Seeking Male Allies to Take a Stand Against Female Genital Cutting
Female Genital Cutting (FGC) is a harmful practice, deeply rooted in misunderstanding, that requires individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, races and backgrounds to come together to ensure that not another woman or young girl is harmed. We at Sahiyo have been so grateful for the outpouring of support from our volunteers and partners all over the globe tirelessly working with us to end FGC, yet we know that more needs to be done. Particularly, we need more male supporters to stand with us and make it known that practices which alter or harm the female body, whether in the name of culture, tradition or religion, will not be tolerated.
Everyone deserves the right to be a free agent acting autonomously over their body, life, and the choices they have been given. When a young girl is told that she needs to be cut, for whatever the reason presented, she loses this right. Many women who have undergone FGC often grapple with difficult emotional and psychological wounds.
Even less talked about, is the negative impact FGC can have on a woman’s relationship with her partner. Frequently, issues arise involving intimacy, sexuality and childbirth making these relationships strained and painful.
Simply put, we must all work together to ensure that we support survivors and prevent FGC from happening to future generations of girls. Speaking out on such a subject can be difficult. However, men must be part of this movement as well, as anti-FGM activist Tony Mwebia powerfully said:
“Not involving men in the fight against FGM is like a doctor treating symptoms of a disease and ignoring the disease itself” #MenEndFGM”
How you can help:
We are seeking various submissions from our male allies by July 20th, explaining why they are united with us in ending female genital cutting.
Types of submissions:
- A short, 30 second to 1 minute video. Videos can be taken from a smartphone or from any alternative, digital device available.
- Provide a quote explaining why you want to end FGC along with a picture of yourself and your name.
- Write a blog post on the need for men to be involved in FGC that is 900 words or less. We accept anonymous submissions as well.
Send all submissions via email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by July 20th. In the subject line, write “Male Ally Campaign to end FGC.”
Please consider being a part of this campaign to help us end FGC, we need everyone’s voice!
#MenToEndFGC
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Sahiyo, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..