Changing Narratives Podcast
Welcome to Changing Narratives, the official podcast of The U.S. End FGM/C Network. This podcast is a platform for bold conversations, survivor-led advocacy and the stories that inspire change. Together with activists, experts, and change-makers, we explore the multifaceted fight to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and uplift the voices driving progress. From policy wins to personal triumphs, Changing Narratives shines a light on the efforts shaping a world free from FGM/C. Join us as we challenge norms and build a movement rooted in dignity and action. đ§ Subscribe now and be part of the change! Contribute to us today: https://endfgmnetwork.org/donation/.
info_outline
1 Every 12 Minutes: The Hidden Death Toll of FGM/C
11/12/2025
1 Every 12 Minutes: The Hidden Death Toll of FGM/C
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 Floweâone 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. Weâre also joined by Anush Aghabalyan, Head of Policy and Advocacy at , to explore how these findings are shaping advocacy, fueling momentum, and forcing governments to confront the scale of a crisis theyâve long ignored. Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Support our work: To continue sharing these crucial stories and advocating for change, we need your help. Your allow us to expand our reach, conduct more interviews, and push for policy change. Please consider donating today to amplify these important conversations.
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/36563305
info_outline
Unstoppable Individuals: How Indonesiaâs Change-Makers Are Ending FGM
10/08/2025
Unstoppable Individuals: How Indonesiaâs Change-Makers Are Ending FGM
FGM/C is too often seen as only an African issue â 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 â 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 â and why centering Asian voices is essential to ending this practice worldwide. This episode challenges assumptions, spotlights incredible activism and reminds us that change is being led from every corner of the world. Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Support our work: To continue sharing these crucial stories and advocating for change, we need your help. Your allow us to expand our reach, conduct more interviews, and push for policy change. Please consider donating today to amplify these important conversations.
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/36546440
info_outline
From Iowa to the Frontlines: Nisaa African Family Services Revolution Against FGC
09/10/2025
From Iowa to the Frontlines: Nisaa African Family Services Revolution Against FGC
âChange doesnât happen to communitiesâit happens with them.â 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/Câand the victories theyâve witnessed along the way. They unpack how attitudes around FGM/C are shifting, why engaging men and boys is essential and what policy changes could meaningfully support survivors. Most importantly, they share how Nisaaâs work proves that culturally-grounded care isnât just effectiveâitâs necessary. Whether youâre a survivor, advocate, ally or policymaker, this conversation will deepen your understanding and reinvigorate your commitment to ending gender-based violence Tune in and join us in championing community-led solutions and amplifying survivor voices. Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Support our work: To continue sharing these crucial stories and advocating for change, we need your help. Your allow us to expand our reach, conduct more interviews, and push for policy change. Please consider donating today to amplify these important conversations.
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/36277735
info_outline
Stepping Forward: Reflections from Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation's Walk to End FGM in Washington, D.C.
08/13/2025
Stepping Forward: Reflections from Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation's Walk to End FGM in Washington, D.C.
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. Youâll 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 Award and delivered a powerful speech Karen McDonnell, Ph.D., Associate Professor at GW Milken Institute School of Public Health Severina Lema, Sinnah Bangoura, and Julian & Arnold DeShield, who brought their powerful voices and perspectives to the movement From personal reflections to collective momentum, this episode captures the spirit of the walk and the powerful message: weâre not walking aloneâweâre walking for change. To learn more about Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, visit their website today to keep the movement strong and help us continue to share stories of resilience, innovation, and progress in the fight to end FGM/C.
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/37038650
info_outline
Radical Hope: Youth-Led Activism to End FGM/C with Dr. Costly Abosede Aderibigbe
07/09/2025
Radical Hope: Youth-Led Activism to End FGM/C with Dr. Costly Abosede Aderibigbe
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 Aderibigbeâmedical doctor, FGM/C survivor and Executive Secretary of the Global Youth Consortium Against FGM. Costlyâs work spans over 50 countries, uniting young people to demand a future free from FGM/Câwith 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 the face of rising anti-rights agendas and how the next generation is rewriting the rules of resistance. This is more than an interviewâitâs a testament to the unstoppable force of youth and the power of purpose. Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Support our work: To continue sharing these crucial stories and advocating for change, we need your help. Your allow us to expand our reach, conduct more interviews, and push for policy change. Please consider donating today to amplify these important conversations.
