On January 20th, Sahiyo hosted the webinar ‘How to Stop The Rising Trend of Medicalising Female Genital Cutting in Asia’. Organised by Sahiyo’s program’s intern Beth Fotheringham and moderated by Sahiyo co-founder, Insia Dariwala, the webinar featured a panel of experts in female sexual and reproductive health: Saza Faradilla, Kalpana Swaminathan, Ibu Atas, and Dr. Nozer Sheriar. The discussion was centred around two main questions: Why does the medicalisation of female genital cutting need to be stopped and how can we stop this rising trend? 

Sahiyo Intern Beth began the event by providing a brief overview of female genital cutting (FGC), citing motivating factors for the practice such as social acceptance, marriageability, community belonging, proof of virginity, curbing promiscuity, hygiene, and religion. Though there are no  health benefits to medicalised FGC, there is often a misguided belief that the procedure is safer when medicalised. The medicalisation of FGC refers to situations in which FGC is practised by a healthcare professional, whether in a public or a private clinic, at home or elsewhere. More than 200 million women and girls have experienced  some form of FGC, with 1 in 3 girls being cut by a health professional. 

The following video shared during the webinar highlights that many young girls undergo this practice against their will.

By courageously sharing her voice and her story, Saza Faradilla gives us an insight into how the practice is carried out without consent. Her story showcases the trauma experienced by survivors who only discover that they have suffered FGC as an adult. This speaks to the aura of silence that surrounds the practice. A lack of questioning falsely leads people to believe that FGC is necessary for socio-cultural or religious reasons. In Singapore 20.5% of doctors carry out FGC, 9.4% of which perform FGC on girls before their first birthday. The preferred age for cutting is between 4-6 months. 

The backlash Saza receives in her community highlights the need for change. By speaking out against what is perceived to be normal in her community, she recognises that her right to health, the right to physical integrity, and the right to equality and non-discrimination have been violated. Saza’s heartfelt  and inspiring activism demonstrates that human rights emerge and evolve through the attempts of ordinary people to challenge injustice. Saza embodies the power of storytelling by sharing stories; hearing a survivor’s experience can definitely shift attitudes and opinions on this issue.

The significant lack of information surrounding FGC and medicalization is driving the practice. This means that individuals, including doctors, conform to the norm of FGC without being aware of its inequalities. Pressure to conform to social expectations is a motive behind why healthcare professionals perform FGC. Carrying out FGC in hospital or health settings creates a false sense that FGC is necessary.  FGC does not take the bodily integrity of the child into consideration and there is a misogynistic link to FGC being medicalised. Portraying that cutting can be done ‘cleanly, neatly and safely’ directly translates into control of female sexuality and results in the subordination of women.  Kalpana expressed how FGC injures much more than the child’s anatomy - any child that suffers unwanted touch will deal with a myriad of mental and psychological effects. However, Kalpana notes that this trauma can also translate into a determination in survivors to fight back and speak out against the wrong-doing they have suffered. 

Kalpana Swaminathan further develops the argument against the medicalisation of FGC, stating that there is no room for the medicalisation of FGC and the practice cannot be condoned. She explains how the power of culture and tradition can make individuals think and act collectively. Therefore, changing the attitudes of parents and doctors is integral in the campaign to eradicate FGC.

How can we stop this rising trend?

FGC is not only happening in Asian communities, it is happening everywhere in the world. Sahiyo co-founder Insia Dariwala raised pressing questions such as how do we hold doctors responsible and who is going to do it? Ibu Atas, long standing activist for FGC in Indonesia explains that a firm stance is needed in the work against this practice. FGC is deeply embedded in culture. By campaigning against this practice, we are challenging community attitudes, social norms and their values. Taking immediate action is the best response to the rising trend of medicalising FGC.

The message I took away from this webinar ties in with Sahiyo’s objective to recognise and emphasise the values of consent, as well as a child and woman’s right over her own body. Our speakers stressed that there are no justifications for FGC, regardless of who carries it out. Kalpana explains that parental attitudes are influenced by social norms and refers to consent as ‘a can of worms.’ This made me realise that understanding how parental attitudes influence the practice of FGC is key to developing appropriate interventions aimed at eradicating this practice. As put by Ibu Atas, the message must be clear: ‘Don’t touch our genitals.’ Every female should have the right to make autonomous decisions about her own body and reproductive functions. This right is at the core of her basic human rights. 

