Women’s Health Project – Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Prevention and Education

Grantee: Somali Family Safety Task Force
Timeframe: July 2024 – June 2025 | Amount: $146,035

The Somali Family Safety Task Force will expand and continue its vital work addressing the critical issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The Task Force’s mission is to enhance community awareness, provide support to affected individuals, and educate healthcare providers about the severe health risks and human rights violations associated with FGM, which the World Health Organization (WHO) defines as the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia for non-medical reasons.

The Task Force primarily serves Muslim women over 30 who are refugees or immigrants from Somalia, Gambia, and other Muslim-majority countries, many of whom have undergone FGM. Despite the prevalence of FGM in these communities, discussions with healthcare providers are often avoided, leading to complications during childbirth that endanger both mothers and newborns.

While FGM is not as prevalent in King County as in parts of Africa, it still occurs. Reports indicate that procedures are performed secretly in areas with significant African populations, such as New York, Minneapolis, and potentially Seattle. WHO reports that 98% of women in Somalia and 85% in Gambia aged 15-49 have undergone FGM.

The Task Force targets African Muslim women who have undergone FGM and families at risk of having the procedure done illegally in the United States. The majority of those receiving services will be from Somalia and Gambia—communities the Task Force is culturally equipped to serve.

This initiative aims to expand existing efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and educate healthcare providers in the Puget Sound Region about FGM. Continuing workshops organized by the Task Force will foster critical conversations, provide necessary support, and lay the groundwork for a safer community. By collaborating with stakeholders and engaging with the community, the Task Force seeks to create a lasting impact and address healthcare disparities related to FGM.

The approach includes inviting expert speakers, conducting wellness checks, organizing small group sessions for peer support, and offering opportunities for feedback and evaluation. Potential health partners include Harborview International Clinic, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Neighborcare Health, Public Health, and other organizations with a proven track record of serving the Somali and African Muslim communities in King County.

ABOUT OUR GRANTEE

Somali Family Safety Task Force

“The Somali Family Safety Task Force is a nonprofit community-based-organization (CBO) located in the NewHolly neighborhood in Seattle, WA that serves refugee and immigrant women and their families. Not only are we community based but we are also community driven. Our founders as well as the majority of our staff and volunteers are Somali and/or East African. Our programs are created with input from our community and are often at their request. Programs range from computer literacy training to combating and preventing gender-based-violence. We pride ourselves in being an organization by-and-for our community.”