Hartford, CT – In Honor of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGMC), State Representative Jillian Gilchrest and State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria along with the Connecticut Coalition to End FGMC will hold a press conference to raise awareness about this critical issue, discuss ongoing advocacy efforts, and highlight House Bill 6596: An Act Concerning The Prevention Of Female Genital Mutilation, a proposed bill to prohibit the practice of FGM/C in Connecticut. Connecticut remains one of only nine states without legislation banning this harmful practice.
An art installation visually representing the number of women and girls who have undergone or are at risk of FGM/C in Connecticut will be installed on the lawn of the State Capitol before the press conference and will be available for viewing all day.
Event Details:
- When: Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM
- Where: Hall of Flags, Connecticut State Capitol
Agenda Highlights:
- Opening Remarks: Representative Jillian Gilchrest & Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria will welcome attendees and outline current legislative efforts to pass a law protecting all girls from FGM/C in Connecticut
- Remarks from the Lieutenant Governor: Susan Bysiewicz will read the Governors proclamation and make a few comments
- Survivor Testimonies: Hear from survivors Zehra Patwa and Mariya Taher, who will share their lived experiences and perspectives
- Medical Expertise: Dr. Kate McKenzie, Director of the Yale Center for Asylum Medicine, will provide insights into the medical and psychological impacts of FGM/C
- Legislative Call to Action: Bipartisan leaders will discuss the importance of uniting to enact protective legislation
- Q&A Session: Media representatives will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with speakers
Why This Matters: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting is a grave violation of human rights, with devastating health consequences for millions of girls and women worldwide. Despite its global recognition as a harmful practice, FGM/C remains a concern that demands urgent attention and action.
Members of the press, advocates, and the public are invited to attend this critical event to learn more about the fight against FGM/C and how Connecticut is taking a stand.
For additional information or to schedule interviews:
- Rep. Jillian Gilchrest (D-18 district) Phone: 860-240-0492 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105 district) Phone: 860-240-8700 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Rosemary Lopez, CWCSEO Women’s Legislative Policy Analyst Phone: 959-900-5805 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Join us in standing for a future free from FGM/C in Connecticut. Together, we can make zero tolerance a reality.
Related:
- Interview with Zehra Patwa of the Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C
- The Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C Interview Series: Caitlin LeMay