Sahiyo would like to thank our panelists  for bringing their thought-provoking perspectives to this discussion. You can learn more about the esteemed speakers here.

Watch the full event here:

On February 3rd, Sahiyo Co-Founder Mariya Taher joined Dr. Karen McDonnell from George Washington for our second training for the Connecticut Trauma and Gender Learning Collaborative (TAG). TAG is a collaboration between the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), the Connecticut Women’s Consortium (CWC), and other healthcare providers in Connecticut. TAG aims to promote best practices in trauma-informed, gender-responsive behavioral health care in Connecticut by providing training, consultation, and information to behavioral health agencies across the state. During this presentation, Sahiyo continued to explore FGM/C in the United States, and discussed various resources available for clinicians and other front-line professionals who may come in contact with women impacted by FGC, and are looking to better understand how to provide trauma-informed care while practicing cultural competence and sensitivity.

On February 1st, CARE Atlanta Global Innovation Hub hosted a webinar on reproductive rights and justice, and invited Sahiyo’s U.S. Executive Director Mariya Taher to speak about female genital cutting in the U.S. Pari Chowdhary (Technical Advisor, CARE) and Rachael Lorenzo (Cofunder, Indigenous Women Rising) also spoke on the panel.

The speakers focused on highlighting how reproductive rights are linked to the social, political, and economic inequalities that affect a woman’s ability to access reproductive health care services. Core components of reproductive justice include equal access to affordable contraceptives and comprehensive sex education, as well as freedom from sexual violence. As the attacks on reproductive rights and justice continue to grow, it’s more important than ever to build and strengthen communities who will fight for unrestricted access to comprehensive reproductive health care.

To learn more about CARE’s Tuesday Talks which were created to build bridges by exploring compelling topics, click here

You can watch the full webinar here, or listen to the event on one of the following podcast streaming services:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Spotify Podcasts

Ellen obtained her Bachelor’s degree in European Studies, majoring in French. She is a current Human Rights Master’s student at University College Dublin. Her course examines the theoretical and legal underpinnings of human rights and the political pressures inherent within the field. With a passion for human rights, social justice, diplomacy, education and languages, Ellen enjoys working across cultures and working as part of a team. She has a particular interest in women’s rights and is curious about how the language of human rights is translated across cultures. Transforming attitudes concerning female genital cutting (FGC) in a way that is compatible with and sensitive to local culture is fundamental in achieving change. Ellen is looking forward to being part of Sahiyo’s mission to end FGC. 

What was your experience of learning about FGC for the first time like?

I remember the shock I felt when I learnt about FGC for the first time. Up until this point I had never heard of female genital cutting. The practice was one which I couldn’t understand. I quickly searched for more information and became interested not only in learning more, but in how I could contribute to ending this practice. 

When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo?

I joined the Sahiyo team in January. I came across the organisation while carrying out research for a paper I was doing as part of my studies. I found the Sahiyo resources to be very useful and didn’t think twice about reaching out regarding internship opportunities! 

What does your work with Sahiyo involve?

As a Program’s Intern my role includes attending meetings and keeping up to date with Sahiyo resources, researching topics and planning webinars, co-ordinating speakers, writing reflections on webinars to be posted on Sahiyo’s blog, assisting the social media team in advertising Sahiyo programs, attending virtual events hosted by outside organisation, as well as carrying out literature reviews. 

How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life?

I have always been passionate about ending gender inequalities and firmly believe that human rights emerge and evolve through the attempts of ordinary people to combat injustice. My experience with Sahiyo has showcased the importance of grassroots activism. Sahiyo is a welcoming, supportive and inspirational network of people. Joining Sahiyo has given me the opportunity to merge my passions and values. I enjoy working across cultures and working as part of a team, and Sahiyo has enabled me to do just that. 

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

It is important to find out what issues are important to you and throw yourself into opportunities that allow you to contribute to change. What is special about Sahiyo is that everyone can help out in their own way. Whether you’re eager to learn more or enthusiastic about writing and creating social media content, Sahiyo’s intern programs have something for everyone. We all have skills to offer and giving your time to this worthy cause will give you so much back in return. 

