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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
The SAFE project: Transforming midwifery education through the voices of women living with female genital mutilation/cutting
1
Women's and Children's Health Network, Nursing and Midwifery and Consumer Engagement, North Adelaide, Australia
2
Curtin University, School of Nursing, Perth, Australia
3
University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, Adelaide, Australia
4
Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Refugee Health Service, Adelaide, Australia
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A357
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) affects over 230 million women and girls globally. The health impact can be severe and lifelong, yet many women delay seeking care due to stigma, shame and past negative experiences. Midwives play a key role supporting women with FGM/C, but many report gaps in knowledge and confidence to do so. Strengthening midwifery education is vital to realising the global call for “one million more midwives” equipped to meet diverse health needs.
OBJECTIVES:
To explore healthcare experiences of women with FGM/C in South Australia, develop an education program based on their needs, and evaluate its impact on midwives’ knowledge, attitudes, practice and confidence (KAPC).
METHODS:
A three-phase, exploratory sequential mixed-method study was conducted. Phase 1: interviews with women with FGM/C. Findings informed Phase 2: the development of the South Australian FGM/C Education (SAFE) program, created in partnership with women and clinical experts. Phase 3: KAPC outcomes were measured before and immediately after training, and at four-month follow-up.
RESULTS:
Phase 1 identified four key themes: 1) the healthcare experience; 2) cultural values shape care; 3) speaking up about FGM/C; and 4) working together to improve care. Women emphasised the importance of trust and culturally respectful care. These insights shaped the SAFE program, which was completed by 104 nurses and midwives. Statistically significant improvements were observed across all KAPC constructs (p < 0.05), with sustained gains at follow-up. Clinicians reported increased cultural responsiveness, confidence and preparedness to support women living with FGM/C.
CONCLUSIONS:
Embedding lived experience into health education enhances cultural safety, clinical competence, and trust-building in care for women with FGM/C. This scalable education model supports midwives globally to meet sexual, reproductive and maternal health needs.
KEY MESSAGE:
When we centre the voices of women with FGM/C in clinician education, we build safer, more respectful healthcare systems that truly meet their needs. SRHR - FGM
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) affects over 230 million women and girls globally. The health impact can be severe and lifelong, yet many women delay seeking care due to stigma, shame and past negative experiences. Midwives play a key role supporting women with FGM/C, but many report gaps in knowledge and confidence to do so. Strengthening midwifery education is vital to realising the global call for “one million more midwives” equipped to meet diverse health needs.
OBJECTIVES:
To explore healthcare experiences of women with FGM/C in South Australia, develop an education program based on their needs, and evaluate its impact on midwives’ knowledge, attitudes, practice and confidence (KAPC).
METHODS:
A three-phase, exploratory sequential mixed-method study was conducted. Phase 1: interviews with women with FGM/C. Findings informed Phase 2: the development of the South Australian FGM/C Education (SAFE) program, created in partnership with women and clinical experts. Phase 3: KAPC outcomes were measured before and immediately after training, and at four-month follow-up.
RESULTS:
Phase 1 identified four key themes: 1) the healthcare experience; 2) cultural values shape care; 3) speaking up about FGM/C; and 4) working together to improve care. Women emphasised the importance of trust and culturally respectful care. These insights shaped the SAFE program, which was completed by 104 nurses and midwives. Statistically significant improvements were observed across all KAPC constructs (p < 0.05), with sustained gains at follow-up. Clinicians reported increased cultural responsiveness, confidence and preparedness to support women living with FGM/C.
CONCLUSIONS:
Embedding lived experience into health education enhances cultural safety, clinical competence, and trust-building in care for women with FGM/C. This scalable education model supports midwives globally to meet sexual, reproductive and maternal health needs.
KEY MESSAGE:
When we centre the voices of women with FGM/C in clinician education, we build safer, more respectful healthcare systems that truly meet their needs. SRHR - FGM
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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