The Women’s Health Needs Study (WHNS) was a one-time survey on women’s health care experiences and needs, as well as their experiences of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). WHNS surveyed US women from countries where FGM/C is practiced. The study took place from November 2020 to June 2021 in four metropolitan areas in the United States (Atlanta, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington, DC) with input, collaboration, and support from community-based organizations. NORC worked closely with these organizations to develop the study design, culturally sensitive approaches to outreach and data collection, and compliance protocols to manage social distancing and pandemic mitigation recommendations. These partners play a critical role in the dissemination of WHNS findings.
“A goal of the dissemination is to collect respondent experiences to create culturally-attuned, trauma-informed programs for women, by women who are familiar with the unique needs of these communities.”
Sabrina Avripas, WHNS Senior Staff, NORC at the University of Chicago
Ultimately, WHNS collected data from 1,132 women. More than half of the respondents reported experiencing FGM/C and shared a variety of different consequences. Women with FGM/C reported more health concerns compared to women without FGM/C, including problems with childbirth, reproductive health, sexual health, and mental health. Over half of women with FGM/C feel comfortable discussing their experience with their health care provider.
Respondents also indicated changes in their beliefs regarding FGM/C: nearly all women believed the practice should be stopped, and a significant percent believed that the practice can cause health problems later in life. WHNS findings can be leveraged to create culturally-attuned, trauma-informed workshops and programs for women who have experienced FGM/C.
Currently, community partners are holding conversations within their communities to share the WHNS findings. Sharing this information through a trauma-informed, culturally-attuned lens allows the community to hold sensitive conversations together and discuss implications for reproductive and mental health care.
“We hope the community conversations will be the beginning of that building rapport and continuing to engage with our participants as well as the community at large.”
Hager Shawkat, Program Director for Community Wellness, Sauti Yetu Center for African Women
Main Take-Aways
WHNS is one of the first studies that investigated the health care needs, access, and beliefs of women who have experienced FGM/C in the United States.
Engagement of community-based organizations in study design, data collection, and sharing of findings is an invaluable aspect of disseminating data in a culturally-attuned manner.
These findings can help to inform communities and health care providers of the needs of women with FGM/C and provide data for evidence-based public health strategies to address these needs.
Future research can build on these findings to investigate health care access, usage, needs, and experiences of U.S. women from FGM/C-practicing countries.
Project Contact
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Suggested Citation
Liotta, M., Avripas, S, & Ahn, R. (2023, September 21). Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-Informed Programs for Women With FGM/C Experience. [Web blog post]. Goal: Resilience. Retrieved from https://goalresilience.norc.org.
External Links
Womens Health Needs Study Infographic (English)
