We're excited to share the highlights of an incredible journey we've embarked on with our partners Mother Africa, The U.S. End FGM/C Network, and the Washington State Department of Health. Our collective mission to prevent and respond to female genital cutting (FGC) across Washington State has seen tremendous progress since Year 1 began this past March, thanks to the enthusiastic support and participation of our community members.
From the very beginning, with the Washington Coalition championing the law against FGC that eventually passed in April 2023, engaging with our communities has been at the heart of our efforts. In Year 1, our outreach activities brought together over 100 individuals, creating spaces for meaningful conversations and shared learning. Through a series of informative events, including an FGC 101 training and thought-provoking webinars, we have not only spread awareness but also sparked important discussions.
During this period, two of our meetings were hosted in-person in Kent, WA, inviting community members to get involved with the project and learn more about FGC. The first meeting held in April 2024, was the kick-off event for this initiative and involved various strategy sessions. Attendees collaborated in resource mapping exercises, identifying key players for our advisory committee and brainstorming innovative programming ideas. The energy and excitement in the room for this project were palpable as attendees shared their insights and built connections with individuals in their nearby communities. This event not only laid the groundwork for our project's future activities but also exemplified our commitment to community-driven solutions and inclusive dialogue.
The final in-person meeting for the year was hosted on June 13th, and included a screening session of videos from Sahiyo’s Voices to End FGM/C project titled, “Video Screening & Discussion with Survivors of FGM/C in Washington State.” This event was particularly moving, as two of the storytellers themselves were present and participated in a panel discussion answering questions about their experiences, insights, and what they are looking forward to with this project.
These moments of connection remind us of the importance of community-led initiatives and the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy. As we look forward to Year 2, we are filled with hope and determination!
To learn more visit the project's website and watch the Year 1 below: