Survivor voices break silence on female genital mutilation

Speaking at a forum, held at Westmead Hospital in honour of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Fatu emphasised the power of respectful, survivor-centred language.

“Language is powerful. It can heal, harm, empower, or silence,” Fatu said.

“Respectful language helps shift public perspective and encourage understanding. We promote effective advocacy when we communicate in a way that respects survivors.”

FGM/C is a complex reproductive health issue, with multiple short and long-term consequences including obstetric, gynaecological, sexual and psychological.

It involves altering or injuring a female’s genitalia for non-medical reasons and is internationally recognised as a violation of the health and integrity of girls and women.

Fatu was one of the women who shared their personal experience with community leaders, healthcare professionals, and advocates at the forum, organised by the NSW Education Program on FGM/C.

The event centred around the theme “Celebrating Survivors: Harnessing Dialogue and Respectful Language to Advocate for the End of FGM/C.”

Fatu emphasised that harsh or judgmental language can further isolate survivors, while trauma-informed communication fosters trust and healing.

“Listening to survivors and using their preferred terms is important. Each survivor has their own experience and perspective.”

“We need to centre their strength and resilience, instead of focusing only on trauma. “

“Be culturally sensitive without justifying harm,” Fatu said.

Bilingual Community Educators (BCEs), who play a key role in the NSW Education Program on FGM/C, shared reflections aligned with the forum’s theme.

Andi Dwipti (Indonesia): “Kind words help survivors feel strong and turn their pain into power.”

Maseray Samura (Sierra Leone): “Thoughtful communication help people listen, learn, and change.”

The forum brought together key speakers to discuss the importance of language in survivor advocacy, health literacy, and culturally safe clinical care, also recognising the need for dedicated clinical roles to support women with FGM/C, particularly within maternity care.

Westmead Hospital midwives Heba Allam and Collette Compton, trained to provide specialised care, shared their experiences in supporting women throughout pregnancy and birth.

“As long as women get the services they need, that’s what matters.” Collette said.

Heba reflected on her approach when working with women affected by FGM/C.

“We listen, give them space to talk, and normalise their experience. Avoiding strong or traumatic words is important, so they don’t feel different or isolated,” Heba said.

The midwives emphasised the importance of continuity of care, ensuring that women do not have to repeatedly retell their stories.

The forum also included an opening address from General Manager Integrated Community Health, Jasmin Ellis, acknowledging the vital role of the community, particularly FGM/C Bilingual Community Educators (BCEs), in raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and supporting affected women. 

Clinical Associate Professor Nesrin Varol, Director of the Sydney Gynaecology & Endometriosis Centre, addressed the health impacts of FGM/C and the need for culturally safe clinical environments.

Dipti Zachariah, Deputy Director of the Statewide Health Literacy Hub, provided practical examples of how respectful language can build trust with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

“What people crave is not information, it is the dignity of being understood,” Dipti said.

“Language goes beyond words. It shapes our ideas, emotions and relationships.”