PURPOSE:
The Best Beginnings for Babies (BeBB) initiative was designed to engage new migrant parents in reflective, supportive conversations around parenting practices, gender roles, and the protection of daughters from harmful traditional practices, including female circumcision. Midwives played a central role in initiating and leading this collaboration, drawing on their expertise in sexual and reproductive health, and their trusted position within migrant communities. Through consultations with bicultural workers, community leaders, health educators, and social workers, the program was co-designed to foster safe dialogue about the cultural, health, legal, and human rights implications of female circumcision within the Australian context.

DISCUSSION:
This presentation showcases the midwife's role in identifying risk, providing trauma-informed care, and creating culturally respectful prevention strategies toward female circumcision. This initiative demonstrates the powerful impact of midwifery leadership in community engagement and cross-sector collaboration to protect the rights and health of girls. It reinforces the significance of midwives as advocates for reproductive justice and as key agents in ending female circumcision through education, empowerment, and culturally grounded care.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The development process was informed by community consultation and international best practices in female circumcision prevention and health promotion (WHO, ICM & UNFPA). Session content included the emotional and physical impact of female circumcision and the legal consequences for parents if practiced once migrating to Australia. Participant feedback indicated increased awareness, enhanced trust in healthcare providers, and strong parental commitment to protecting their daughters from female circumcision.

KEY MESSAGE:
*Midwives are pivotal advocates in sexual and reproductive health and play a critical role in the prevention of female circumcision. *Collaborative, culturally sensitive parenting programs can shift harmful norms while respecting community identity. *Community trust in midwives allows for open, respectful conversations on sensitive topics like female circumcision. *Empowering parents with knowledge and support protects migrating daughters and promotes reproductive justice Poster session 4 (Group B)