On January 14th, the HOPE MA team facilitated a virtual FGM/C 101 training for Plymouth Health Services, bringing together school nurses, student support staff, counselors, and other educational professionals working with children and families. Carilyn Rains, Director of School Health Services, provided invaluable partnership in bringing this session to education and wellness professionals across her networks throughout Plymouth County and beyond.

The 90-minute session, led by Olivia Harris and Caitlin LeMay of the HOPE MA Project team with support from Training and Technical Assistance Coordinators Isatou Jeng of the US Network to End FGM/C and Nuzhat Zaman of Sahiyo, equipped participants with essential knowledge about female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). The training covered the Massachusetts Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C) Prevention and Resources Act (Chapter 149 of the Acts of 2020), and enhanced attendees’ capacity to recognize and respond to potential cases of FGM/C using culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approaches when working with students and families from practicing communities.

For the vast majority of attendees, this was their first training on FGM/C, making the knowledge gains particularly significant. Training surveys showed substantial increases in participants’ self-reported understanding of key FGM/C prevalence and impact, as well as of the connection between FGM/C prevention and broader health education work.

The group recognized that many of their existing trauma-informed skills as healthcare workers are directly transferable to the FGM/C context. During the session, attendees identified how existing best practices in their work with students and families apply to supporting those affected by FGM/C.

HOPE MA is looking forward to continuing to grow the project’s reach across Massachusetts through our upcoming Coalition Launch Event on the International Day of Zero Tolerance to End FGM/C. Register and learn more here. 

Interested in bringing an FGM/C training to your organization or school? 

HOPE MA provides tailored FGM/C trainings for diverse audiences and organizations across Massachusetts. Whether you work in healthcare, education, social services, legal systems, advocacy, or community-based organizations, we can design a session that meets your specific needs and context. Request a Training Here!