Feminist Minutes

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru chats with Fatma about her journey of embracing her natural curls while navigating the cultural beauty standards of her Turkish and Egyptian heritage. They explore the global rise of curly hair communities that offer hair care tips, emotional support, and a platform to rewrite Eurocentric beauty norms. Discover how these communities are empowering wom...

In this powerful episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru explores the courageous act of defiance by Iranian student Ahoo Daryaei, who stripped down to her underwear at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University in protest against Iran’s oppressive dress codes and systemic harassment. Joining the conversation is returning guest Fatma, who delves into the broader implications of Ahoo’s protest, the government’...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Fatma explore Greta Thunberg’s impact as a climate activist and feminist role model for Gen Z. From her solo protests as a 15-year-old to leading the global Fridays for Future movement, Greta embodies resilience and boldness. The conversation highlights how her activism intersects with feminist and democratic theories, redefining political a...

Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has faced a torrent of false allegations regarding her gender identity. Conservative figures and media outlets have wrongly claimed that she is a transgender woman, despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirming that Khelif has a difference in sexual development (DSD) and is not transgender. This controversy erupte...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, Duru takes on the dual role of host and guest to explore the complex relationship between feminism and technology. We dive deep into how technology has been both a powerful ally and a potential adversary in the fight for gender equality. Imagine if Twitter existed during the women’s liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s—would we be further along in our jou...

In this episode of "Unveiling the Bias," we dive into the troubling issue of female discrimination and exploitation through AI. While artificial intelligence is a powerful tool shaping our lives, it often carries hidden biases that unfairly target women. From hiring systems that favor male resumes to social media algorithms that label women’s photos as "racy," AI frequently reinforces ender stereo...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Irmak dive into the conversation about HPV vaccination and the stigmas surrounding it. With more than 80% of sexually active individuals contracting HPV at some point, the vaccine plays a crucial role in preventing certain cancers. Yet, myths and misconceptions have led to stigmatization and hesitancy. We discuss the importance of the HPV va...

Join host Duru and guest Irmak as they dive into the fascinating intersection of feminist philosophy and biology. This episode challenges traditional views of evolution, exploring menopause not just in humans but also in other species like chimpanzees and whales. We discuss why natural selection might favor menopause, the “Grandmother Hypothesis,” and recent findings that reshape our understanding...

In this fascinating episode, we explore groundbreaking research that reveals chimpanzees also experience menopause, challenging long-held evolutionary theories about post-reproductive longevity in humans. Join us and as we discuss the implications of this study, examining how understanding menopause in our primate relatives can reshape our perspective on human aging and reproductive strategies. We...

Louise Bourgeois, a French-American artist, revolutionized the world of feminist art with a career spanning eight decades. Known for her large-scale sculptures, installations, and intricate prints, Bourgeois delved deeply into themes like domesticity, family, sexuality, and the female body. Her work is both intensely personal and universally resonant, challenging societal norms and exploring the c...

Georgia O'Keeffe, often hailed as the "Mother of American Modernism," revolutionized the art world with her unique blend of abstract and representational forms. Known for her iconic flower paintings, stark landscapes, and powerful use of color, O'Keeffe defied the conventions of her time, establishing herself as a pioneering figure in a male-dominated field. Her work, deeply influenced by the land...

Young women in business need women mentors for several critical reasons. Women mentors serve as role models, proving that success is achievable regardless of gender and inspiring young women to break stereotypes in male-dominated fields. They offer empathy and understanding of the unique challenges women face, providing tailored guidance and support. Mentorship from successful women significantly...

Ozempic, a medication originally prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, has become increasingly popular among women as a weight loss solution due to its side effect of significant weight reduction. This shift has been largely driven by social media, where celebrities and influencers tout the drug’s ability to help achieve rapid weight loss, aligning with societal pressures to maintain a certain...

Yayoi Kusama, a pioneering force in contemporary art, is renowned for her bold, immersive installations and distinctive use of repetitive patterns. Despite lifelong struggles with mental health, Kusama transformed her personal experiences into powerful, universally resonant art. Her work challenges societal norms and opens vital conversations about mental health, identity, and the boundaries of cr...

Frida Kahlo, one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 20th century, is celebrated for her deeply personal and vivid paintings that explore themes of identity, pain, and resilience. Known for her self-portraits, Kahlo's work often reflects her experiences with physical suffering, her complex relationship with her Mexican heritage, and her turbulent marriage to Diego Rivera. Her art tra...

Taylor Swift is more than a global pop sensation; she is a powerhouse of influence who has redefined what it means to be a modern-day artist and entrepreneur. With a career spanning over a decade, Swift has transcended the traditional boundaries of the music industry, not only by crafting chart-topping hits but also by demonstrating a keen business acumen that has left an indelible mark on the glo...

Encouraging more women to pursue careers in economics and finance is essential for breaking barriers and fostering a more equitable society. Early engagement through education, resources, and mentorship programs, along with exposure to female role models, can spark interest in these fields. Programs like Girls Who Invest and Women in Economics play crucial roles in guiding young women. Financial s...

Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Among Women explores the pervasive issue of Imposter Syndrome and its impact on women, particularly in male-dominated fields. Hosted by Duru with returning guest Mina, this episode delves into why Imposter Syndrome happens, how it manifests, and the psychological factors contributing to it. Mina shares practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt,...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Irmak dive into the disturbing world of AI-generated deepfakes, where technology is being used to exploit and humiliate women. Deepfakes, which manipulate real people’s faces and identities, are increasingly being used to create non-consensual, pornographic content—98% of which targets women and girls. The episode highlights the story of act...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru talks with Irmak about an inspiring initiative that’s breaking barriers in tech: Break Through Tech A.I. This program is designed to empower lower-income Latina and Black women by providing them with opportunities in artificial intelligence, a field traditionally dominated by men. Irmak shares how students are gaining valuable industry experience, fro...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Ipek dive into the impact of social media on adolescent girls' body image and mental health. We explore the latest studies revealing how even a short break from social media can boost self-esteem and body image, particularly for those most vulnerable to thin-ideal internalization. Together, we discuss the challenges of sexual objectification...

Join us as we dive deep into the realities of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), the struggles of dieting, food insecurity, and the specific body image concerns that many women, especially trans women, face. Hosted by Duru and joined by our insightful guest, Ipek, this episode unpacks BDD's psychological, societal, and medical aspects. Learn about the root causes, effective treatments, and how to cre...

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...