbers going down is education. We have to educate our kids – we have to put it in the school system – they have to know.”

Dr. Awwad believes that education will give young people the courage to speak against the practice.

“Even in coming to report FGM/C cases, with a little girl [if you teach her] she’s going to say no, no, no, no, you can’t do that to me, you know, and she might call and report her parents or tell somebody that would help her.”

This is why Dr. Awwad has connected with, Tadwein Center for Gender Studies, a research-based NGO that focuses on prevention and is producing some of the best research in Egypt around gender-based violence interventions. 

“The prevention aspect has to change. It’s not working…we are going to start a campaign with new messaging and test it in an area to see how people respond to it.  It is [made] for the men and it will be based around sexual health, because that’s what men will actually care about…I hope it works and we get some good results. But I think that this is why we have to start approaching it from a different aspect”. 

By teaching men, Dr. Awwad believes it will help men to better understand the impacts of FGM/C on the lives of the women they’re closest to and hopefully encourage them to say, “I don’t want them to live like that”. 

“That’s why awareness is so important, letting people know the impact that it [has] on these women’s lives”

For Restore it is important that they continue doing whatever they can to support survivors and raise awareness. Whether that is developing new prevention campaigns, holding events to provide free medical checkups for survivors, also to educate them about FGM/C, or participating in research that improves the care for survivors. 

To find out more about Restore please visit Restore's website or follow them on Instagram.

Female genital cutting (FGC) is an often overlooked facet of gender-based violence (GBV) in the United States. On November 2nd, Sahiyo joined forces with South Asian SOAR to host a training session tailored for service providers in the GBV sector.

Facilitators delved into the complexities of FGC, providing attendees with insights into FGC’s various forms and the emotional and physical impacts of this harmful practice. Compelling stories from survivors, shared through Sahiyo's Voices to End FGM/C project, shed light on the intersectional identities of survivors and their emotional journeys, as well as their inspiring advocacy efforts. The training also explored the cultural contexts of FGC, examining its presence globally, and more specifically in the U.S., receiving an overview of current U.S. laws related to FGC.

A reflection discussion prompted conversations about effective ways to engage with the general public and survivors on the issue of FGC. With more than 15 SOAR coalition members in attendance, this knowledge equips service providers to offer comprehensive support, bridging the understanding gap surrounding the complexities of FGC. As one participant stated: 

This session opened the other side of GBV, which is often absent from our day-to-day narratives. Thank you💜.

If your organization is interested in inviting Sahiyo to conduct a training session, please contact Sahiyo’s Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator Aries Nuño for more information. 

Xinge Lei is an undergraduate student at the University of Georgia with a major in public relations and a minor in human services. As the social engagement manager of her university’s Women in Media organization, she believes in the importance and inherent power of women-owned spaces. She strongly advocates for diversity and inclusivity, especially concerning Asian communities. She is excited to contribute to Sahiyo’s ongoing missions through art, design, and other creative mediums.

What was your experience of learning about female genital cutting (FGC) for the first time like?

Learning about FGC was extremely emotional for me. I cried while listening to the Voices stories on Youtube, and while I listened to any woman speak on this subject. I was aware of some cutting/mutilation practices, but I have never learned about any in detail. I believed that it occurred somewhere far away, therefore it didn’t concern me. Imagine my surprise discovering that it was prevalent in the U.S as well! Initially, I was horrified, but then my heart just began hurting for everyone who has undergone (and is still dealing with) this trauma. It was definitely a lot to take in.

When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo?

I learned about Sahiyo this April as I was browsing for summer internships on LinkedIn. I applied for the social media and communications intern position because I’ve had prior experience in roles like this. I had never worked with a non-profit before, and this seemed like a great opportunity. The position accommodated my summer schedule as well. Kristel Castillo, the social media coordinator, then reached out to me for an interview and that was the most comfortable and relaxed interview I’ve ever had. I knew then that Sahiyo was a good place for me.

What does your work with Sahiyo involve?

My main responsibility for Sahiyo is creating and scheduling social media content. I make graphics and draft captions for every post, and then schedule them using an online tool. I also help design other visual mediums that the organization uses, such as the Voices to End FGC Screening Guide. Some of my other tasks include maintaining social media followings, tidying up website content and writing captions for articles. 

How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life?

Working with Sahiyo made me realize how compassion shapes the future for human rights, and of course, the power that comes with storytelling. Sahiyo has grown so much since its founding, a mere conversation between a few women. The organization understands that focusing on survivor narratives is what truly drives change. It’s what made me listen and give my own time. I find so much inspiration in them. I also commend those who dedicate their lives to this cause, whether or not they have experienced FGC. FGC is a painful topic, almost foreign to some of us. At the same time though, it is so incredibly important to talk about. I will always remember that. 

