FGM/C: An American Problem as Much as a Global One
Release Date: 03/12/2025
CSW70: What Does Global Advocacy Look Like In Practice?
Changing Narratives Podcast
In this special episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars brings listeners inside the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), capturing reflections from advocates, leaders and participants on the ground. Through a series of short conversations, this episode explores what’s standing out, what challenges remain and what it will take to move from dialogue to action. Leave a review of the podcast . Donate .
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Why Data Matters: Filling the Gaps in U.S. Research on FGM/C
Changing Narratives Podcast
In this episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars sits down with Sean Callaghan, a researcher whose work is shedding new light on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in the United States. Together, they unpack what the data tells us — and what it doesn’t. From research challenges and systemic gaps to the balance between statistics and lived experiences, this conversation dives deep into why data is essential for effective advocacy, survivor-centered policies and change. to Sean's latest report. Leave a review of the podcast . Donate .
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The Report Everyone’s Talking About: Naimah Hassan Breaks It Open
Changing Narratives Podcast
In this episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars sits down with Naimah Hassan to unpack a new report produced through a collaboration between AWRA and Vavengers. Naimah shares the inspiration behind the report, the process of collaboration and the stories and perspectives that stayed with her throughout the project. The conversation also digs into how the report contributes to global dialogues on rights, agency, and accountability, and why its findings matter for policymakers, funders, advocates and anyone working toward a coordinated response to FGM/C. The report can be...
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What’s Really at Stake: FGM/C, Gender-Affirming Care & Misleading Narratives
Changing Narratives Podcast
In this episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars sits down with two leading voices working at the intersection of medicine, policy, and human rights. Dr. Marci Bowers—the only surgeon in the U.S. trained in both gender-affirming surgery and functional clitoral restoration for FGM/C survivors—joins Sinéad, a policy expert working to protect transgender rights and survivor-centered FGM/C advocacy. Together, they break down one of today’s most harmful and politically motivated narratives: the deliberate conflation of gender-affirming care with FGM/C. This conversation explores: ...
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Building HOPE in Massachusetts: Prevention, Care and Collective Action
Changing Narratives Podcast
In the season 2 premiere of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars sits down with Dr. Crista Johnson-Agbakwu and Olivia Harris from the (Holistic Organized Partnerships to End FGM/C in MA), a statewide initiative strengthening prevention, care and coordinated action around female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Massachusetts. Together, they discuss how the momentum from the 2020 legislation is being used to build a more robust and survivor-centered system of support across the state. Olivia and Crista share why bringing survivors, service providers and researchers together is...
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Behind the Mic: Our Year of Advocating, Learning and Leading
Changing Narratives Podcast
As we close out an incredible first year of Changing Narratives, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate. In this special year-end episode, host Patricia Mars is joined by her colleagues from The U.S. End FGM/C Network — Caitlin LeMay, Kaitlin Mitchell and Isatou Jeng — for an honest and inspiring conversation about the year that was. Together, they look back at the stories that moved them, the progress made in advocacy and the lessons that will guide the work ahead. From building survivor-centered spaces to amplifying voices through storytelling, this episode captures...
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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...
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 Carolyn.House-Higgins@doh.wa.gov.