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.

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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.

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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