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 "Husband Stitch" 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 that's 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 "Husband Stitch" is not just a medical issue—it'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 donations 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 "Husband Stitch" 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 you'd like to learn more about their research or explore ways to get involved, feel free to reach out to Hunter at [email protected]. Hunter has also written a compelling blog post on this topic titled "The Husband Stitch as anUnderrecognized Form of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting". We encourage you to read it.

Dr. Syan also mentioned a great resource for pelvic health information and support—Apta Pelvic Health. We encourage you to explore their website for more on improving women's pelvic health and well-being.

Join us in changing the narrative and pushing for a world where women's voices and rights are always respected.

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 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].

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.

🎙️ Tune in now and be part of the change. 👉 Support our work: Your donation helps amplify these critical conversations and drive action to end FGM/C. Visit this link to contribute today.

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 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.