Changing Narratives Podcast

The U.S. End FGM/C Network, Patricia Mars
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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. 🎧 Subscribe now and be part of the change! Contribute to us today: https://endfgmnetwork.org/donation/.

  1. One Year Later: How the DMV Coalition Made History

    May 13

    One Year Later: How the DMV Coalition Made History

    In this episode of Changing Narratives, we shine a spotlight on the DMV Coalition and a historic milestone: the passage of Washington, D.C.'s law to end FGM/C a year ago.  Joining Patricia Mars are Angela Peabody, Founder and President of Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, and Dr. Karen McDonnell, Associate Professor at GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. Together, they share how the DMV Coalition came together, what made this advocacy effort successful and why this moment matters for survivors, communities and the broader movement to end FGM/C. From the Coalition's beginnings to the ripple effects across Maryland, Virginia, and beyond, this conversation highlights the power of collaboration and the importance of keeping momentum alive. Linktree to the coalition is here.  Leave a review of the podcast here.  Donate here.

    13 min
  2. CSW70: What Does Global Advocacy Look Like In Practice?

    Apr 15

    CSW70: What Does Global Advocacy Look Like In Practice?

    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 here.  Donate here.

    15 min
  3. Why Data Matters: Filling the Gaps in U.S. Research on FGM/C

    Apr 8

    Why Data Matters: Filling the Gaps in U.S. Research on FGM/C

    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. Link to Sean's latest report.  Leave a review of the podcast here.  Donate here.

    33 min
  4. The Report Everyone's Talking About: Naimah Hassan Breaks It Open

    Mar 11

    The Report Everyone's Talking About: Naimah Hassan Breaks It Open

    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 found here.  Leave a review of the podcast here.  Donate here.

    11 min
  5. What's Really at Stake: FGM/C, Gender-Affirming Care & Misleading Narratives

    Feb 11

    What's Really at Stake: FGM/C, Gender-Affirming Care & Misleading Narratives

    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: The real medical similarities and key distinctions between gender-affirming surgery and clitoral restoration How "protect the children" rhetoric is weaponized to restrict both survivor care and trans healthcare The policy strategies urgently needed to counter anti-rights misinformation Who benefits from confusion, fear-mongering and false comparisons—and at what cost This is a clarifying, timely and deeply necessary episode for anyone working in health, policy, gender justice or survivor advocacy. Tune in—and help us change the narrative.  Leave a review of the podcast here.  Donate here.

    25 min
  6. Building HOPE in Massachusetts: Prevention, Care and Collective Action

    Jan 7

    Building HOPE in Massachusetts: Prevention, Care and Collective Action

    In the season 2 premiere of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars sits down with Dr. Crista Johnson-Agbakwu and Olivia Harris from the Hope MA Project (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 essentail, what gaps still exist in care and how their team is working to close them. This conversation explores what prevention looks like in practice — not just in policy — and how culturally grounded, community-led approaches shape long-term change. We also talk about how listeners can support the work of this project, especially ahead of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM on February 6th. Leave a review of the podcast here.  Donate here.

    40 min
  7. Behind the Mic: Our Year of Advocating, Learning and Leading

    12/10/2025

    Behind the Mic: Our Year of Advocating, Learning and Leading

    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 both the challenges and the triumphs of a growing movement. Thank you for joining us for Season 1 of Changing Narratives. The conversation continues in January 2026 — see you in Season 2. Download our Strategic Plan: https://secure.everyaction.com/RzfSoWTIo0u0ylY2KxvBWg2  Donate: https://endfgmnetwork.org/donation/ Leave a review of the podcast: https://secure.everyaction.com/RzfSoWTIo0u0ylY2KxvBWg2

    53 min
  8. 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 Flowe—one of the researchers behind a landmark study estimating that more than 44,000 girls and young women die each year from FGM/C. 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 Orchid Project, to explore how these findings are shaping advocacy, fueling momentum, and forcing governments to confront the scale of a crisis they've 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 donations allow us to expand our reach, conduct more interviews, and push for policy change. Please consider donating today to amplify these important conversations.

    27 min
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About

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. 🎧 Subscribe now and be part of the change! Contribute to us today: https://endfgmnetwork.org/donation/.

Information

  • Creator
    The U.S. End FGM/C Network, Patricia Mars
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Changing Narratives Podcast