In September 2024, Sahiyo U.S. had the privilege of attending an event in Honolulu, Hawaii, hosted by the National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence (NAPIESV) for grantees who had received funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to create culturally specific programming to address sexual assault in AAPINH (Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian) communities. 

The three-day event was significant for Sahiyo, allowing the U.S. team to reflect on its Activists Retreat program, which – thanks to this funding – has now trained over 100 activists to date. During the event, the team reflected on and shared key milestones, including hiring Community Engagement Coordinator Samman Masud, hosting its first in-person Activists Retreat since the Covid-19 pandemic, and launching its first-ever retreat to include individuals from Asian, Pacific Islander, and Southwest Asian/North African (API-SWANA) regions and communities in 2024. (To hear more about attendees' experience at past retreats, click here). 

Connecting with fellow organizations, each with their own story and approach, offered new perspectives and insights into how Sahiyo U.S. can better support AAPINH survivors and continue to foster meaningful change. Sahiyo U.S. is looking forward to planning our third annual Activists Retreat under this grant in February of 2025. (If you’re interested in attending, click here). 

A heartfelt thank you to the local organizations, Olohana Foundation and Hawaii CASA for welcoming everyone so warmly, sharing invaluable insights, and highlighting the unique issues impacting communities in Hawaii. 

To learn more about our Activist Retreat program, watch the video below!

Sahiyo’s Fundraising and Auction Intern Elaina Baliner is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a minor in Biology. A passionate global health equity advocate, Elaina actively seeks to maximize positive impact and close health equity gaps. Currently living in France for her gap year, Elaina is working to become fluent in French before pursuing a masters degree in Global Health Economics with the hopes of decentralizing global health funding to enhance resource accessibility for implementing organizations. In her free time, Elaina enjoys teaching yoga and being in nature. Elaina is thrilled to join an organization that empowers all people and to be a part of the solution to end FGC.

When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo?

I began working with Sahiyo in July after coming across their internship posting on LinkedIn. At the time, I was actively searching for an opportunity to work in nonprofit funding to build my skills before pursuing a master's in global health economics. Before discovering Sahiyo, I was aware of the practice of female genital cutting (FGC) in parts of Africa and Asia, but I had no idea it was still occurring within communities in the United States. This realization really struck me, and Sahiyo's mission to end FGC resonated deeply with me. 

As someone dedicated to advancing global health equity—particularly in areas related to gender-based violence (GBV)—I felt a natural alignment with Sahiyo’s work. As a woman myself, I am also deeply passionate about ensuring that women's rights and voices are heard. I vividly remember being genuinely excited for my interview, eager to learn more about Sahiyo’s initiatives and hopeful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization working to end such a significant human rights violation.

What does your work with Sahiyo involve?

As a Fundraising and Auction Intern, my work primarily focuses on supporting the funding efforts for Sahiyo’s programs. This includes researching potential funding opportunities, writing grant proposals, and assisting with donor relations and fundraising events, such as our end-of-year Season of Giving campaign. I also contribute to donor engagement strategies and create graphic designs to help enhance our individual giving campaigns. Additionally, I’ve contributed toward building and soliciting packages for our annual Celebrate Her: Silent Auction and Comedy Show, working to secure sponsors and make the event a continued success.

How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life?

My involvement with Sahiyo has profoundly impacted me, opening my eyes to the sheer number of women worldwide who are survivors of female genital cutting—regardless of what country they live in. It has taught me the power of storytelling. I've had the distinct honor of hearing some survivors' stories firsthand, witnessing their bravery and resilience. This experience has shown me just how essential storytelling is in public engagement and the value of empowering individuals to be effective storytellers, specially when garnering support for addressing widespread, systemic issues. In just two months, I have learned a great deal about movement building, the importance of a strong network, and the power of individual donor support. 

With Sahiyo, I've also gained practical skills, such as streamlining the grant application process and effectively engaging with businesses for our upcoming silent auction. What stays with me the most is my new awareness of how many women and girls endure this practice daily—and how little training and understanding medical providers have about FGC. As I look to pursue a career in global health, this knowledge will undoubtedly shape my priorities, especially when advocating for funding and resources.

