“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 changes could meaningfully support survivors. Most importantly, they share how Nisaa’s work proves that culturally-grounded care isn’t just effective—it’s necessary.

Whether you’re 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.

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 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: we’re not walking alone—we’re walking for change.

To learn more about Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, visit their website here.

Donate 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.

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 the face of rising anti-rights agendas and how the next generation is rewriting the rules of resistance.

This is more than an interview—it’s a testament to the unstoppable force of youth and the power of purpose. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your shows.