By Ellen Ince

On January 27th, I attended the virtual launch of the first-ever Global Research Agenda on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and the launch of Ethical Considerations in Research on Female Genital Mutilation. This online event, hosted by UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, and the Population Council, Kenya.

I immediately felt the buzz of excitement surrounding the launch. It is clear that the Research Agenda will be a critical resource in acting against female genital cutting/mutilation (FGM/C). As panelist Nankali Maksud put it, ‘this is just the beginning. Today is the beginning of a great day but it is not the end of this story.’ She reminded the audience that 4 million girls are at risk of FGM/C every year, and that progress needs to be 10x faster if we are to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal of ending FGM/C before 2030. The Research Agenda pinpoints refined research questions and highlights research gaps to bolster progress as we make our way towards that 2030 goal. Research outcomes will then provide evidence to policy makers, with the aim of encouraging them to take action. What struck me the most is the emphasis on community engagement and involvement of survivors as key to finding ethical solutions, which is something so central to Sahiyo’s mission as an organization.

Panelist Dr. Dennis Matanda provided an overview of the research agenda and talked about the process of identifying research priorities. Of the research questions identified, I found the following two questions very thought-provoking: 

What intervention approaches are effective in preventing FGM across countries that border each other?

FGM is not an individual or community issue. It is global. Sahiyo believes that FGM/C is a social norm with a variety of justifications for why it is carried out. To tackle FGM/C as a women’s rights issue, we must remain optimistic that social norms, while complex, can change. It must become a social norm for women’s consent to be as highly valued as men’s.

Transforming attitudes concerning FGM/C in a way that is compatible with and sensitive to local culture is fundamental in achieving change. Sahiyo advocates for change whilst respecting other cultures.

How can men and/or boys be effectively engaged as allies of gender equality and ending FGM?

Sahiyo also includes male allies through their Bhaiyo program to take part in action to end FGM/C. Male input is crucial for gender equality to be achieved. They have an important role in promoting women’s rights and their independence. Without their support, gender equality is not possible. 

For those who are interested, Sahiyo is launching a new campaign, “Each One, Reach Bhaiyo” with the goal of engaging men in dialogue around female genital cutting. Please keep an eye out on our social media or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more! 

You can find the other research questions here.

With the Research Agenda identifying research gaps, the Ethical Guidance on Research serves as its companion. The Guidance sets out how to obtain high quality data whilst respecting key ethical principles such as respect for human dignity, autonomy, truth, justice and beneficence. Ethical Guidance is of utmost importance for sensitive topics such as FGM/C. I particularly appreciated the focus on support for the wellbeing of participants and researchers, as well as consent for individual interviews and focus group discussions. The document itself is structured around 3 stages of research: the study design, study implementation, and data analysis and dissemination. You can read the full document here.

I found the panel discussion to be dynamic and informative, in which panelist Salma Abou Hussein spoke about driving change on the ground and Professor Mamadou Balde covered the ethical dilemmas that researchers are likely to face. Dr. Samuel Kimani from ACCAF (Africa Coordinating Centre for Abandonment of FGM/C) emphasised the importance for researchers to bridge the gap between evidence and action, arguing that behind the numbers there are women and girls. Their experience and feelings deserve explicit attention and should be translated into interventions and actions within their communities. This point made me reflect on the role we can all play in ending FGM/C.

It was inspiring to see so many youth activists and students present on the call, taking a firm stance against FGM/C. Young people’s voices are being heard around the globe, giving them power to become drivers of change. I am sure these students found the webinar as enlightening and insightful as I did. This event, and its outputs, mark a major advancement in our work to end FGM/C.

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, Sahiyo will officially launch our new campaign “Each One, Reach Bhaiyo''. During this campaign, Sahiyo will encourage staff, volunteers, and community members to reach out to and educate at least one male-identifying person in their life about female genital cutting (FGC) and encourage them to join the Bhaiyo program. 

Through this campaign we hope to involve men in the important work of protecting women and girls. We know that just one conversation can spark a global change towards preventing the human rights violation that is FGC amongst future generations. This International Women’s Day, and throughout women’s history month, let's stand up for women and girls. 

