The support to flourish
Today marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and we want to highlight a Toronto community-based project called Flourish, whose goal is to support those who have experienced FGM/C and their communities, through advocacy work and raising awareness. In countries where it’s documented, over 3 million are at risk of experiencing FGM/C every year, and there are over 200 million survivors globally.
The Flourish project is spearheaded by the Women’s Health in Women’s Hands (WHIWH) Community Health Centre, which provides healthcare to racialized women, trans and non-binary clients from African, Black, Caribbean, Latin American and South Asian communities in the GTA. As this month also marks Black History month, we want to bring awareness to this culturally relevant care initiative that centers respect, inclusion and community collaboration.
FGM/C is gender-based violence that can have negative long-term impacts on physical, mental and sexual health. Having autonomy over your own body is a pillar of reproductive justice, and as abortion providers we know that bodily self-determination is an essential human right with life-changing ramifications.
Since the 1990’s WHIWH has been engaging with survivors of FGM/C to ensure that healthcare is delivered compassionately, while addressing issues of gender equity, trauma and socio-cultural diversity. Today Flourish raises awareness and supports those living with or at risk of FGM/C by providing toolkits for survivors, and healthcare and community service providers, and creating referral pathways for those affected or at risk.
You can access educational resources on the Flourish website like webinars, podcasts such as Challenging Silence, and a free workshop series for service providers on providing trauma-informed, dignified, culturally sensitive care. If you want to learn more about FGM/C and how you can support these initiatives check out Women’s Health in Women’s Hands and Flourish for more information.