Feminist Minutes

Today on Feminist Minutes, host Eda delves into the remarkable life and legacy of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin in "Starlight Revealed: Science in Focus." As the pioneering astronomer who discovered the true composition of stars, Payne-Gaposchkin broke barriers in the male-dominated world of STEM. Her groundbreaking research not only transformed our understanding of the universe but also paved the way...

Explore the evolving world of women’s sportswear in this empowering episode of Feminist Minutes. Host Duru chats with professional volleyball player Ilkem about how athletes are breaking barriers and challenging outdated dress codes. From the groundbreaking Nike Pro Hijab to Serena Williams' iconic catsuit, discover how fashion is empowering women to perform their best while embracing diversity an...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Ipek explore the harmful effects of yo-yo dieting on teenage girls. With social media and peer pressure amplifying unrealistic body standards, many teens find themselves caught in a dangerous cycle of restrictive eating and weight regain. We break down the long-term health risks, from increased BMI to mental health struggles like anxiety and...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Ipek dive into the pressing issue of gender-based food insecurity. Women worldwide, especially women of color and single mothers, face hunger at disproportionately higher rates due to systemic inequalities, the gender pay gap, racial inequities, gender-based violence, and insufficient federal nutrition programs. We explore how the COVID-19 p...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Ipek explore the crucial topic of nutrient deficiencies in women and why they matter more than you might think. From iron to calcium, vitamin D to folate, we break down the most common deficiencies women face and the impact they have on health, including anemia, osteoporosis, and overall well-being. Ipek shares insights on how to maintain a...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we're diving into why it's essential to celebrate young women entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries and breaking barriers with their innovative and ethical business models. These women aren't just building successful companies—they’re creating sustainable practices that prioritize equity, community, and fair trade. By leading with purpose, they are not onl...

Join us in this eye-opening episode as we explore the persistent gender disparity in neurosurgery. Despite groundbreaking progress, women represent only a small fraction of the neurosurgical workforce. We dive into the challenges women face in this male-dominated field, from biases and lack of mentorship to balancing demanding careers with personal life. Featuring stories of trailblazing women lik...

Discussing women with ADHD is crucial because their experiences are often misunderstood, leading to underdiagnosis and inadequate support. ADHD is frequently seen as a "hyperactive boys' disorder," causing many women to go undiagnosed until adulthood. This delay in recognition can result in years of self-blame, low self-esteem, and co-occurring mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Mor...

Arianna Huffington is a woman and pivotal figure in business, known for her groundbreaking achievements and unwavering resilience. As the co-founder of The Huffington Post, she revolutionized digital media, creating a platform that democratized content and gave voice to diverse perspectives. Her later venture, Thrive Global, redefined success by emphasizing the importance of well-being alongside p...

Host Duru and guest Zeynep are impressed with the way Dr. Rana el Kaliouby thinks about AI. She’s an AI scientist, co-founder of Affectiva, an investor, and an author who has spent decades building toward more emotionally intelligent technology. In this episode, Duru and Zeynep get to the heart of Dr. Rana’s interests in AI and business and how her plans to alter AI to read emotions and make it mo...

Today on Feminist Minutes, we’re joined by our special guest, Zeynep, to dive into the world of women in software engineering. We’ll discuss the gender inequality that persists in this field, explore the reasons why women belong in tech, and examine why they continue to be underrepresented. Zeynep will also share insights on practical steps we can take to make the software industry more inclusive...

Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl from Domrémy, France, transcended her humble beginnings to become one of history's most iconic figures. Born around 1412, extraordinary faith and unyielding determination marked Joan's life. At just 17 years old, she led French forces to crucial victories during the Hundred Years' War, claiming that her actions were guided by divine visions. Her unwavering belief...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating and complex life of Marie Antoinette, a queen whose legacy is steeped in controversy and myth. Join host Duru and historian Zeynep as they explore the intersections of gender, power, and history through the lens of this iconic figure. From her rise as a young queen to her fall during the French Revolution, the discussion highlights the societal anxiet...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we celebrate the groundbreaking career of Zaha Hadid, a visionary architect who redefined the boundaries of modern design. With host Duru and guest Zeynep, we explore Hadid’s journey from her early days in Baghdad to becoming one of the most iconic architects of the 21st century. Known as the “Queen of Curves,” Zaha’s innovative use of geometry and fluid lines...

On this episode of Feminist Minutes, join host Duru and guest Zeynep as they explore the groundbreaking work of Jeanne Gang, one of the most influential architects of our time. Founder of Studio Gang and known for her sustainable and community-driven designs, Jeanne has redefined architecture with projects like the Aqua Tower in Chicago and the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership. In a matt...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we dive into the remarkable life of Marion Mahony Griffin, one of the world’s first licensed female architects. With host Duru and guest Zeynep, we explore how Marion’s work shaped modern architecture, from her early contributions with Frank Lloyd Wright to her innovative designs and love for nature. Known for her unique illustrative style and her role in creat...

Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham, often regarded as the UK’s first female architect, made a lasting impact on 17th-century architecture despite the societal barriers faced by women of her time. Born into aristocracy in 1632, she traveled extensively across Europe, studying styles and meeting prominent architects like Pieter Post. Though she couldn’t formally practice as an architect, it is believed that W...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we explore the incredible journey of Dr. Rana El Kaliouby, an Egyptian-American AI scientist, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusivity in technology. Dr. Rana recently launched her podcast, Pioneers of AI, where she speaks with experts about how AI is shaping our lives. We’ll dive into her groundbreaking work in Emotional AI, her journey as a co-founder of Af...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we dive into a topic that’s critical for young women around the world: What really keeps women out of tech? Despite tech companies acknowledging their gender and diversity issues, the number of women pursuing careers in fields like computer science and engineering remains disproportionately low. Why? Is it the stereotypes, the culture, or the way these fields a...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we welcome back Sudenaz, the talented artist who recently won the Silver Award at the Singapore International Arts Tournament 2023. Join us as we explore how art can be a powerful tool for activism and social change, especially when addressing complex topics like racism and intersectional feminism. Sudenaz shares her experience in the competition, the inspirati...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Tuna discuss the ambitious agenda for 2024 to reshape economies for gender equality. With women facing lower wages, unpaid care work, and limited access to financial resources, global initiatives aim to transform these systems. We’ll explore the UNDP’s efforts, such as the Gender Equality Seal, and highlight projects in countries like Argent...

In today’s episode, host Duru and guest Tuna explore the vital role of child care in promoting women’s economic participation. We dive into the Center for American Progress’s recent report, “Playbook for the Advancement of Women in the Economy,” which outlines how affordable, accessible child care is key to enabling mothers to remain in the workforce. From the challenges faced by families in acces...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru sits down with guest Tuna to explore a pressing question: Can AI help female founders secure funding? Tuna shares her personal experience of pitching to a well-connected Silicon Valley angel group and how gender bias influenced the outcome. Together, they discuss whether AI can level the playing field or if it might inadvertently reinforce existing bi...

wealth gap. Learn how she's not just building wealth but also a movement for financial freedom. In today’s episode, host Duru sits down with guest Tuna to explore the inspiring work of Tori Dunlap, the founder of 'Her First $100K.' Tori is a financial feminist who empowers women to take control of their finances, offering education through her blog, courses, podcast, and book. We'll discuss how To...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Gulce dive into how neurologic diseases affect women differently than men. We explore six key conditions—Alzheimer's, epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and strokes—and uncover how hormones, symptoms, and treatments shape the female experience. Discover why women are more likely to face delayed diagnoses, how hormonal chan...