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

Sahiyo makes it easy for anyone to get involved, and there are so many ways to support if you're interested. If you don’t have the financial means to donate or the time to commit as a full volunteer or intern, you can still engage by attending one of our virtual educational events—even spending just an hour with us can leave a lasting impact. Organizations like Sahiyo work tirelessly to address the issue of female genital cutting from every possible angle. Everybody here is committed to improving support for survivors, pushing for policy change, engaging more people to raise their voices against FGC, and ultimately ending this practice. 

But we can’t do it alone—we need the support of our community. If you're passionate about ending FGC, then focus your efforts on supporting an organization like Sahiyo that is driving real, impactful change. Whether it’s spreading awareness, attending events, or contributing in any way you can, your support is crucial for us to continue this important work.

Related links:

• How to donate to Sahiyo U.S.
• Here's how you can volunteer with Sahiyo U.S.

On October 5th, 2024, Sahiyo U.S. Executive Director Mariya Taher received the 2024 Champion of Change Award, during the annual Asian Women’s Shelter’s (AWS) gala, “Hope and Action: Celebrating 36 Years of The Asian Women's Shelter” in San Francisco. This award is given to individuals working to end gender-based violence in their communities and in the world. 

As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sahiyo U.S., Mariya has played a key role in the movement to end FGC. Her work with state coalitions has influenced legislation, culminating in anti-FGC laws passed across the U.S., including in Massachusetts and Washington. She has brought the issue to the forefront of public discourse, raising awareness of FGC in the U.S. and abroad through outreach, training, and educational programs. 

"Receiving this recognition from the Asian Women's Shelter at their annual gala is a huge deal for me. I was a volunteer with AWS after I graduated from my Master of Social Work program at San Francisco State University in 2010.” Mariya said, “Over the years, both my life and my work have kept me in touch with their organization in many ways. For the past 3 years, I’ve been working with AWS and Amy Hill, at Silence Speaks, to bolster our Voices to End FGM/C digital storytelling project in culturally specific ways, which has been such a gift. Who knew that years after volunteering with them we'd still be working together and building up the capacity of care for survivors of FGM/C in the U.S."

The Voices to End FGM/C program has been transformational, bringing survivors together in a safe space to tell their stories, heal, and connect. The only way we can create effective change is by having survivors at the table telling us what they need and how they want to see this practice end. Mariya’s work has done all of this and so much more, and all of us here at Sahiyo are thrilled to see her receive this remarkable award.

A Collaborative Effort to Address Female Genital Cutting and Advance Racial and Health Equity

[Cambridge, MA, September 23, 2024] The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced the 2024 awards of the Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds (the Funds). As part of these awards, DPH, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), and the implementing partner Health Resources in Action, Inc., will join with Sahiyo U.S. and 26 other organizations across Massachusetts and more than 40 of their community partners, including non-profit community-based organizations, municipalities, and coalitions. All of these organizations, including Sahiyo U.S. have committed to leading efforts to address the root causes of health inequities by disrupting systemic barriers to health and tackling institutional and structural racism head-on. During the pandemic, the need to support such efforts is even more imperative.

In total ~$15.8M in grants will support 26 lead organizations and more than 40 of their partner organizations implementing strategies, ultimately impacting 458 cities and towns across the state. Sahiyo U.S. has partnered with the U.S. End FGM/C Network and UMass Chan Medical School Collaborative in Health Equity to develop systems of care and response for the prevention of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and support for survivors in Massachusetts.

Sahiyo U.S. Co-Founder and Executive Director, Mariya Taher, expresses her excitement about this initiative and the work ahead, “FGM/C is such an unaddressed issue in Massachusetts, let alone the United States. We’re excited about this project, because the funding allows us to really address this issue by providing us the capacity and time to gather those who are impacted by FGM/C and/or who work with impacted communities throughout the state and create a real community-based solution on how to address this topic, and how we can build a collaborative approach to both support survivors and work towards prevention of FGM/C amongst future generations.

The goal of The Funds is to work with community partners to disrupt barriers to health, increase awareness, and address the impact of structural racism on population health, and create long-term, meaningful changes in population health outcomes.

The Funds invest in initiatives in three core areas of focus including:

• Working on long-lasting, community-driven policy, systems, and environmental changes that will make it easier to lead healthy lives and which will reduce health inequities such as racial patterns of segregation in communities and a lack of affordable housing production;
• Organizing and coordinating Community Health Improvement Planning efforts which convene multi-sector partnerships to collectively set and address community health goals, and;
• Working to address policies and systems that increase opportunities for healthy aging.

