Justice and Human Rights United States Project #67040

Sahiyo U.S.: United Against Female Genital Cutting

by Sahiyo US

Sahiyo U.S.: United Against Female Genital Cutting

Project Report | May 21, 2025
Sahiyo at CSW69: Storytelling as a Tool for FGM/C

By Mariya Taher | Sahiyo Executive Director

Sahiyo Presenting at CSW69 in NYC

On March 18, 2025, Sahiyo co-hosted a powerful parallel session during the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) titled “Storytelling as a Tool for FGM/C Survivor-Centered Care.” Organized in partnership with the Voices to End FGM/C program collaborators—Silence Speaks and the Asian Women’s Shelter—the event took place at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York.

The session featured compelling narratives from survivors and advocates, exploring storytelling as an effective method to foster understanding and drive social change. Speakers included Zehra Patwa, Dena Igusti, Saza Faradilla, Leena Khandwala, and Angela Peabody, each offering unique perspectives and deeply personal experiences to the conversation. The panel was facilitated by Sahiyo co-founder and Executive Director Mariya Taher and moderated by Su Young from the Asian Women's Shelter.

One of the most poignant moments came when Zehra and Leena, both members of the Dawoodi Bohra community, reflected on the renewed and unexpected emotions they felt while watching their digital stories again. Their narratives underscored the enduring power and vulnerability of storytelling, even long after the initial release of their stories. Saza shared her decision to record her story in Bahasa Melayu, aiming to reach and resonate with communities in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, where such experiences are often underrepresented. Angela recounted the impact of FGM/C on her childhood friend, highlighting how the practice affects not only those who experience it directly but also those around them. Dena, a trans-nonbinary survivor, spoke candidly about their internal struggles and the complexities of identity in the context of FGM/C.

This event exemplified Sahiyo's commitment to centering survivor voices and leveraging storytelling as a transformative tool for healing and advocacy. We are grateful to our partners and all participants who contributed to this impactful session.

For a more detailed reflection on the event, please visit our blog: Reflecting on “Storytelling as a Tool for FGM/C Survivor-Centered Care” at CSW 69.

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Jan 30, 2025
An update on your donation to Sahiyo

By Mariya Taher | Co-Founder & Executive Director

Sahiyo Volunteer Sharing Storytelling Guide

Dear Friend,

Thanks to your generous support, Sahiyo continues to create meaningful change in the lives of women and communities impacted by female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Your contribution has been a beacon of hope, empowering individuals to break the cycle of silence and advocate for a better future.

This past year, we’ve reached over 2,000 individuals globally through educational workshops and community dialogues. These efforts have equipped women, youth, and community leaders with the tools to spark change. Amina (name changed for privacy), a young woman who attended one of our workshops, shared how Sahiyo’s programs gave her the confidence to speak out against harmful practices in her community. Today, she is a voice for progress and a source of inspiration to others.

In addition to these individual impacts, Sahiyo’s awareness campaigns have reached over 23,000 people through social media and local events. These initiatives have expanded our reach and strengthened partnerships with organizations committed to the same vision of equity and empowerment.

We know these are challenging times, and the shifting political climate has brought uncertainty and strain to many of the communities we serve. Yet, in the face of adversity, we find hope. Together, we are building a network of resilience, courage, and advocacy that will help us weather these difficulties and emerge stronger. Your unwavering support reminds us that we are not alone in this movement, and we will continue to stand together to create lasting change.

As we prepare for our third annual Comedy Show & Auction in March, we are inspired by the progress we’ve made and motivated by the work still to be done. Thank you for standing with Sahiyo. Together, we will overcome challenges and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

With gratitude and hope,

Mariya and the Sahiyo Team

2024 Activists Retreat Participants

2024 Voices to End FGM/C Workshop Participants

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