On January 25, 2025, the Connecticut (CT) Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, Representative Jillian Gilchrest, CT General Assembly Bi-Partisan Women’s Caucus, and the CT Coalition to End FGM/C held an event, just prior to the next legislative session, entitled Preventing FGM/C in Connecticut – Why Comprehensive Laws Matter.
Special guests and co-hosts included Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and the Governor’s Council on Women & Girls. The panel discussion that occurred during the event provided timely information and resources for legislators and their staff about FGM/C in the United States, as well as the need for comprehensive state laws to end the practice.
Panelists shared their experiences and lessons they learned from legal reform processes in other states, which highlighted the important role of the law in changing social norms as well as protecting survivors, girls at risk, and society as a whole. The diverse panel of international, national, and local experts included women’s rights advocates, FGM/C service providers, and FGM/C survivors such as:
Moderators:
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Rep. Jillian Gilcrest
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Steven Hernández
Panelists
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Siminesh Comollo, CT Coalition to End FGM/C
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Caitlin LeMay, The US End FGM/C Network
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Zehra Patwa, Co-Founder and US Lead, WeSpeakOut
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Mariya Taher, Sahiyo: US
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Jill Thompson, Equality Now
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 was held in partnership with Sahiyo U.S.ahiyo U.S., Equality Now, and, the US End FGM/C Network.S End FGM/C Network.
Watch a recording of the event here.
In support of passing a law on FGM/C, this February 6th - International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM/C, Governor Ned Lamont issued a Proclamation and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz issued a Citation to commemorate the day.