Recognizing the complex ways in which systems impact health, the investments will support a wide range of activities across the Commonwealth. Sahiyo U.S. aims to build a comprehensive network of stakeholders and service providers to implement a coordinated, systems-based approach to address how FGM/C is treated in Massachusetts; facilitate equitable access to healing and improve health outcomes for survivors of FGM/C, with a special focus on people of color; and prevent FGM/C among future generations by increasing resources to disrupt barriers such as lack of awareness among service providers regarding FGM/C and connected social issues.

U.S. End FGM/C Network Executive Director, Caitlin LeMay shares, “This is an opportunity to engage in longer-term, intentional, cross-sectoral systems change that will directly reduce health inequities for survivors of FGM/C in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the very state where I call home. Being able to approach this work through various systems and different strategies, including healthcare provider training, policy advocacy, coalition building, increasing service delivery, and more, is really exciting.” 

The Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds were created in January 2017 when DPH completed a landmark revision of its Determination of Need (DoN) regulation, which authorized the creation of these Funds. DPH provides overall guidance to the Funds and Health Resources in Action, Inc. acts as a fiduciary and implementing partner. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) partners with DPH to support the Healthy Aging Fund.

More information about the Funds can be found at https://mahealthfunds.org/.

We are excited to announce an upcoming webinar that promises to be both enlightening and empowering: Youth Advocates Against Female Genital Cutting - A Conversation on Change. You, too, can join us for this important discussion.

Date: November 4, 2024

Time: 12:30 pm ET / 9:30 pm PT

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/FGCYouthAdvocacy 

Why This Webinar Matters

This webinar recognizes the vital role of youth advocacy in addressing the practice of female genital cutting (FGC). Recent articles and studies have highlighted the significant impact of youth advocacy in working to end FGC. For instance, an article by Orchid Project reflects on International Youth Day and emphasizes how young advocates have pioneered innovative strategies to raise the awareness of FGC and enhance their advocacy skills. Similarly, organizations like Equality Now exemplify the transformative power of youth-led initiatives, emphasizing the commitment of young advocates to further challenge societal norms and promote an inclusive dialogue on critical issues.

Despite efforts to end the practice, FGC still persists as a serious issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Engaging with youth advocates is crucial as they bring fresh perspectives and unwavering passion to challenge norms and drive change for the future.

Our Motivation

The decision to focus this webinar on youth-led efforts stems from a recognition that young voices are often underrepresented in discussions about FGC. We see this as a missed opportunity. Youth advocates bring a unique energy and perspective that are essential to challenging long-standing norms and practices, and their involvement can drive innovation and lasting change

Here’s why we are particularly focused on supporting youth in the work to prevent FGC:

1. Youth as Catalysts for Change: Young people possess a powerful mix of passion, creativity, and determination. They have the potential to challenge outdated practices and create meaningful change. By providing them with the opportunity to share their voices, we can channel their energy into addressing FGC more effectively.
2. Education and Empowerment: Knowledge and confidence are the cornerstones of effective advocacy. This webinar aims to empower young activists by offering insights from experienced advocates who have a thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the movement to end FGC.

Event Highlights

During this dynamic panel discussion, you will hear from youth advocates who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. They will share their journeys, innovative strategies, and the challenges they have encountered in their advocacy efforts. The session will also include interactive discussions that promote diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving.

Why You Should Attend

This webinar is more than just a conversation—it’s a call to action. By participating, you will:

• Empower Youth Advocates: Provide a space for young advocates to share experiences and personal strategies for raising awareness and creating change
• Promote Dialogue: Foster empathy, exchange diverse perspectives and generate innovative ideas for advocacy and community engagement, emphasizing the role of youth in advocacy efforts
• Build a Stronger Network: This webinar will offer valuable networking opportunities, connecting participants with like-minded individuals, organizations, and experts dedicated to ending FGC.
• Gain Valuable Insights into Effective Advocacy: You’ll learn from accomplished young activists like Hunter Kessous, Nur Bookwala, Saza Faradilla, Atiqah Suhaimi, and Umme Kulsoom- Arif.

Register Now

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative dialogue and support the global movement against FGC. Click here to register and secure your spot in this essential discussion.

Brad Mazon, PhD, is a Bhaiyo volunteer, nonprofit consultant, husband, father, and an advocate against female genital mutilation/cutting worldwide.

