The Unfairer Sex
By The Unfairer Sex
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Music by akondas.com
The Unfairer SexOct 24, 2022
Ep 45: One in Three. Suzie Miller talks Prima Facie.
One in three.
That's the number of women who will experience sexual assault in their lives. And that's an uncomfortable truth Suzie Miller addresses in her play, Prima Facie – recently evolved into a novel by the same name (released 14th March 2024).
Keen to better understand the themes behind Prima Facie – namely the limitations of the UK legal system when it comes to cases of rape and sexual assault – The Unfairer Sex was thrilled to get its mitts on a pre-released copy of the book and have the opportunity to speak to Suzie Miller herself about:
- What the text sought out to achieve.
- The overwhelming impact Prima Facie has had in the courts and law enforcement.
- How Prima Facie has contributed to the feminist movement and the public discourse on gender equality and justice.
- Why we're seeing a rise in stories that centre the female experience in sexual assault cases and how they are continually failed by systems intended to support them (Anatomy of a Scandal (2022), I May Destroy You (2020), Promising Young Woman (2020)).
- What it was like working with Jodie Comer for the National Theatre 2022 production, and to continue working with Comer on the novel.
- Future projects – on and off stage.
This conversation was nothing short of awe-inspiring and we hope you love listening as much as we did recording.
P.S. Penguin Random House very kindly shared some audio clips featuring the incredibly talented Jodie Comer – enjoy!
Helpful links:
Jodie Comer and Suzie Miller Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gSOazhMuH0
Right to Equality campaign:
EU Resolution – first EU law on violence against women:
Tea and Consent:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZwvrxVavnQ
Larry Nassar case: The 156 women who confronted a predator:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42725339
Inquiry into serial sexual offender Wayne Couzens:
Ep 44: Sex, Vulvas & Shaming
The Unfairer Sex is delighted to welcome back Miss Smita Sinha and Dr. Carolin Klein to discuss the importance of language in women's healthcare (vulva vs vagina), shame around female pleasure and why having multiple partners isn't going to make a woman "loose".
We also ask Smita and Dr Carolin to debunk their most commonly heard sex myth and share their thoughts on James' Cleverly (UK Home Secretary) remark about sedating his wife with “a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night”.
Yep. And if that's not enough, we also learnt the German word for 'labia'... 🙄
Enjoy!
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Miss Smita Sinha, founder of Serenity Women’s Clinic is a Consultant Gynaecologist with over 15 years experience in Women’s Health and specialises in Menopause and Vulval Health. She is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, British Menopause Society and British Society for the study of Vulval disease.
Dr. Carolin Klein is a sex therapist and a Registered Psychologist. She is co-founder and co-director of the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy in Vancouver, BC - a clinic of 20 Registered Psychologists, Registered Clinical Counselors, and graduate level practicum students providing evidence-based sex therapy to the province of British Columbia.
Ep 43: Fight, Flight, Fawn – How Expressions of Anger are Socially Sanctioned
We are delighted to have Prof Steve Roberts and Chris Stein return to The Unfairer Sex podcast to talk to us about anger; in particular, how anger manifests itself and the different ways its socially sanctioned and conditioned depending on gender.
We discuss the interlink between anger and fear, the support available to men today, why we need to invest in intergenerational support and resolve the chronic underfunding of social care in the UK.
We also discuss why women are deemed to be a legitimate target of male aggression, and how anger is channeled and controlled. Please note, we briefly touch on the subject of suicide.
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Helpful links:
Healthy Masculinities Project, Australia
The Good Childhood Report 2023
Ep 42: Preventing the Commercialisation of the Menopause
According to a report by the Female Founders Fund, the menopause market is worth an estimated $600bn – with companies targeting perimenopausal women with everything from vampire facials (PRP) for the vagina to ovary supplements and super blended teas.
Whilst women have been crying out for solutions to the 30+ symptoms they can experience during this particular life stage, when the menopause is described as a 'gold rush' and 'untapped market', solutions popping up on the market start to feel less sincere in their efforts.
And that got us thinking, are those operating in the menopause market serving women, or simply capitalising on women's discomfort to line their pockets?
