Sahiyo

Sahiyo-logo-2

Sahiyo is a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering Asian communities to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). Founded by a group of five women in 2015, Sahiyo works to highlight and address the issues related to FGM/C through community engagement, education, and advocacy. The organization's name, Sahiyo, comes from the Gujarati word meaning friend, reflecting its approach to create change through supportive and empowering dialogues.

History

Sahiyo was established in response to the silence and taboo surrounding the practice of FGM/C within the Dawoodi Bohra community and other Asian communities. The founders, themselves from Bohra backgrounds, recognized the need for a platform that could foster open discussions, share personal narratives, and provide support to survivors and those at risk. Since its inception, Sahiyo has expanded its reach to include various Asian communities where FGM/C is practiced, working both at the grassroots level and with policymakers to advocate for the abandonment of the practice.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Sahiyo is to empower communities to end FGM/C and create a world where the bodily integrity and autonomy of girls and women are respected. The organization envisions a global environment where every woman has the right to make choices about her body without fear of coercion or harm.

Programs and Initiatives

Sahiyo's approach is multifaceted, involving awareness campaigns, storytelling projects, and educational workshops. One of its key initiatives is the Voices to End FGM/C project, which uses digital storytelling to share the experiences of FGM/C survivors. This initiative aims to break the silence around FGM/C and encourage community members to speak out against the practice.

In addition to storytelling, Sahiyo conducts workshops and seminars aimed at educating communities about the health risks and human rights violations associated with FGM/C. The organization also engages in advocacy work, collaborating with other NGOs, healthcare professionals, and government bodies to push for policies that protect girls and women from FGM/C.

Impact

Sahiyo's work has contributed to increased awareness and dialogue around FGM/C within affected communities. By sharing survivor stories and providing a platform for open discussion, the organization has helped to challenge the social norms that perpetuate FGM/C. Its advocacy efforts have also led to greater recognition of FGM/C as a human rights issue among policymakers and international organizations.

Challenges

Despite its successes, Sahiyo faces several challenges in its mission to end FGM/C. Cultural sensitivity and resistance from within communities can hinder open discussions about the practice. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive data on FGM/C prevalence in Asian countries makes it difficult to measure the impact of intervention efforts. Sahiyo continues to work towards overcoming these obstacles through its community-based approach and partnerships with local and international stakeholders.

See Also

• Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
• Dawoodi Bohra
• Human Rights
• Non-Governmental Organization