Every month, Sahiyo likes to highlight the incredible work of our staff members, fellows, and interns. Today, we're spotlighting Sahiyo's current Policy Intern, Katie Bai. Katie is a student at the University of Missouri and will attend Texas A&M University School of Law this fall. She aspires to pursue a career in immigration, human rights, or civil rights law.
How did you hear about Sahiyo and what made you want to get involved?
I heard about Sahiyo through an internship position post online. I’d not heard of the organization but the position looked fascinating and seemed to align with work I wanted to do after I graduated. When I went to the website and learned about the prevalence of FGM/C in the United States, I was shocked. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a part of the solution.
Did you know about FGC before joining Sahiyo? If yes, where did you hear about it? If not, what surprised you about FGC?
I didn’t know anything about FGM/C before I joined Sahiyo. As I was in the interviewing process, I decided to research the topic more and write a paper about FGM/C for a human rights class I was taking. The justifications for the practice surprised me, but the prevalence of the practice in the United States shocked me. I had no idea that this practice was occurring at home.
Which internship are you a part of at Sahiyo and what have you worked on so far?
I am a Policy Intern! I have worked on outreach, social media posts, and a high school presentation for the Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C. In my short time at Sahiyo, I’ve also edited testimony for a committee hearing, written blogs about the history of FGM/C in states without FGM/C bans, and facilitated meetings between The DMV Area Coalition to End FGM/C and potential new members.
What's something you hope to do/work on while interning at Sahiyo?
I’d like to plan a webinar for the DMV Area Coalition to End FGM/C to help spread the word about this new organization I’ve become invested in. Ideally, I hope to witness Bill 1438 (a bill that solely criminalizes the practice of FGM/C, which is projected to become law in May) include the Connecticut Coalition’s original language to ensure that survivors can pursue civil remedies and educational resources are integrated into communities to prevent the harmful practice. If that doesn’t happen, I would love to work on drafting a new bill that includes these provisions.
As you begin your internship, are there ways in which Sahiyo has already impacted your life?
Sahiyo has helped me recognize the tireless work from nonprofits, legislators, activists, volunteers, and community members that legislative change requires. When speaking with anyone involved in our organization, it’s evident that this work is an uphill battle — bill language gets rewritten, funds get revoked, and attitudes about violence towards girls and women gets deprioritized under huge legislative changes. This experience has taught me that no one can end such monumental tasks alone, but when people come together to address an issue, there is no end to what can be accomplished.
What words of wisdom would you like to share with others who may be interested in supporting Sahiyo and the movement against FGC?
To others looking to get involved in Sahiyo, I will relay something my mom used to tell me: “above all, be the heroine in your life, not the victim.” The bravery and tenacity of Sahiyo’s survivor-informed leadership cannot be understated, and to anyone thinking about getting involved, don’t hesitate. There are nearly half a million girls at risk of this procedure and we cannot protect them without the support of one another.