Leading up to the campaign, we will be sharing materials to educate and guide people on having effective conversations with men about FGC. If you are struggling to start a conversation with the men in your life about this topic, be on the lookout for our materials in the coming weeks.

How to Participate: 

To participate in our campaign, share or post a picture of yourself with a placard saying that you have reached out to someone with the hashtag #EachOneReachBhaiyo. 

Our Programs Coordinator, Catherine, has done an example below:

You can download the template here.

We have also drafted a list of questions if people wish to respond to them in blogs or in their submissions! 

Why did you want to reach out to another man in your life to discuss FGM/C?

What was his reaction?

Was he aware of FGM/C?

What advice would you give to others trying to reach out to the men in their lives?

We will begin posting these submissions in March to help raise awareness about the need for crucial conversations with men about this issue. 

Each one, Reach Bhaiyo! 

Please send your submissions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text them on Whatsapp to +1 202 754 2563

On January 20th at 4:30 IST, Sahiyo will host a webinar titled ‘How to Stop The Rising Trend of Medicalisation of Female Genital Cutting in Asia,’ which will feature a panel discussion with medical experts and gender rights activists who specialise in sexual and reproductive health. The medicalisation of female genital cutting (FGC) is an increasing issue in a number of Asian countries; a stark lack of legislation concerning the practice has contributed to a medical normalisation of FGC. Our panelists will explore medical perspectives about medicalisation and the current ethical debate surrounding this phenomenon, and touch upon the safety concerns and question of consent that underpins much of the controversy. We will be joined by Sahiyo co-founder Insia Dariwala, as well as Saza Faradilla, Ibu Atas, Ajali Nayyar, Dr. Kalpana Swaminathan, and Dr. Nozer Sheriar.  

If you’re interested in joining our webinar, please see more information and sign up here. 

About our Speakers:

Saza Faradilla: 

Saza is a co-founder of End Female Genital Cutting Singapore (End FGC SG) whose vision is a Singapore where FGC is obsolete. Some of their activities include organising panels on the social, religious and medical aspects of FGC, support sessions for survivors of FGC, and lobbying political, religious and community leaders to release public statements on FGC. Slowly, but surely, they have managed to broaden the conversation on FGC to include discussions on bodily autonomy, child rights, and consent.

Ajali Nayyar:

Anjali Nayyar has more than 20 years of experience in global health issues. Her expertise lies in developing integrated strategies to impact health policy and practice in the Global South. She oversees the organization’s programs in emerging markets in Asia and Africa, working through four offices and a network of independent consultants. Prior to joining GHS, she served as Country Director for the Program for Appropriate Technology on Health (PATH) in India. Preceding PATH, she worked with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) for six years, where she served initially as India Country Director and then as Vice President for Country and Regional Programs in New York. As Vice President, she led field operations and non-research programs in India, Brazil, South Africa, China, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. She is a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) National Committee on Public Health, the Expert Group on Tuberculosis set up by a Forum called Global Coalition Against TB, and the Advisory Group Uniting to End Neglected Tropical Diseases, a WHO mandated organization.

Dr. Kalpana Swaminathan:

Dr. Kalpana Swaminathan is a Paediatric surgeon and women’s rights activist. She has worked with traumatized children and is concerned with a child's rights over their body. She also writes along with Ishrat Syed as ‘Kalpish Ratna’, exploring the interface between science and the humanities, and has released a number of books.They are presently working on a history of misogyny.

Ibu Atas/Atashendartini Habsjah:

Atashendartini Habsjah, affectionately and respectfully known as Ibu Atas, is an inspiring women’s rights activist and independent researcher in sexual and reproductive health and rights. She has been working to end FGM/C in Indonesia since 1994, when, as a lecturer of Women’s Studies at the University of Indonesia, she supported country-level work that influenced the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. She began collecting data in the mid-90’s with the authorization of the Indonesia Population Council, starting with West Sumatra and West Java. For the last 10 years, she has been working closely with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Health to stop FGM/C in Indonesia, and in particular, the high medicalization of the practice, in close collaboration mid-wives, nurses, and gynecologists. She hopes that FGM will disappear in Indonesia during this generation and before 2030.

