A CHANCE ENCOUNTER LEADS TO LIFE-CHANGING PROTECTIONS FOR WASHINGTON YOUTH

One of the things that Absa Samba remembers from her first meeting with Stephan Blanford, Executive Director of Children’s Alliance, was their instant connection. At the time, she was a student representative on the Dean’s Council of the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance. Absa was taking a class on policy analysis and exploring the possibility of creating a policy to better protect children against the practice of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), which at that time was not prohibited in Washington. 

Absa Samba (third from left) at the bill signing for SB 5453.

“I knew from that conversation and from learning about what he does that I wanted to talk to him about how to get Children’s Alliance on board with that work,” she recalled.  

Not only was she able to get the support of Washington’s largest nonpartisan child advocacy organization, she also gained a mentor who shared invaluable guidance that would result in the swift passage of SB 5453 in the 2023 legislative session. The bill passed with only one vote of opposition in the House and unanimously in the Senate. 

“Stephan advised me on how to navigate the political landscape, on prioritizing the development of a communications and media strategy, and most importantly, on bringing together a coalition of partners.”  

Absa led the development of the Washington Coalition to End FGM/C, a group of survivors, advocates, legislators, researchers, and national and local organizations, who worked together to ensure that the individuals and communities impacted by this issue were the ones who were informing the policy being developed. 

As a member of the coalition, Children’s Alliance actively supported strategic communication efforts with legislators and community members. “Cassidy (former health policy manager) was phenomenal, and Stephan was actively involved throughout the process as well. I cannot underscore enough the value and significant role that Children’s Alliance played in that coalition,” said Absa. 

From Children’s Alliance’s perspective, the partnership was mutually rewarding. “As I learned more from Absa about the issues that are in play when it comes to female genital mutilation and cutting, it became clear that Children’s Alliance needed to stand with the community and the coalition to protect our children,” shared Stephan. “Absa insisted that this bill emphasize community education, an approach that promoted racial equity and was in line with our antiracist values. We were honored to be partners in the work and for the opportunity to invite our 7,000 members across the state to advocate along with them for a policy that gives young girls the opportunity to grow into their full selves.”  

To learn more about how to take action with Children’s Alliance in the upcoming legislative session, visit our action center.