RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE PRACTICE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AND ALL FORMS OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators presented the WBA with the Resolution Condemning the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation and All Forms of Gender Based Violence which had been passed by the Senate and the House on July 30, 2016. The WBA was honored by the Caucus for its advocacy on behalf of women, specifically those who have been victims of female genital mutilation. State Representative Gloria Fox spoke at the presentation and thanked the WBA saying that its work was “instrumental” in bringing attention to FGM. WBA President, Kristin W. Shirahama accepted the resolution on behalf of the WBA and expressed that “we are very grateful to the many legislators and organizations who have offered support. We’re especially grateful to women like Mariya Taher, who have spoken about their own personal experiences with FGM.” Also present at the State House event was Executive Director of the WBA, Pattye Comfort, Deputy Director, Rachel Biscardi, and FGM committee members: Deborah Benson, Joanne Golden, Janet Donovan, Mariya Taher, Deirdre M. Giblin, Susan McLucas, Abdirahman A. Yusuf, and Doctor Melody Eckardt. Filmaker Raouf Jacob was also there to film the event. The WBA would also like to thank Lauren Scribi, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators for organizing this event.