Dr. Nozer Sheriar:

Dr. Nozer Sheriar is an obstetrician and gynecologist with a longstanding commitment to advocacy for and the promotion of women's rights and access to safe abortion. He practices at the Breach Candy, Hinduja Healthcare Surgical and Holy Family hospitals in Mumbai. He currently is a member of the Governing Boards of Ipas, the Guttmacher Institute and Centre for Catalysing Change, as well as the Co-Chair of the Medical Advisory Panel, FPA India. He also serves as a member of the Technical Advisory Group on Maternal and Child Health and the Technical Sub Committee for Sexual Reproductive Health of the South East Asia Region of the WHO. As Past Chairperson of the MTP Committee, FOGSI and member of the Technical Advisory Panel, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Nozer participated in the amendment of the MTP Act, the development of the national comprehensive abortion care guidelines, and conducted multicentric research. In acknowledgement of his dedication to and support of women’s healthcare he has been awarded the FRCOG Honoris Causa by the RCOG.

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 (FGM/C) and how it impacts our bodies, minds, sexualities and relationships. We welcome you to submit your anonymous questions.

Dear Maasi,

When I was younger and underwent khatna, I felt very powerless. Now, as an adult, I prefer sexual dynamics where someone else is dominant and I'm submissive. I worry that this is because of the trauma I experienced with khatna, and not because it's what I like. Is there something wrong with me because I like this kind of sex?

--Jameela

Dear Jameela,

This is a brave question, and one I’ve been asked many times. The sexual dynamics that you describe can be considered kink practices, which are often maligned and misunderstood despite being common and normal.

Let’s start with some information about kink:

     -it’s an umbrella term for a range of erotic practices, some of which might play with power. Humans are playful and imaginative when it comes to sexual expression (hurray for that!). Here’s a list from the mainstream women’s magazine, Glamour.

     -BDSM (bondage-discipline, dominance-submission, and sadism-masochism) is one of the most common kinks. Jameela, your preferences lie in this category.

     -kink is consensual adult sexual behavior, and many participants negotiate communication norms before, during, and after for ongoing consent, and to ensure that partners are still having a good time. For readers curious to learn more, check out this BDSM primer.

     -it’s worth repeating that BDSM is very common!

          In a 2014 study of 1516 adults (published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine), 65% of women and 53% of men fantasized about being sexually dominated, and 47% of women and 60% of men fantasized about dominating someone else. 

Now to your questions, Jameela. Is a desire to be sexually submissive a result of trauma?

     Let’s look at where this idea comes from:

          Back in 1905, Freud labeled BDSM as an inappropriate repetition compulsion and this idea has hung on, aided and abetted by sex-negative social norms that stigmatize sexual pleasure.

     However, ideas about sexuality have evolved since 1905 (thank goodness!):

          The American Psychiatric Association destigmatized kink in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013 by making distinctions between consensual and non-consensual sexual behaviours.

          A 2021 study compared 771 BDSM practitioners and 518 non-practitioners (published in Sexuality Research and Social Policy) and found that that both groups had almost the same levels of childhood trauma. The authors firmly argue against the hypothesis of BDSM being a maladaptive coping mechanism in response to early life dynamics.

     Some trauma survivors do link BDSM to their healing, but this is not inappropriate. Rather, it can be liberatory. Here’s why:

          Khatna does happen in a context of our powerlessness. Trauma tramples our boundaries and teaches us that our bodies are a source of shame, overwhelm, lack of control and/or pain. When negotiation and communication are in place, a survivor can use kink and power play to learn and express boundaries, and to experience new pleasures. It can help a survivor to feel ownership over her own body and sexuality.

          In my novel Seven, I used two BDSM scenes to explore this idea. Sharifa, a khatna survivor, tends to dissociate or zone our when sexual. Her husband Murtuza introduces a blindfold and handcuffs, and she goes with it, not expecting that she will have profound realizations about why she hasn’t been able to “let go” and experience pleasure.

Kink and power play can also just be fun! Regardless of whether someone has experienced trauma or not, this can be a wonderful way to play (and don’t all adults need more playfulness in their lives?), to escape the mundane, to broaden one’s sexual menu, to build intimacy and to explore aspects of the self.

If you’d like to explore this question further with a professional, make sure to find one with training in sexual health. Here’s a resource about how to find a sex-positive therapist or counsellor.

I hope this answers your question, Jameela. Sexual pleasure 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 here.

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.