On March 18th 2019, the Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) hosted a parallel event on “Addressing FGM in the USA: Safeguarding Survivors and Protecting Victims“ at the UN Commission on the Status of Women 63rd Session in New York. The panel took place at the UN Church Center. The panel convened survivors, policy makers, non-profit leaders, and community organizers to facilitate the dialogue on what necessary steps are needed to ensure ‘zero tolerance’ towards FGM for both survivors and at-risk women and girls.
Speakers included:
- Mariya Taher, Sahiyo Cofounder
- Mary Franson, Minnesota House of Representatives
- Andrea G. Bottner, J.D., Senior Advisor- Independent Women’s Forum
- Asad Zaman, M.D
- Zehra Patwa, WeSpeakOut Co-Founder and Sahiyo Vice-Chair of the U.S. Advisory Board
This panel analyzed the practice of FGC in the United States through a medical, psychological, and legislative lens. The panelists collectively suggested a variety of approaches to bringing communities together to gain knowledge and organize.
The event was incredibly popular, with the room at full capacity and more guests listening from the hall.
These types of events are essential towards our progress in creating a world without FGC.
