Preventing FGM/C in Connecticut – Why Comprehensive Laws Matter

Please join the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, Representative Jillian Gilchrest and the CT Coalition to End FGM/C with special guests and co-hosts Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and the Governor’s Council on Women & Girls for a moderated panel discussion and lunch reception on January 25, just prior to the start of the next legislative session. The event, entitled Preventing FGM/C in Connecticut – Why Comprehensive Laws Matter will provide timely information and resources for legislators and their staffs about FGM/C in the United States and the need for comprehensive state laws to end the practice.

Panelists will share their experiences and lessons learned from law reform processes in other states, highlighting the important role of law in changing social norms and the significant benefits of good FGM/C laws on survivors, girls at risk, and society as a whole. Our diverse panel of international, national and local experts will include women’s rights advocates, FGM/C service providers and FGM/C survivors. The lunch reception will follow the presentation.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a human rights violation that affects millions of women and girls worldwide. In the United States, over half a million women and girls are at risk of or have already undergone FGM/C. Despite federal law prohibiting FGM/C, it continues to persist in many states. To date, 41 US States have enacted laws prohibiting the practice of FGM/C. Connecticut is one of nine states that has not yet addressed this harmful practice.

This event is held in partnership with Equality Now, Sahiyo, and the US End FGM/C Network.

REGISTER HERE