For episode 42 (and the first of 2024!), The Unfairer Sex were joined by Emily Barclay – founder of The Perimenopause Hub, author of The Aargh to Zen of Perimenopause and proud peri godmother with all the hugs – to discuss the commercialisation of the menopause, why we need to stop calling the perimenopause a diagnosis and why as estrogen declines, so does a woman's tolerance for BS.
We also look at harmful myths around HRT, advocating for yourself at the doctors and how we can protect our mental health from diet culture, especially during life phrases where our weight is more likely to fluctuate.
Such a great episode! Yep, it's long, but it comes with wine recommendations so we recommend keeping with it ;-)
Ep 41: The 12 Days of Feminism
It is the holiday season and the end of the year, so we wanted to look at the good things that happened in 2023. From sporting achievements to Nobel prize winners, we have 12 good news stories for you! We didn't quite manage to create a song from the 12, but you'll hear we tried a little. Do you have any stories we haven't mentioned? Personal achievements or feminist wins? Let us know! And Happy Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays to everyone!
Ep 40: The Interviews
Whilst preparing for Ep 39, we reached out to a number of men to ask their thoughts on the term masculinity, possible causes to the growing popularity of misogyny in younger generations, and why some men feel the need to be violent, dominant and/or aggressive. We also asked about what role models are available for men today, and discussed why trying to find all the answers in one person might not be as conducive as it feels.
This episode is a deep dive into those interviews.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to these questions. Some of you disagreed with the premise of the questions we asked, others read them in a way we never considered. Some brought Bluey into the mix, and others warned us about traps. However you replied, we valued hearing your thoughts and learning so much about this conversation from a variety of POVs. Thank you.
Ep 39: The Complexities of Masculinity with Future Men
To mark International Men's Day, The Unfairer Sex teamed up with Chris Stein from Future Men, exploring the concept of masculinity, what it means to be a dynamic and healthy man, role models available to men today and the great work Future Men is doing in our communities.
We also discussed Future Men's attempts to get paternity recognised as a protected characteristic in the Equalities Act 2010.
Whilst preparing for this episode, we reached out to a number of men to ask their thoughts on the term masculinity, possible causes to the growing popularity of misogyny in younger generations, and why men might not feel able to speak up when a victim of abuse. These interviews will also feature in a future episode so keep your eyes peeled!
A HUGE thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to these questions. Some of you disagreed with the premise of the questions we asked, others read them in a way we never considered. Some brought Lady Gaga into the mix! However you replied, we valued hearing your thoughts and learning so much about this conversation from a variety of POVs. Thank you.
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Ep 38: Let's Talk Menopause – Symptoms, Community, and Fixing the Health Gap with pause
You've possibly heard of shrinking violets, but have you heard of the shrinking clit?
This episode, The Unfairer Sex are joined by Smita Sinha, founder of Serenity Women’s Clinic is a Consultant Gynaecologist with over 15 years experience in Women’s Health and specialises in Menopause and Vulval Health, and Charlotte Body, founder and visionary behind Aesthetic Associates and pause live! to talk about all things menopause, vulvas and wonder birds.
We talk about symptoms, finding your tribe, and our thoughts on the UK government rejecting five proposals in the Menopause and the Workplace Report by the Women and Equalities Committees (January 2023).
PLUS! If you want to attend a fabulous day out in London focused on women empowerment, health workshops and wellbeing, grab a ticket to PAUSE Live! on November 25th in Islington.
Pause have very kindly shared a VIP CODE for our followers so use WMD10 to claim 10% off!
Run, don't walk! https://www.tickettailor.com/events/pause/879819
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Helpful links:
Ep 37: Sex Bomb, Hijabs and Comedy with Sadia Azmat
Sadia Azmat is a comedic force challenging the status quo on being a hijab-wearing, sex-positive Muslim women who also happens to be a fellow podcaster, comedian and author of 'Sex Bomb' – a deliciously intimate, funny and heartfelt memoir on friendships, love and of course, sex!
We discuss western women having a monopoly on love, the practice of arranged marriages and other Indian & Pakistanian customs, and what it means to Sadia to be a hijab-wearing Muslim. We also explore Sadia's comedy career, possible retorts for 'get your tits out' and try to get to the bottom of why Ray J wasn't dumped five pages after he was introduced in the memoir...
We hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it!
