April Newsletter: Honor violence cases climbing, FGM survivor from Kentucky finds her voice and healing; CTF coordinator bids farewell

I hope you and your family continue to stay healthy and safe.

Since many shelter-at-home orders began, we have seen a spike in the number of requests for help coming through our crisis text line from girls and women at risk of honor violence. The number of requests last month alone was almost double what we received in total the first two months of this year.

You can help. Please spread the word about our free crisis text line for women and girls facing honor violence and forced marriage. Share this post via Facebook.

If you missed the recent uplifting news about Jenny’s Law—a new victory against female genital mutilation (FGM) in the U.S.—you can read about it here. Your support made it possible. Thank you.

In response to Kentucky becoming the 38th state to criminalize FGM, we reached out to Jenny, the FGM survivor who spearheaded this victory, and asked her to describe her journey from survivor to activist. Her reflections are poignant and humbling. She noted: “I knew that no matter the outcome of sharing my story, I found the greatest gifts in the process, my voice and healing.” Read more about Jenny’s journey of healing and activism.  

Last month, after three years at AHA Foundation where she helped launch and grow our campus program, our colleague Julia O’Donnell moved on to a new career opportunity. We will miss the dedication and humor she infused into every project. This is her farewell blog where she reflects on her time at the Foundation.

Speaking of our campus program, are you a student who is interested in promoting critical thinking, ending FGM, honor violence, child and forced marriage, and raising awareness about Islamism on your college campus? Consider applying for our fellowship. Please forward this to anyone you think would be interested or a good fit.

We are so grateful for your support! Stay healthy and stay safe.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Founder