AHA Foundation Celebrates Senior Researcher Sean Callaghan’s Global Recognition
Sean Callaghan, a PhD candidate at the University of Leicester researching the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in diaspora communities in Europe and the U.S, giving a presentation about his research.
October 9, 2025
AHA Foundation is thrilled to share that our Senior Researcher, Sean Callaghan, was honored last month with the Global Woman Award for his extraordinary contributions to the fight to end female genital mutilation (FGM). Since 2015, the Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation has presented this award to recognize leaders dedicated to ending FGM and other forms of violence against women and girls worldwide.
Sean was recognized for his leadership in education and training, as well as his groundbreaking research. In addition to serving as Head of Research at Orchid Project and pursuing his doctorate at the University of Leicester, Sean has made invaluable contributions to AHA Foundation’s mission.
Most notably, he authored the 2023 study on the prevalence of FGM/C in the United States, published in partnership with AHA Foundation. Building on this landmark research, he also developed the U.S. FGM Dashboard, an innovative tool that maps prevalence and equips policymakers, advocates, and service providers with the data needed to strengthen protections and support survivors.
Reflecting on their collaboration on the 2023 U.S. prevalence study, Amanda Parker, who collaborated with Sean on the report, shared: “Working with Sean is inspiring. His rigor, compassion, and commitment to centering survivors make his research not only credible but impactful. The findings are already shaping conversations about how to better protect women and girls at risk of FGM in the U.S.”
In his acceptance remarks, Sean emphasized that this honor was not his alone, but a recognition of the women who shaped, trusted, and partnered with him throughout his work. As he said, “This award is for the countless women who have faced gender‑based violence. It is for the survivors who chose to trust me. It is for the uncounted.” His words were a powerful reminder that progress against FGM is built on the courage of survivors and the solidarity of women who lead the way. You can read his full speech here.
We are grateful for Sean’s partnership and his dedication to advancing knowledge about FGM in the United States and globally. His research continues to strengthen the evidence base that advocates and policymakers rely on to protect women and girls.