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/36538530
info_outline
Innovating Health Solutions and Ending FGM/C with LastMile4D in Kenya
06/11/2025
Innovating Health Solutions and Ending FGM/C with LastMile4D in Kenya
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 womenâs 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 listen to these incredible insights, we invite you to support Changing Narratives and help amplify these conversations. Your donation ensures we can continue bringing important stories like Mahnazâs to the forefront, creating lasting change and empowering communities worldwide. today to keep the movement strong and help us continue to share stories of resilience, innovation, and progress in the fight to end FGM/C. Learn more about LastMile4D by visiting their . Have questions or want to connect with Mahnaz directly? You can email her at . Please share this episode with your networkâhelp us spread the word, raise awareness, and inspire others to take action against FGM/C!
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/35172840
info_outline
Faith & Action: How Athia Carrim is Driving Change Against FGM/C in California
05/14/2025
Faith & Action: How Athia Carrim is Driving Change Against FGM/C in California
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 how these efforts are setting the stage for nationwide change. As we continue amplifying these critical conversations, your support makes all the difference. Please consider to ensure we can keep bringing stories like Athiaâs to the forefront and help fuel the movement to end FGM/C. Listen to the episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with your networkâhelp us raise awareness and inspire others to get involved. Contact Athia Carrim directly at to learn more about the work of The FGM Taskforce of Greater Los Angeles Area and how you can be part of the solution.
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/35185610
info_outline
The âHusband Stitchâ: A Form of FGM/C? Unpacking Medical Ethics and Womenâs Health
04/09/2025
The âHusband Stitchâ: A Form of FGM/C? Unpacking Medical Ethics and Womenâs Health
In this episode of Changing Narratives, we explore the unsettling yet vital issue of the âHusband Stitchââa 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 womenâs health and informed consent. Hunter dives into the powerful stories of women whoâve endured the âHusband Stitchâ and how their experiences are shaping public awareness and medical education. Dr. Syan explains the ethical challenges this practice presents and the lack of research thatâs left many affected women without adequate care or treatment options. Together, they examine how healthcare providers can rebuild trust and advocate for better postnatal care. The âHusband Stitchâ is not just a medical issueâit's a human rights issue. Tune in to hear how this research is challenging societal and medical norms, pushing for change in policy, and empowering women to reclaim their voices. Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Support our work: To continue sharing these crucial stories and advocating for change, we need your help. Your allow us to expand our reach, conduct more interviews, and push for policy change. Please consider donating today to amplify these important conversations. Share this episode with your network to raise awareness about the âHusband Stitchâ and its connection to FGM/C. The more people who hear these stories, the closer we get to a world where these practices are eradicated. Contact Hunter: If youâd like to learn more about their research or explore ways to get involved, feel free to reach out to Hunter at Hunter has also written a compelling blog post on this topic titled . We encourage you to read it. Dr. Syan also mentioned a great resource for pelvic health information and supportâ. We encourage you to explore their website for more on improving womenâs pelvic health and well-being. Join us in changing the narrative and pushing for a world where womenâs voices and rights are always respected.
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/35185770
info_outline
FGM/C: An American Problem as Much as a Global One
03/12/2025
FGM/C: An American Problem as Much as a Global One
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 Washingtonâs 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 lawâitâs 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 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 . You can email Carolyn directly at .
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/35158395
info_outline
Introduction to Changing Narratives
01/29/2025
Introduction to Changing Narratives
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 this issue or already an advocate, this introduction will leave you inspired to join the movement. đď¸ Tune in now and be part of the change. đ Support our work: Your donation helps amplify these critical conversations and drive action to end FGM/C. Visit to contribute today.
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/34891100
info_outline
From Healing to Action: Advocating for FGM/C Survivors with the Connecticut Coalition
01/22/2025
From Healing to Action: Advocating for FGM/C Survivors with the Connecticut Coalition
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 theyâve made, and Joâs 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 to contribute today. You can get in touch with the The Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C visit their facebook and learn more Jo .
/episode/index/show/f6b95ba0-b041-4229-9673-652cebdca0ae/id/34953545