Feminist Minutes

Join host Duru as she sits down with Dila, co-founder of Rentony, an innovative e-commerce platform revolutionizing the way we approach fashion. In this episode, they explore how Rentony is leading the rental fashion movement, making designer clothes accessible while promoting sustainability. Discover how the platform operates within the sharing economy, how rental fashion can reduce waste and ove...

Pinkwashing is the superficial use of LGBTQ+ rights by corporations, governments, or organizations to appear progressive while masking harmful behaviors or policies. This tactic undermines genuine LGBTQ+ advocacy by turning identities into marketing tools, distracting from deeper issues like discrimination and inequality. As young feminists, we can be allies by recognizing and calling out pinkwash...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Gamze explore the recent World Bank report revealing that only 14 countries offer full equal rights for women. Germany and the Netherlands are the latest additions to the list, joining nations like France, Sweden, and Canada. We’ll dive into why full legal equality is critical for societal development and how policies like equal parental lea...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru is joined by Gamze to explore the global legal barriers that prevent women from achieving full economic participation. Based on insights from the World Bank's Women, Business, and the Law 2022 report, the discussion uncovers why 2.4 billion women worldwide still lack equal opportunities in the workplace and beyond. With startling statistics on pay gap...

Join host Duru and special guest Dila as they explore the life and work of Şükran Moral, a trailblazing Turkish artist who challenges societal norms and gender boundaries through her provocative art. Discover how Moral's performances, such as "Hamam" and "Bordello," defy patriarchal structures, confront taboo subjects, and inspire a new generation of feminists. This episode delves into the power...

Today on Feminist Minutes, we explore the incredible contributions of women at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, starting from the 1940s to the present day. Host Duru and guest Ekin take us through a journey of how women have been instrumental to NASA's success – from human computers during World War II to the scientists, engineers, and leaders who shaped groundbreaking aeronautics and space research....

In this powerful episode, host Duru speaks with guest Dila, a former Turkish gymnastics champion, about the shocking abuse scandal involving American gymnasts and the systemic failures that allowed it to continue for years. Dila shares her insights into how power dynamics, institutional negligence, and a culture of silence contributed to the abuse of athletes like Simone  Biles and McKayla Maroney...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, Duru sits down with Elif to explore the life and legacy of Candace Wheeler, the trailblazing "mother of interior design." They discuss Wheeler's journey from founding the Society of Decorative Arts to co-founding Tiffany & Wheeler, her contributions to the Colonial Revival and Arts and Crafts Movements, and how she empowered women through her work. Learn ho...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Irmak explore the legacy of Evelyn Fox Keller, a pioneering physicist and feminist theorist who challenged the gendered nature of science. Keller argued that science had been shaped by a narrow masculine framework, excluding valuable modes of inquiry like empathy and intuition. From her early work in physics and biology to her groundbreaking...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we explore why it’s crucial to inspire more women to pursue aerospace engineering. Host Duru and guest Ekin, an aspiring aerospace engineer, discuss why the industry needs female engineers, how to attract more women into the field, current statistics on women in aerospace, and the programs available to support their journey. Together, they shed light on the imp...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru sits down with guest Irmak to discuss the struggles women face with Crohn's disease. Irmak shares her personal journey, detailing the challenges of the diagnosis process, which involved numerous tests like endoscopies and colonoscopies. She opens up about the impact of flare-ups on her daily routine and how managing symptoms requires strict treatment...

"Who's the Weaker Sex Now? The Truth Behind 'Man Flu' Myths" explores the amusing yet thought-provoking topic of how society often labels women as the weaker sex. But what happens when men catch a simple cold? The infamous "Man Flu" takes center stage! This episode delves into the stereotypes and double standards surrounding gender and illness. We’ll look at why men seem to handle sickness differe...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we explore the inspiring story of Christa McAuliffe, a teacher who became an astronaut and changed the trajectory for women in STEM. We discuss her journey from the classroom to space, her tragic death on the Challenger, and how her legacy continues to empower future generations. Join us as we highlight the impact of educators in aerospace and the significance...

Cesarean sections, or C-sections, are on the rise globally, sparking concerns about their necessity and long-term impact. While C-sections can be life-saving in specific medical situations, an increasing number of these procedures are performed without medical necessity, raising risks for both mothers and babies. The procedure carries potential complications such as infections, longer recovery tim...

Sonita Alizadeh is a powerful voice in contemporary feminism, representing the struggles and resilience of young women from the SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) region. As an Afghan rapper and activist, she bravely challenged the tradition of child marriage with her groundbreaking song "Brides for Sale," which resonated globally. Growing up under the Taliban’s oppressive regime, Sonita used...

Lillian Gilbreth is a timeless inspiration for young women in STEM, having paved the way in a male-dominated field with her groundbreaking work in industrial engineering and ergonomics. Despite not having a formal engineering degree, she revolutionized workplace efficiency by focusing on the human element, introducing concepts like better lighting, ergonomic designs, and even the idea of coffee br...

This episode of Feminist Minutes dives into the overlooked legacy of Mabel Addis, the first female video game designer. In the 1960s, while working as an elementary school teacher, IBM invited Addis to develop an educational game, resulting in The Sumerian Game. This pioneering project not only introduced storytelling and character-driven narratives into video gaming but also laid the foundation f...

Women need to be informed about PMS because it affects a significant portion of the female population, often beginning in adolescence and continuing throughout their reproductive years. Understanding PMS is crucial for recognizing and managing its physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms, which can range from mild discomfort to severe disruptions in daily life. Informed women are better equ...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we tackle the urgent issue of misgendering in women’s sports, focusing on the recent case of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. Despite her impressive performance at the Olympics, Khelif faced false accusations about her gender identity, a situation reminiscent of past discrimination against athletes like Serena Williams. The discussion delves into the harmful effect...

Human trafficking of women is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions globally, yet remains an under-discussed issue. Women and girls constitute the majority of trafficking victims, often coerced into forced labor or sexual exploitation. This crime strips individuals of their dignity, freedom, and basic rights, leading to severe physical and psychological trauma, including anxiety,...

Unseen and Misunderstood: Gender Bias in Mental Health Diagnosis delves into the critical issue of how gender biases influence the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in women. This episode explores the historical and contemporary patterns of misdiagnosis, the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials, and the impact of societal expectations on women's mental health. Mina sha...

Empowered by Goals: How UN SDGs Transform Women’s Lives explores the vital role of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in enhancing women’s lives worldwide. This episode delves into how specific SDGs—such as Gender Equality, Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, and No Poverty—directly impact women's physical, social, and psychological well-being. Through insightful...

Confronting the sexism teenage girls face is crucial because it directly impacts their self-esteem, aspirations, and future opportunities. Sexism, manifesting as sexual harassment or discouraging comments about their abilities, reinforces harmful stereotypes and limits girls’ potential. When girls are repeatedly told they are less capable in areas like sports or STEM, it can deter them from pursui...

Selena Gomez's makeup line, Rare Beauty, is ahead of its time because it transcends conventional beauty standards by prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility. Unlike many brands that focus solely on aesthetics, Rare Beauty integrates functionality with social responsibility. The products are designed with diverse skin tones in mind, offering 48 shades of foundation, and include disability-friend...

Diverse women in design are essential because they bring unique perspectives, experiences, and sensibilities that lead to more innovative, inclusive, and empathetic products. Women's lived experiences often differ from men's, allowing them to identify needs and challenges that might otherwise be overlooked. This diversity of thought fosters creativity and drives the development of designs that are...