When and how did your involvement with Sahiyo first begin?  

My involvement first began I would say two or so years ago when I found Sahiyo on social media. I became actively engaged when I donated to the annual International Women's Day fundraiser and Comedy Show.

But I’ve been involved with the issue of FGM since 1988 when I was an intern at the U.S. State Department in Somalia. I have come in and out of working on the issue, through various organizations, so when Sahiyo and the Bhaiyo program came onto my radar about two years ago, I became a donor and have remained involved ever since.

Why did you decide to donate to Bhaiyo, Sahiyo’s male engagement program? 

My time working in Somalia and my upbringing really influenced my decision to donate. I attended a conference in Mogadishu, Somalia. It was all women who had been impacted by FGM. This event made a huge impression on me because a lot of the women I met with reminded me of my mother.

I was raised by a single mother and I have always been in awe of her strength and resilience. It was the same strength and resilience that I saw in women I met at the conference. 

I realized very quickly that had my mother been in a situation where she was cut, she likely would have never been able to provide for me and for my family the way she did. I began to understand how FGM impacts women not just physically but also psychologically and socially. It wasn’t that these women weren’t as smart or as motivated as my mother was – it was that the opportunities to thrive had been taken from them by the patriarchy that surrounded them.

I also understand that the impacts of FGM are different in different contexts. Being cut in Somalia may be different from being cut in the American Midwest, but…being cut anywhere is a violation of women's autonomy and an act of patriarchy.

Why do you feel it’s so important to support male engagement and voices within the movement to end FGM/C?

There's no sex that's greater than the other. I believe that I am an anti-patriarchy and feminist man. At the end of the day, as I have gotten older and have become a father and now a grandfather to a little girl, I have realized – and certainly living in America right now –  how strong the patriarchy is on so many things. 

I resent in my heart, mind, and soul that men think that they have some sort of power over women. I wanted to do something as a man, coming from a male perspective that could combat that false narrative.

That's why Bhaiyo was so exciting to me. On my first call with the group, it was with men from around the world who were doing the frontline work of going into villages and speaking to people about the dangers of FGM [and] of what it could do to their little girls. I was thrilled to be a part of that work through donating.

But at the same time, I was very mindful, and still am, of my white privilege and also my Western privilege in the same sense. And when I say privilege, I mean it in a structural and economic way, because I know there is beauty, wisdom, and knowledge in Africa and Asia. I wanted to be mindful of that as I engaged in conversations with these male activists who I have great respect for.

But I also wanted them to be mindful that while it’s important for men to be in the conversation, women still need to be supported to speak out at an equal level. We can do that in many ways, big and small. I’ve started changing the hashtag I use in posts from #menendFGM to #menandwomenendFGM. What I’m trying to say here is that while it’s great that we’ve got men involved, let's not do it in a way that pushes women out.

How would you like to see Bhaiyo and Sahiyo grow? 

I think in terms of Bhaiyo, the main thing we need is more men involved. I’ve tried to do this in my circles by sharing the survey on my Linkedin and with various people in my life. I’m always shocked at how many men aren't involved. 

I also feel like we need to make FGM more well-known in the U.S. through any means necessary. We need some celebrity to get men fired up about this. Or even more high-level people in our government talking about FGM.

But I’m also under no illusions that I’m doing the hard work. I know those gentlemen on the frontlines going from village to village spreading this message who are the ones pushing this work, and they have my full support and respect. I also know that getting this issue into the rooms of power in the U.S. and the world beyond is key to this movement, and we can do that by talking about FGM loudly.

Why do you think others should donate to Sahiyo?  

I think more people should donate to Sahiyo because people don’t realize that FGM is an issue that has a tremendous impact on the world. It's shocking to me how FGM is such a quiet menace not only to survivors but also to men who are affected by it – with their wives and sexual pleasure – or the ability to have children. I'm just surprised how it's a form of violence, yet it's one that seemingly the world is not comfortable talking about publicly.

I also want people to understand that FGM is a form of domestic violence. In the same way that we talk about abuse and other harms against women, FGM needs to be included in those conversations. And we can only do that by educating more people about the topic.

Most importantly, I want people to know that FGM is an issue that could affect them too. I have a little granddaughter and just the thought of her being cut or hurt forces me into action against this harm. I know that every man has either a mother, sister, wife, daughter, family member, or friend who could be at risk of this. That right there should be enough to get involved.