Ep 36: The World Cup – the good, the bad, and the kiss
Rather than our usual sorry what did you say, we delved straight into the news – namely the recent cases of celebrity (alleged and proven) sexual assault and rape, and the apologists jumping to their defence.
Our main topic is the 2023 Women's World Cup where we look at discrepancies in wages and support for teams, the increase in interest, and the non-consensual kiss forced upon a celebrating Jenni Hermoso by Vice president of the UEFA, Luis Rubiales.
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Links from the episode:
www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/sep/24/russell-brand-and-why-the-allegations-took-so-long-to-surface
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66744480
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/25/spanish-politicians-urge-action-over-luis-rubiales-refusal-to-quit-over-kiss
theathletic.com/4857814/2023/09/13/rubiales-interview-piers-morgan/?access_token=14125488
theathletic.com/4855373/2023/09/15/spains-world-cup-winners-reject-call-ups/
www.theguardian.com/football/2023/sep/06/jorge-vilda-spain-hits-back-after-sack-i-spent-17-years-fighting-for-womens-football
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66653971
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv01gcp-YP0
www.theguardian.com/football/2011/sep/21/football-match-only-women-spectators
time.com/6073949/allyson-felix-launching-saysh-shoes/
ukshopruggetterfc.com
www.standard.co.uk/insider/fashion/nike-has-launched-the-world-s-first-sports-hijab-a3707896.html
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/domestic-abuse-world-cup-england-win-b2237666.html
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66804170
Ep 35: What's Good Sex? with Dr Carolin Klein
Intimacy should come before image. Pleasure should come before profit. And no, a woman's vulva isn't meant to smell of cookies and cream.
From role modelling sex communication with partners, to what's appropriate sex ed for children, to shaming women’s sexuality for profit, we are delighted to have Dr Carolin Klein* join us for Ep35 to talk about all things sex.
Starting with the absence of lube at wedding fairs in our SWDYS and finishing with sexual liberation for women, this episode has something for everyone. So grab a glass of wine, and fuck the shame with us!
*Dr Carolin Klein PhD is a Registered Psychologist and sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy, Vancouver. You can find her on Instagram here.
Episode 34: Hey Barbie, Part Two
Welcome back to Part Two of our ‘Hey Barbie’ two parter. In this second unapologetically pink episode we cover the criticism of the Barbie film – including the very passionate review that stated it was “114 minutes of spiteful, bitter, mean-spirited, borderline unhinged hatred of men”. Kind of made us want to see it more…
We also explore the reasons why Barbieland isn’t a reverse patriarchy and/or a feminist utopia and celebrate Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s success in bringing to the mainstream the idea that men too can benefit from feminism and are actively harmed by the capitalist patriarchal systems that allow a small group of men to dominate society while individual men lose out to loneliness and competition – an idea introduced by feminist Bell Hooks.
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https://www.barbieliberation.org
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/01/barbie-film-ken-ryan-gosling-patriarchy
Episode 33: Hey Barbie, Part One
Welcome to Part One of our ‘Hey Barbie’ two parter.
In this unapologetically pink episode we cover the history of Barbie, some of the questionable decisions made by Mattel (looking at you Mitch…), whilst also discussing what Barbie – a successful, independent, single, child-free, confident woman – represented at a time where women couldn’t own a credit card and one of the only other dolls on the market was Wetsy Betsy. We also discuss the pressure put on Mattel and Gerwig to have an answer for everything, the introduction of the Queens of Africa dolls in 2007 and how the Barbie movie gave voice to the critics.
We are also very excited to share our first live SWDYS with Lauren and her experience navigating the healthcare system with endometriosis and PCOS. We are grateful to Lauren for her honesty and hope anyone who resonates with her story gets the healthcare they need as soon as possible. This runs until 48:30.
Episode 32: Women in Politics
On December 1st, 1919. Nancy Astor became the first woman to take her seat in the House of Commons. Since then we’ve had 561 different women elected to the House of Commons. 561 out of 5,496 elected MPs total...
This episode explores why we need more diversity in politics, the abuse women in politics receive in the media and by other parliamentary members, and why female leaders are not always a victory for feminism.
