FGM/C: An American Problem as Much as a Global One
Release Date: 03/12/2025
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...
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From Healing to Action: Advocating for FGM/C Survivors with the Connecticut Coalition
Changing Narratives Podcast
In 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...
info_outlineIn 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 agencies are working to turn legislation into real support for survivors. Together, they highlight why FGM/C is not just a "foreign" issue, but a real and urgent problem here in the U.S.
Throughout this episode, you'll hear about the powerful partnerships between community leaders and state agencies, and the lessons that can guide other states seeking to make similar changes. Absa and Carolyn also provide a roadmap for the future of FGM/C prevention and survivor support, and offer tangible ways for listeners to get involved and keep the momentum going.
This conversation is more than just an exploration of a law—it’s a call to action. FGM/C is a human rights issue that affects women everywhere, and it's time to recognize its presence in our own communities.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform.
Support our work: These conversations are crucial to raising awareness and pushing for meaningful change. To continue sharing these powerful stories, we need your support. Your donations help us expand our reach, conduct more interviews, and advocate for stronger policies. Please consider donating today to help us amplify these voices and keep the momentum moving forward.
Share this episode with your network to raise awareness about the importance of state-level advocacy, community-driven efforts, and how each of us can contribute to eradicating FGM/C in the U.S.
Contact Absa and Carolyn: To learn more about the work of The Washington State Coalition to End FGM/C, click here. You can email Carolyn directly at [email protected].