From Healing to Action: Advocating for FGM/C Survivors with the Connecticut Coalition
Release Date: 01/22/2025
1 Every 12 Minutes: The Hidden Death Toll of FGM/C
Changing Narratives Podcast
What does it mean to say that 1 girl dies every 12 minutes from female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)? In this gripping episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars speaks with Professor Heather Flowe—one of the researchers behind a landmark study estimating that . They unpack the methodological and ethical complexities of bringing hidden deaths into the light, the global implications of their findings and how data can be a powerful tool in both justice and denial. We’re also joined by Anush Aghabalyan, Head of Policy and Advocacy at , to explore how these findings are shaping...
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Unstoppable Individuals: How Indonesia’s Change-Makers Are Ending FGM
Changing Narratives Podcast
FGM/C is too often seen as only an African issue — but across Asia, millions of girls are at risk every year. In this bold conversation, host Patricia Mars is joined by Ika Agustina from Kalyanamitra, a feminist organization based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Ika shares the powerful grassroots work happening to end FGM/C in Asia — from community-led change to groundbreaking research and fierce advocacy for national and international policy reform. Together, they dive into what it really takes to confront FGM/C in a region where tradition, religion, and social pressures run deep — and why...
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From Iowa to the Frontlines: Nisaa African Family Services Revolution Against FGC
Changing Narratives Podcast
“Change doesn’t happen to communities—it happens with them.” In this inspiring episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars is joined by Hibo Jama and Barwaqo Aden of Nisaa African Family Services, a grassroots powerhouse supporting African refugee and immigrant communities in Iowa. With deep ties to the communities they serve, Hibo and Barwaqo open up about the emotional and cultural challenges of addressing FGM/C—and the victories they’ve witnessed along the way. They unpack how attitudes around FGM/C are shifting, why engaging men and boys is essential and what policy...
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Stepping Forward: Reflections from Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation's Walk to End FGM in Washington, D.C.
Changing Narratives Podcast
In this special episode of Changing Narratives, we revisit the energy, urgency and solidarity at the Annual Walk to End FGM, hosted by the Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation in Washington, D.C. Led by founder and activist Angela Peabody, the walk brings together survivors, advocates and allies to raise awareness, honor resilience and call for the elimination of FGM/C. You’ll hear from changemakers who were part of the event, including: Angela Peabody, Founder and President of Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation Isatou Jeng, our TTA Coordinator, who received the 2024 Survivor Activist...
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Radical Hope: Youth-Led Activism to End FGM/C with Dr. Costly Abosede Aderibigbe
Changing Narratives Podcast
What does it look like when a survivor leads a global youth movement to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)? In this bold and moving episode of Changing Narratives, we sit down with Dr. Costly Abosede Aderibigbe—medical doctor, FGM/C survivor and Executive Secretary of the Global Youth Consortium Against FGM. Costly’s work spans over 50 countries, uniting young people to demand a future free from FGM/C—with the power of lived experience, medical expertise and radical hope. We explore her journey from survival to global leadership, what it takes to dismantle harmful practices in...
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Innovating Health Solutions and Ending FGM/C with LastMile4D in Kenya
Changing Narratives Podcast
In this episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars is joined by Mahnaz M. Harrison, founder of LastMile4D, to discuss the groundbreaking work being done to end FGM/C in Kenya. Mahnaz shares her journey into women’s health and rights, the unique challenges of working in remote communities, and how LastMile4D is using innovative technology and local partnerships to drive meaningful change. Tune in to hear about the delicate balance between respecting traditions and pushing for progress, and the inspiring stories of resilience and transformation that fuel this vital work. As you...
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Faith & Action: How Athia Carrim is Driving Change Against FGM/C in California
Changing Narratives Podcast
In this episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars sits down with Athia Carrim, a leader in interfaith dialogue and a key figure in The FGM Taskforce of Greater Los Angeles Area. Together, they explore the intersection of faith, advocacy, and community-driven efforts in the movement to end FGM/C. Athia shares her journey of balancing cultural respect with advocacy, discusses how transformative shifts in religious communities are happening, and highlights the power of collaboration through the FGM Taskforce. With growing momentum in California toward building a state coalition, discover...
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The ‘Husband Stitch’: A Form of FGM/C? Unpacking Medical Ethics and Women’s Health
Changing Narratives Podcast
In this episode of Changing Narratives, we explore the unsettling yet vital issue of the “Husband Stitch”—a practice often dismissed as a myth but deeply harmful and invasive. Join Hunter Kessous, Medical Student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and Dr. Raveen Syan, Urologist who specializes in pelvic floor disorders at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, as they unpack this painful procedure, its connection to FGM/C, and its profound implications on women’s health and informed consent. Hunter dives into the powerful stories of women who’ve endured the...
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FGM/C: An American Problem as Much as a Global One
Changing Narratives Podcast
In this episode of Changing Narratives, we explore how Washington State is addressing FGM/C head-on, turning local advocacy into meaningful policy change. Join Absa Samba, a leader behind the passing of Washington’s anti-FGM/C law, and Carolyn House-Higgins, the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Program Manager at the Department of Health, as they discuss the intersection of policy, community action, and survivor support. Absa reflects on the years of grassroots advocacy and political strategy that were necessary to pass this law, while Carolyn offers a unique perspective on how state...
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Introduction to Changing Narratives
Changing Narratives Podcast
Episode 1: Welcome to "Changing Narratives" In this debut episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars sits down with the Director of The U.S. End FGM/C Network, Caitlin LeMay, to share the inspiration behind the podcast, what listeners can expect from this transformative series and the goals driving this project. Together, they discuss the importance of amplifying survivor voices, fostering collaboration and taking collective action to end FGM/C. This episode sets the tone for the series, offering a glimpse into the thought and heart behind Changing Narratives. Whether you're new to...
info_outlineIn this episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars sits down with Jo Keogh, a founding member of The Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C, to discuss her critical role in advocating to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Connecticut. Jo shares her personal journey into the advocacy space, including the catalyst behind the formation of the Coalition and why it was essential to create a unified effort to end FGM/C in Connecticut.
Patricia and Jo dive deep into the challenges the Coalition faces in advocating for sensitive issues like FGM/C, the strides they’ve made, and Jo’s vision for the future of the movement.
Whether you're familiar with FGM/C or new to the issue, this conversation will leave you inspired to get involved in this movement.
Tune in to hear how you can be part of the change and support the fight to end FGM/C. Every donation helps amplify these vital conversations and drive real impact. Support the work of Changing Narratives: Your donation helps amplify these crucial conversations and drives action to end FGM/C. Visit this link to contribute today.
You can get in touch with the The Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C here, visit their facebook page and learn more Jo here.