From Jacinda Arden 'having it all' to Hilary Clinton being compared to the decapitated head of Medusa, Angela Rayner crossing and uncrossing her legs, to Julia Gillard's praiseworthy speech on misogyny, this episode has a little something for everyone.
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Links from the episode:
Episode 31: Skip a Generation Girlfriends
We talk about the reasons why some might choose to date significantly younger, the different treatment women and men receive whilst dating older/younger partners, and why some might be uncomfortable with the concept of May-December relationships. We also discuss where the line is between age gaps being pro-choice, vs being a by-product of patriarchy teaching us that a woman's value lies in her youth, ovaries and beauty.
Lots to jump into! Have a listen.
This episode's SWDYS explores the recent Italian judge's ten-second groping rule, and the rightful backlash it received.
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Helpful links:
www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66174352.amp
www.insider.com/leonardo-dicaprio-girlfriends-reddit-chart-2019-3
Episode 30: Motherhood & Feminism
Today’s episode covers the topic of pregnancy, motherhood and all the fun stuff that comes from having a baby, not having a baby, the complex relationship between feminism and the pregnant body, certain taboos around being a stay at home parent and everything in between.
Even if you don't have children, this is a fun episode for all those perceived to be capable of having children, and the pressures society places on women to uphold patriarchal structures and gender roles under the guise of marriage and motherhood.
And to top things off, our SWDYS section covers an (un)pleasant exchange in a garden centre carpark and the stats that debunk the uneducated jibe that 'women are worst drivers' – spoiler alert, we're not...
Enjoy!
Episode 29: Sexy but Psycho with Dr Jessica Taylor
After a brief hiatus, due to work, moving house and various life things, we are back with QUITE the episode!
This week we speak with Jessica Taylor FRSA. Jessica is a British feminist author and campaigner. She is a Chartered Psychologist, Sunday Times bestselling author and Director of VictimFocus.
Her books include 'Why Women Are Blamed For Everything' and 'Sexy but Psycho', and her most recent manual – the Indicative Trauma Impact Manual. It is the world’s first completely trauma-informed manual of its kind! It's designed to indicate, respond to, and understand every kind of human trauma and emotion.
In this episode we talk to Jessica about her work around understanding trauma, the way women are over diagnosed with mental illness and depression, and the knock on effect of that over diagnosis and the medication they subsequently take.
We also discuss the roles women take in society, including witches and bitches and the ways women have been categorised throughout history.
This is a fabulous episode that we really enjoyed recording and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Episode 28: Her Prime for What?
Episode 27: Take Your Seat at the Table with Maryam Monsef
Join us for an incredibly honest conversation with the Former Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth of Canada. This episode explores the volatility of progress, the resolve of the women’s movement and the painstaking heartbreak that comes with watching women have their rights removed overnight.
Maryam Monsef warns that every step that women and equity seeking groups have taken that has led to progress has been faced with backlash. But she hasn’t given up hope. Sharing stories from her time in office, Maryam encourages people to create conditions that anchor progress in meaningful, steady, strong ways and plant seeds that will grow over time.
We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did – and please, if you have any baby tips or well wishes for Maryam, do send them our way!
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Helpful links:
Episode 26: Financial Independence with Lena Patel
Next up in our guest series is Lena Patel – multi award winning Chartered Financial Planner at ISJ Financial Planning Ltd and Financial Adviser of the Year at the Growth Investor Awards. Lena joins us on The Unfairer Sex podcast to discuss financial independence, the impact of the sandwich generation and how we need to reframe how we think about money.
**PLEASE NOTE** the contents of the episode will share stories and general information on financial planning only. With this in mind, if something we talk about resonates with your personal situation, this is purely coincidental. Everything we discuss will be non-specific to individual needs and before any action is taken by listeners, we recommend you seek professional advice and conduct your own independent research on your financial situation. Should you require more information about UK pensions, benefits or other financial-specific information, we recommend heading to the UK Government website for the latest updates. If you seek more specialist advice for your finances, we recommend heading to Unbias.co.uk to find your local financial advisor – or reach out to Lena at ISJ Financial Planning.
