Feminist Minutes

Let’s explore the lack of female coaches in professional and collegiate sports. Highlight systemic barriers, gender bias, and the stereotypes that keep women out of leadership roles. We will also discuss the success stories of women coaches breaking through and their impact on young athletes.

Today, we will examine the underrepresentation of women athletes in media coverage and how they are portrayed compared to their male counterparts. We will discuss how gendered narratives affect public perception and sponsorship opportunities. Also, we will include insights into initiatives working to close the media coverage gap.

Let’s dive into the ongoing struggle for equal pay in women’s sports, such as the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team's legal battles. Join us as we analyze the pay disparities across sports, the factors contributing to the gap, and the broader implications for gender equality. Include perspectives from athletes, economists, and activists.

Aging gracefully starts early, and it's more than just genetics. Join us as we explore the essential steps young women can take for healthy aging, featuring expert insights on nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, skin care, and preventive medical check-ups. From eating right to protecting your skin from UV rays, we cover the practical and medical advice every woman should know. Let’s discuss it...

How have COVID-19 vaccinations impacted women’s health, and what unique considerations should be kept in mind? In this episode, we’ll explore the latest insights into how the pandemic and vaccines intersect with women's well-being. From fertility concerns to menstrual changes and overall immunity, we’ll tackle the facts, myths, and ongoing research in just a matter of minutes. Let’s get informed,...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we dive into an essential health topic every young woman should be aware of: urinary tract infections (UTIs). Did you know that 60% of women will experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime? We’ll break down the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures you need to know to stay healthy and informed. Our guest, Simay, shares insights on how UTIs can progres...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, Ece discusses how the rise of remote and flexible work is transforming opportunities for women in the workplace. Together, they explore how these new working models are empowering women, especially those with caregiving responsibilities, to achieve a better work-life balance. Ece highlights inspiring examples of women entrepreneurs, such as Amy Porterfield, Mar...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru is joined by Ece to explore the powerful impact of women-led businesses that prioritize sustainability and social good. As more consumers demand companies that contribute positively to society, women entrepreneurs are leading the way by building businesses around principles of environmental conservation and social impact. Ece shares insights into how...

Saudi women are transforming the business landscape by increasingly joining the workforce and breaking through traditional barriers. Thanks to initiatives like Vision 2030, female participation in the labor force has surged from 18% in 2017 to 37%, driving significant growth in non-oil sectors such as retail and entrepreneurship. With new legislation supporting women's mobility, employment, and en...

Today on Feminist Minutes, we are thrilled to welcome Derin Gursoy, the author of Tearing Red, a thought-provoking exploration of the cultural significance of the color red in the lives of Turkish women. In this compelling work, Derin traces the origins of red’s symbolism, from its deep historical and cultural roots to its contemporary manifestations in Turkish society. Red has long been associate...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Buse delve into the gender health gap, a critical issue affecting women worldwide. Women are often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and receive delayed treatments for several health conditions. Together, Duru and Buse explore six key conditions that highlight this disparity, including heart disease, endometriosis, autism, ADHD, autoimmune disea...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru is joined by guest Buse to explore why dementia affects women differently than men. They discuss the biological, genetic, and social factors contributing to the higher dementia risk in women, including menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and the ApoE4 gene variant. The conversation also delves into how historical gender roles, like education and c...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Elif dive into the underrepresentation of women in the design industry. Despite a growing number of women and people of color studying design, only 23% transition into the workforce, particularly in senior roles. Why? Confidence gaps, lack of role models, and workplace barriers all contribute. Elif shares actionable solutions, from mentorshi...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Elif about the gender disparities in the creative industries, particularly in design. Although women make up over 60% of university arts and design students, they represent only 22% of the design workforce, according to a 2018 Design Museum study. The discussion explores potential causes for this gap, s...

In Girls to the Front: Women in Creative Leadership, we explore the vital role women play in transforming the creative industries—advertising, design, marketing, tech, and beyond. Despite progress, women still face challenges like pay inequality, bias, and limited representation in leadership. Host Duru and guest Elif dive into why female leadership is crucial for a more inclusive, innovative futu...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, Duru and Elif explore the life and legacy of Beverly Lorraine Greene, the first African American woman architect licensed in the United States. Despite facing racial and gender barriers, Greene made her mark in a male-dominated industry, contributing to significant projects like the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and New York’s Paul Robeson Houses. Elif delves in...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, Duru and Elif explore the life and  legacy of Coco Chanel, the designer who revolutionized women's fashion by prioritizing comfort, freedom, and individuality. From introducing trousers and the little black dress to breaking away from restrictive corsets, Chanel challenged societal norms and created timeless designs that empowered women to embrace their indepen...

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 is joined by Defne to discuss the incredible journey of Deena Shakir, a venture capitalist at Lux Capital, and her mission to inspire young minds through her picture book, "Leena Mo, CEO." From her extensive background in health tech investments to her role as a lecturer at Stanford, Deena's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and breaking barri...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru is joined by Defne to  discuss the remarkable story of Yaël Meier, the 24-year-old entrepreneur behind Zeam, a Swiss consultancy that's helping major German automakers like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen connect with Generation Z. We'll explore how Yaël's insights are reshaping marketing strategies, breaking down traditional barriers, and addr...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru is joined by Defne to explore the incredible journey of Claire Trachet, CEO and Founder of the advisory firm Trachet. As a leading expert in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), Claire has made waves with her $500 million combined deal valuation, all while navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry. We’ll delve into the complexities of M&am...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, host Duru and guest Defne dive into the often-overlooked world of marketing agencies that power some of the beauty industry's most successful brands. From the creativity of 1r Agency and the strategic brilliance of Free The Birds to the digital innovation of Front Row, we explore how these agencies are redefining brand narratives and setting trends. We’ll discu...

In this episode of Feminist Minute, host Duru and guest Defne dive into Kamala Harris' evolving strategy to win over Gen Z voters ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. We explore how Harris has made waves on TikTok with viral memes like "brat summer" and coconut trends, drawing millions of views and reshaping her online persona. But while Gen Z loves the relatable content, they crave more...

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Tory Burch, a renowned businesswoman and philanthropist. As the founder of her eponymous fashion brand, Burch has not only achieved remarkable success but has also dedicated herself to empowering young entrepreneurs through the Tory Burch Foundation. We’ll explore her initiatives, including mentorship programs and access to capital, designed...

In this episode of Feminist Minutes, we explore the inspiring journey of Melanie Perkins, the co-founder and CEO of Canva. As one of the most successful women in tech, Melanie transformed the design world with a $26 billion startup that empowers millions globally. From teaching design at university to building a platform that simplifies complex tools, Melanie’s story is one of resilience, innovati...