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

Don’t be silent about this. Communities, legislation, and people will only change when word spreads and action ensues. Give your time and donate if you’re able. If not, listen to a couple of stories and do some research on FGC. Sahiyo has tons of resources on its website, including studies, reports, and interviews. Let’s all agree that bodily autonomy is a right that every human being should have. Now that you know, tell someone else about it. Do what you can!

Please join Sahiyo, Asian Women's Shelter, and Silence Speaks on November 28th at 4 pm Pacific / 7 pm Eastern for an informal one-hour webinar on trauma-informed storytelling to address gender-based violence. 

In honor of the 2023 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence global campaign (November 25 through December 10), the three organizations are collaborating to offer a safe, online space for individuals to learn about the theory and practice of behind their years-long trauma-informed, collaborative work to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), and other forms of abuse. 

In 2018, their Voices to End FGM/C collaborative project was initiated, today it, showcases 75 compelling stories, featuring participants from 19+ countries whose stories have garnered over 99,000 views across multiple social media platforms. These impactful narratives have not only reached a wide audience but have also been the focal point of 13+ public video screenings, in addition to serving as tools for education, community mobilization, and advocacy for justice. 

The webinar on Nov 28th is being hosted to foster solidarity amongst survivors who have shared their stories and who hope to do so. Register here! 

Dear Maasi is a column about everything you wanted to know about sex and relationships but were afraid to ask! It’s a partnership between Sahiyo and WeSpeakOut, and is for all of us who have questions about khatna (female genital mutilation/cutting or FGM/C) and how it impacts our bodies, minds, sexualities and relationships. We welcome you to submit your anonymous questions. 
 

Dear Maasi, 

Although I’ve emotionally resolved much about the FGM/C trauma through therapy, there are times when it pops into my mind in an unexpected way, for example, the odd time when I’m urinating. It might be a depressing thought, or a prickly pain down there. At these moments, I feel awful and sad, and angry that FGM/C can still intrude upon my life. How can I stop it? 

—Mariam 

Dear Mariam, 

Thank you for this important question. Sometimes our FGM/C trauma and their triggers can feel difficult to understand. In my April 2021 column, I talked about this: 

“Trauma memories are often implicit, because trauma floods our brain with cortisol, the stress hormone, which shuts down the part of our brain that encodes memories and makes them explicit. Our implicit memories can be like invisible forces in our lives, impacting us in powerful ways.” (https://www.psychalive.org/making-sense-of-implicit-memories/) 

These “invisible forces” show up in the ways you’ve described, in those seemingly random moments when you’re not expecting them to. Trauma impacts both our mind and body and can keep our nervous systems on alert for perceived threats, even when there is no actual threat present. 

Frustrating right? I am not sure that we can stop it, but we can lessen the suffering. One powerful strategy is mindfulness, which originated in eastern and Buddhist philosophy and uses moment-to-moment awareness to cope and reduce distress.  

Mindfulness has helped me when I have uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, or bodily experiences. For example, when I feel discomfort in my genitals, I have learned (with a therapist's help, reading, and lots of practice) to respond to it as a neutral sensation. The goal is to acknowledge the sensation without reacting negatively. How we respond and talk to ourselves matters. 

-I might say "Oh! There's that sensation in my vulva" or “Oh! There’s that memory” versus "Oh! There's that awful/weird/unpleasant pain" or “Oh! There’s that horrible memory that will never go away”. 
-I'll then breathe into the sensation or memory, and send love to my body or mind. 

When I first tried this exercise, it didn’t work immediately, or feel believable; in time, with lots of repetition, it started to work. This is because the repetitive practice builds new neural networks that allow us to have new responses. One way to remember to practice is to post a picture or words that will help you remember. Mariam, in your case, you could post this reminder in the bathroom, right across from the toilet. 

Hope this helps, Mariam. And as always, remember that sexual pleasure and healing is our birthright! 

—Maasi 

About Maasi, aka Farzana Doctor: 

Farzana is a novelist and psychotherapist in private practice. She’s a founding member of WeSpeakOut and the End FGM/C Canada Network. She loves talking about relationships and sexuality! Find out more about her at http://www.farzanadoctor.com 

Disclaimer: 

While Farzana is full of good advice, this column won’t address everyone’s individual concerns and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological care.