On February 6, 2026 — the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting — the HOPE MA Coalition, (Holistic Organized Partnerships to End FGM/C in Massachusetts), officially launched at Girls Inc. of Worcester, bringing together nearly 40 healthcare providers, social workers, community advocates, survivors, and allies for a day of collective learning and connection.
In honor of the occasion, the HOPE MA Coalition received a Governor’s Citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, signed by Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll. The citation recognized the coalition’s dedication to raising awareness and providing education on FGM/C, its role in the passage of Bill H.4606, and its ongoing work to strengthen support services for those impacted across the Commonwealth.
The event featured remarks from State Senator Robyn Kennedy, Representative Jay Livingstone, and Representative Natalie Higgins alongside keynote presentations from Dr. Crista Johnson-Agbakwu of UMass Chan’s Collaborative in Health Equity and Sahiyo Executive Director Mariya Taher. A standout moment of the day was a powerful performance by Crocodile Rive Music, which moved and energized attendees, and the Aseemkala Initiative, which offered space for personal reflection through the presentation of traditional dance styles. Attendees participated in engaging group discussions and reflective activities to explore what it means to build a coordinated response to FGM/C in Massachusetts.
The Worcester Police Department and the Worcester Department of Public Health presented a strong showing of support, reflecting the cross-sector commitment at the heart of this coalition’s work.
This event marked the official launch of the HOPE MA Coalition, and we’re excited to begin recruitment for our Steering Committee. Steering Committee members will hold paid positions to help shape the direction of the coalition, lead sub-committees, and meet quarterly for strategic planning.
Interested in learning more? Apply to join the HOPE MA Steering Committee.
Read the full citation presented to the coalition below:
“On behalf of the residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I am pleased to confer upon you this Governor’s Citation in recognition of your dedication to raising awareness and providing education of female genital mutilation/cutting, or FGM/C. Your organization has been vital to FGM/C prevention, healing, and community empowerment in Massachusetts, particularly in the passage of Bill H.4606, ‘An Act Relative to the Penalties for the Crime of Female Genital Mutilation.’ As you observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance of this extreme form of gender-based violence, we commend the strides your organization makes to strengthen support services for those impacted. The Commonwealth thanks you for your advocacy and wishes you continued success uplifting those impacted by FGM/C.”
This sixth day of February in the year of 2026, Signed by Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll.
