Hello. Thank you for visiting my website. My name is Olivia. I am an undergraduate at Duke University pursuing a Human Rights Certificate. I am in the process of expanding this project, now and in the future.
Step One: Researching the topic
- Learned about various aspects of FGM such as: medical procedure, health risks, prevalence, “medicalization,” laws, setting of procedure, culture, tradition, and perspectives
Step Two: Pilot Educational Program & Analysis
- Created and lectured a pilot education program that discussed various aspects of FGM, with a focus on cultural beliefs behind FGM
- Audiences included Child Protective Services, Child Abuse Pediatricians, medical professionals, mental health professionals, law professionals
- Conducted pre- and post- surveys:
Step Three: Identifying Applications and Audiences
- Results indicated a lack of understanding of the cultural reasons behind FGM (27% correct pre-test, 58% correct post-test)
- Target audience: professionals likely to encounter FGM survivors in their respective fields
Step Four: Execution of Project
- Created a website to educate investigative professionals about the cultural aspects of FGM
- This way, professionals can approach FGM survivors with cultural competency and awareness
- In the execution of this website, my goal is to share this project yet continue to learn and reflect on this complex topic