FGC 101 x Coalition for a Healthier Greater Worcester

Description: This 2-hour interactive training will equip Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester members with foundational knowledge about female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and practical strategies for integrating FGM/C awareness into community health systems. FGM/C refers to the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons and is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a human rights violation and an extreme form of violence against women and girls.

Participants will explore the Massachusetts legal context, including law H4606 (passed in 2020), examine culturally responsive approaches when working with children and families from FGM/C impacted communities, and identify opportunities to strengthen referral pathways and integrate FGM/C awareness into upstream prevention efforts and the Community Health Improvement Plan. Through facilitated discussion and small group work, coalition members will build capacity to recognize and respond to potential cases of FGM/C within their respective sectors.