Our mission is to empower Asian and other communities to end female genital cutting and create positive social change through dialogue, education, and collaboration based on community involvement.
Female genital cutting (FGC) involves the non-medical removal or harm to female genital organs and affects over 230M people globally. In the US, over 500K women and girls are at risk or impacted, but data mostly focuses on African communities, neglecting Asian, Pacific Islander, and Arab populations. This gap leaves survivors in these groups underserved, with limited access to culturally relevant support. Our project seeks to address this lack of services for FGC survivors in these communities.
At Sahiyo US, we empower underrepresented communities-particularly those from API and Arab backgrounds-to advocate for inclusion within FGC discourse and lead systemic efforts to end this centuries-old violation. Through collaborative grassroots campaigns, social mobilization, and storytelling, we train communities to build a critical mass of voices against FGC and drive change from within. Our work is rooted in the principles of consent and the fundamental right of bodily autonomy.
By addressing the root causes of FGC and empowering communities, Sahiyo can create lasting change that benefits future generations. This shift will lead to improved health outcomes, greater empowerment and agency for women and girls, and stronger community resilience. As communities reject FGC, they will advocate for policy reforms that protect women's rights and preserve positive cultural traditions. Ultimately, Sahiyo aims to create a healthier, more equitable future free from FGC.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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