Culturally Responsive Reproductive Health Care for Somali Women

Somali women bring rich cultural traditions, values, and life experiences to their healthcare journey. Yet too often, gaps in cultural understanding create barriers to trust, comfort, and optimal care.
This training equips healthcare providers — including nurses, OB/GYNs, midwives, and other reproductive health professionals — with the tools, insights, and best practices to deliver respectful, culturally specific care for Somali women.
Developed by Isuroon, a nationally recognized leader in culturally responsive health services, this program draws on years of community engagement, provider interviews, and patient stories to highlight 12 best practices that improve care outcomes and patient satisfaction.

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What Participants Will Learn

Through real-world examples, cultural insights, and interactive discussions, participants will:

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Build strong, trust-based patient relationships.

Respect and incorporate Somali cultural and religious beliefs in care planning.

Communicate effectively using competent interpreters and culturally relevant language.

Provide care that reflects Somali women’s preferences for gender-concordant providers and midwife-assisted births.

Understand the context and implications of Female Genital Cutting (FGC) in reproductive health.

Partner with Somali communities through outreach and ongoing relationship building.

Training Summary

This training is structured into 12 modules, each focusing on a core best practice:

  • Building one-on-one relationships with patients

  • Respecting culture and religion in reproductive health care

  • Providing options and involving families in decision-making

  • Hiring Somali staff and learning key Somali phrases.

  • Offering female providers where possible

  • Making midwives available and supporting natural birth preferences

  • Contracting with competent medical interpreters.

  • Understanding and respectfully addressing Female Genital Cutting (FGC)

  • Learning Somali migration journeys and life stories

  • Educating healthcare staff on Somalia’s history and healthcare systems

  • Respecting Somali calendars and holidays in care planning

  • Conducting community outreach to build awareness and trust

Training is delivered through a PowerPoint presentation, facilitated discussion, real-life case studies, and knowledge-check quizzes to ensure participants can apply what they’ve learned immediately.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

Deliver more effective, patient-centered care by integrating cultural understanding into clinical practice.

Improve communication through appropriate interpreter use and culturally respectful dialogue.

Reduce misunderstandings and medical mistrust by aligning care practices with Somali values and preferences.

Increase trust and care compliance among Somali patients, resulting in better health outcomes.

Strengthen community relationships between healthcare providers and Somali communities, leading to long-term engagement and health equity.

Who Should Attend

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Nurses and nurse practitioners

Social workers and patient navigators

Midwives

Medical assistants and clinic staff

Public health professionals

OB/GYN physicians

Duration & Format

  • Length: 2–3 hours (customizable for your team)
  • Format: In-person or virtual training
  • Materials Provided: Participant workbook, reference guide, and follow-up resources.

Why This Matters

Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali populations outside of Somalia. As the community grows, healthcare providers have an unprecedented opportunity to close cultural gaps, improve reproductive health outcomes, and create a healthcare environment where Somali women feel truly seen, heard, and respected.

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