Understanding female genital mutilation/cutting and the context in Canada

Topic(s):

Webinar event date:

sep 10, 2026 11:00 am EDT

Webinar link

Connectez-vous pour accèder à l'hyperlien du webinaire.

Webinar Presenters:

Brenda Diaz, MA

Brenda is a training facilitator and community-based program leader with over a decade of experience advancing awareness, prevention, and survivor support in gender-based violence (GBV), including female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). She specializes in delivering engaging, impactful training for diverse audiences, including students, service providers, and frontline professionals.

She holds a Master’s degree in Security and Defense and a Master’s degree in Criminalistics. Drawing on an extensive background in law enforcement, she has received specialized training from agencies including the RCMP, CIA, and Europol, and has contributed to research initiatives and policy recommendations for decision-makers. Her experience in the settlement sector has further deepened her understanding of systemic barriers, reinforcing her commitment to inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive programming.

Description

You may find yourself working with those who have been affected by Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) or with a child who may be at risk for FGM/C. You have an important role to play in protecting children, as well as providing support, resources, referrals, and counselling (within your scope of practice) to those impacted by FGM/C.

FGM/C can affect an individual’s physical, mental, and sexual health well into adulthood and long after they experienced the initial trauma. It’s important that you understand the impacts of FGM/C and use a trauma-informed approach to provide support to those affected. You also have a legal duty to report if you suspect or know a child has, or is at risk for, FGM/C.

This module is intended to equip social workers and social work technicians (social service workers) with the knowledge required to better protect and support those impacted, or at risk for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.