Challenging Silence

Creativity has long been an influential force in driving social change, from impactful sculptures to meaningful artwork that amplifies important causes. Join us as we discuss how these creative outlets serve as catalysts for fostering dialogue and understanding around FGM/C eradication and survivor support.

The Challenging Silence hosts are joined by a survivor of FGM/C to discuss turning their experience of shame and silence into strength and empowerment. The emotional journey of this resilient survivor offers listeners a profound insight into the process of transformation and healing. Through the sharing of personal stories, this podcast aims to break the chains of stigma and inspire others to find...

In this insightful discussion, we analyze the impact of media portrayals on how society views and responds to FGM/C, recognizing the responsibility media holds in disseminating accurate and informed information. The Challenging Silence hosts are joined by Giselle Portenier co-founder and board co-chair of the End FGM Canada network. By examining how FGM/C is depicted, we aim to shed light on the p...

This conversation aims to highlight the importance of acknowledging the resilience and strengths of FGM/C survivors, offering a more empowering narrative beyond the confines of victimization. As we navigate through these different viewpoints, we encourage listeners to consider the complexities of this issue and the potential harm associated with perpetuating a solely victim-oriented narrative.

Rooted in gender inequality and attempts to control women's sexuality, it's essential that we unite as allies to eradicate this form of gender-based violence. Join us as we delve into 12 actionable steps that everyone can take to be a catalyst for change. To be an ally is not just beneficial, but essential in building a safer, more equitable world for all.

In this episode, we aim to understand diverse perspectives both in favour of and against the practice and analyze the cultural, social, and historical factors that shape these attitudes. By examining the complexities of these viewpoints, we hope to shed light on the detailed system of cultural and religious dimensions that contribute to the perpetuation of FGM/C.

In this episode, we shine a light on the impact of FGM/C within Canadian immigrant communities and the potential support for the practice among some community members. In a country celebrated for its cultural diversity, we delve into the complexities of generational gaps and differences regarding the practice of FGM/C and the challenges associated with addressing it.

In predominantly Muslim communities, the erroneous belief that FGM/C is a religious mandate persists, despite Islam's explicit rejection of such harmful practices. The Challenging Silence hosts are joined by Farheen Khan, Imama and Co-Founder of the Women’s Mosque of Canada to discuss the misconception surrounding FGM/C and Islam, emphasizing that no religious scripts are advocating for or prescri...

In a fictional audio drama, communities challenged by the harmful tradition of FGM/C courageously embark on a transformative journey. This narrative explores the development and acceptance of alternative cultural rituals that replace FGM/C as a rite of passage for women. Through the power of storytelling, the audio drama becomes a catalyst for conversations surrounding the necessity of positive, l...

WHIWH-CHC is a big believer in empowering communities through education, collaboration and engagement. In this episode of the Challenging Silence podcast, the hosts will be joined by the Director of Research who will be speaking on community work and the importance of collaborating with members of the community and promoting holistic working relationships between organizations and communities. To...

Whether it is promoting more affordable housing or protecting women's rights, advocacy is an important way to initiate societal changes. The Challenging Silence hosts are joined by an anti-FGM/C advocate who speaks on her journey of campaigning to end the harmful practice, language as an essential and powerful tool in advocacy work, and how empowering women and girls is crucial to ending discrimin...

Canada is home to hundreds of thousands of immigrants who come from countries where FGM/ C is a documented practice; and within these immigrant communities are Canadian-born girls who might be at risk of undergoing this practice. In this episode, we are joined by a guest host and an immigration lawyer with many years of experience working with Canadian families impacted by FGM/C to discuss how to...

The fight for gender equality and the end of violence against women cannot be achieved if men and boys are not involved. In this episode, the Challenging Silence hosts are joined by community outreach workers from Midaynta Community Services to speak about the importance of good male role modelling, engaging youth to nurture healthy masculinity and the need for GBV prevention and intervention prog...

The negative effects of FGM/C orGBV, are not just physical. Survivors can be left with long-term psychological impacts as a result of their traumatic experiences. In this episode, our guest, a mental health therapist speaks on the side effects that emerge from the trauma of GBV and FGM/C and how they can vary for each individual. We learn that support and services cannot be one shoe fits all and t...

The hosts of the Challenging Silence podcast are joined by an obstetrician-gynecologist based in Toronto with a special interest in caring for survivors of FGM/C. In this episode, we learn more about the healthcare services that are provided for FGM/C survivors, the gaps that exist within these services and the possible solutions to improve the services and support for the survivors. To learn more...

Canada is home to survivors of FGM/C and to girls who are at risk of experiencing it and the government has taken a strong stance against FGM/C and continues to recognize it as a human rights violation. Join the hosts of the Challenging Silence podcast as they engage in an in-depth conversation with a guest who has a wealth of knowledge on this subject matter and has done some great work in the co...

As a result of racism, language barriers, social isolation, stigma, and socioeconomic status, racialized women and girls in Canada often struggle to find help and support while reporting GBV and on their path toward healing. The Challenging Silence hosts are joined by a survivor of FGM/C to discuss intersectionality from the viewpoint of a Black Muslim woman and survivor, as well as how stigma ass...

To reach the goal of abandoning/ending FGM/C, we need to speak on the truths about the practice and end the culture of silence surrounding it; both within practicing and non-practicing communities. In this episode, the Challenging Silence hosts are joined by a woman from an impacted community to touch on why there is silence, how stigma and discrimination contribute to it, and how survivors' resil...

This episode’s conversation is about the sociocultural reasons communities practice FGM/C and the Challenging Silence hosts are joined by a young Muslim woman from an impacted community. She will be helping us clear some myths surrounding FGM/C, and shed light on some of the misconceptions linked to this practice.

Approximately, 200 million women and girls have undergone some form of FGM/C, and thousands of them reside here in Canada. Yet, FGM/C is not widely acknowledged in Canada, and many Canadians, including GBV support service providers, do not know about the practice. The Challenging Silence hosts are joined by a survivor, who shares her story to bring awareness and understanding of the practice and i...

The Challenging Silence hosts are joined by GBV survivor, advocate and founder of the  I’m Here Foundation. In this episode, you will hear about how immigrant and refugee women experience GBV differently, the obstacles they encounter when seeking help or reporting abuse, and what can be done to increase their access to resources and support services. Visit www.imhere-foundation.org to learn m...