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Links from the episode:
https://uksaysnomore.org/uk-says-no-more-joins-forces-with-hsbc-uk-for-financial-abuse-campaign/
Women regret divorce less than men, Paul Dolan
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthandwellbeing/articles/morethanoneinfoursandwichcarersreportsymptomsofmentalillhealth/2019-01-14
https://www.unbiased.co.uk/news/financial-adviser/women-lag-behind-men-in-pension-planning
https://www.insuringwomensfutures.co.uk/uploads/2018/10/Womens-pensions-life-journey-23-10-c6.pdf
Episode 25: Diet Culture
**Trigger warning** – In this episode we discuss body image, diets, eating disorders and disordered eating. Please consider this when choosing whether to listen to this episode.
How many times have you found yourself readjusting your clothing or glancing in a reflective surface, judging yourself and criticising one thing or another?
And have you ever asked yourself why you do it?
This week we discuss diet culture, what it is and where it came from. We discuss the endless images of "perfection" juxtaposed with pictures of celebrities with some perceived flaw circled for us all to see, judge and worry about in ourselves.
We touch on the way diet culture focuses on white western beauty standards, that this does not account for intersectionality, race or different socio economic backgrounds etc. We also openly discuss our feelings on our own bodies, diet and food as anecdotal evidence of the way diet culture has effected us and those around us.
In our "Sorry, what did you say?" we tear apart a comment about women not wanting to do "dirty and dangerous" work. This one got us riled up…
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Links from the episode:
https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/about-dove/our-vision.html
https://www.nytimes.com/1991/01/02/garden/the-90-s-woman-how-fat-is-fat.html
Episode 24: Christmas – Less Belles, More Balls
Join The Unfairer Sex Podcast for our festive finale where we explore the unequal labour of love at Christmas, the nightmare that is buying non-gendered gifts for children and why everybody needs to wave a swift goodbye to Elf on the Shelf. We also welcome a listener's 'Sorry, what did you say' moment, looking at the inappropriateness of assuming you get to bag a women's job simply because she's heading on maternity leave.
Last thing to say is a big thank you to everyone who has followed our journey this year! We've loved hearing your feedback, sharing your stories and watching the number of listens slowly climb. We can't wait to do it all again in 2023!
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Links from the episode:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/353530?seq=1
https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/emotional-labour-christmas
Episode 23: Feminist Cities, Downblousing and Early Years Funding
Episode 23 explores three feminist stories – Glasgow becoming the UK's first feminist city, early years funding being missed off the Autumn budget and the criminalisation of 'Downblousing’ & the sharing of pornographic deepfakes in England and Wales.
We are also honoured to share Martine's 'sorry, what did you say' moment. Sadly, her story remains a persistent problem in the workplace for many, even twenty years later. We hope by sharing Martine's ballsy retort, you'll gain the courage to meet misogyny head on next time it happens to you! And if nothing else, we've all gained a new mantra for life – what would Martine do?
Enjoy!
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Links from the episode:
Feminist Cities
https://www.euronews.com/culture/2022/11/07/glasgow-set-to-become-the-uks-first-feminist-city
https://vidhilegalpolicy.in/research/making-a-feminist-city-planning-safety-and-autonomy-for-women/
Early Years Funding
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/oct/18/pay-child-uk-childcare
https://pregnantthenscrewed.com/
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/15/childcare-costs-women-britain-work-mothers
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Your-Situation/Bringing-up-a-child
https://www.pwc.co.uk/economic-services/WIWI/women-in-work-2021-executive-summary.pdf
Downblousing and Pornographic Deepfakes
https://www.itv.com/news/2022-11-25/downblousing-and-sharing-of-pornographic-deepfakes-to-be-criminalised
https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/voyeurism
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/nov/24/keir-starmer-pledges-zero-tolerance-violence-women-girls
Episode 22: Feminist Foreign Policy with Kristina Lunz
We are beyond excited to share our conversation with Kristina Lunz – co-founder and co-CEO of the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy, an award-winning human rights activist, and former advisor to the German Federal Foreign Office. In this episode we explore what Feminist Foreign Policy is, where it went wrong for Sweden and how Margot Wallstorm's 4 Rs work in practice. We also share examples of how the Centre of Feminist Foreign Policy is being used as force for good in Germany and empower our listeners to ask the question: 'where are the women?'
