By Mariya Taher | Sahiyo Executive Director
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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