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Links from the episode:
CFFP Manifesto: https://centreforfeministforeignpolicy.org/make-foreign-policy-feminist-a-feminist-foreign-policy-for-germany
CFFP website: https://centreforfeministforeignpolicy.org/
Kristina Lunz profile: https://en.kristinalunz.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kristina_lunz/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/feministforeignpolicy/?hl=en
Articles:
https://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/wps/
https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/10/31/swedens-new-government-abandons-feminist-foreign-policy
Episode 21: Waves of Feminism with Patricia Hodgins
Ever wondered where the bra-burning barren feminist trope came from? Turns out, it all started with the Freedom Trash Can and one rouge bra that made headlines.
And we're pleased to say, that wasn't the only thing that's made headlines when it came to feminism!
Over the next 90mins, you have the absolute pleasure of listening to stories from life-long feminist Patricia Hodgins – an incredible woman who once invited Ely to a sex shop. Not only are we taking you on a journey through the wave of feminism, this episode get into the nitty gritty of c***s, lycra and the power of effective communication. Not one to be missed!
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https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/anne-dickson/woman-in-your-own-right/9780715654545
https://www.womensweb.in/2020/12/the-gaali-project-tamanna-mishra-neha-thakur-dec20wk1sr/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clPeyJ7ZHSQ
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-45303069
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63401193
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/10/iran-at-least-82-baluchi-protesters-and-bystanders-killed-in-bloody-crackdown/#:~:text=Iranian%20security%20forces%20unlawfully%20killed,Zahedan%2C%20Sistan%20and%20Baluchistan%20province%2C
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As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode 20: Politics of Masculinity with Steve Roberts
Why is the study of men, and the social the constructs of what being "a man" is, important to feminism? And why are the women at the Unfairer Sex talking about it? The simple answer – men being expected to behave in a particular way has a direct impact on the way women are expected to behave.
This week we have the pleasure of hosting Steve Roberts, a Professor at the School of Education Culture and Society, Monash University. He is a sociologist who specialises in youth studies and critical studies of men and masculinities. He discusses the impact that growing up with an abusive step parent had on him, his views on toxic masculinity and how he broke what could have been the cycle of abuse. We also explore elements of his research – looking at politics of masculinity and the promotion of healthy/positive masculinities among boys & men to help tackle harmful masculine norms & achieve greater gender equality.
The first in a series of The Unfairer Professor, Steve will appear in the future on The Unfairer Sex to give his academic opinion and views on the things we discuss as well as interview us about our experiences of sexist behaviour.
*Just to note, we experienced a little tech problem around 30mins in so please forgive the slight change in volumes! Everything Steve said was all super important so we didn't want to leave anything out.*
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https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/steven-roberts
https://twitter.com/SteveRoberts_
https://lens.monash.edu/2021/04/28/1383148/a-very-personal-call-to-action-for-non-violent-men-to-denounce-mens-violence
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As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode 19: Ladies First the Musical with Alice Johnstone
Ladies First The Musical is a new musical based on the life of the first female doctor in the UK: Elizabeth Garrett Anderson. And we were beyond excited to have the feminist icon, composer and writer Alice Johnstone on our podcast to talk more about her work. During this episode, we learn more about the lives of Elizabeth, her sister Millicent Fawcett and Emily Davies, as well as take a look at the Women's Health Strategy for England and the knock-on effect of women's experiences being ignored in healthcare.
What's more, we are feeling pretty bloody lucky to be able to share a behind the scenes listen to one of the hits from the musical itself!
We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.
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www.alicejohnstonemusic.com
www.ladiesfirstthemusical.com
https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1867/may/20/clauses-3-4-progress-may-17#column_817
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/womens-health-strategy-for-england/womens-health-strategy-for-england
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As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode 18: Equality in sport with Michaela Breeze
There have been many successes for women in sport in the last couple of months. This success, notoriety and the subsequent media attention has attracted criticism – with some believing men are having resources pulled to give women an unfair advantage.
In the second in our guest host series we were super lucky to speak with GB Olympic weightlifter Michaela Breeze about what it's like to be an athlete at the top of your game in a male dominated sport.
Breeze is one of the most successful female weightlifters in UK history. As well as coaching lifters of all sizes, shapes and ages, she is well known for commentating at various events including Rio Olympics and Tokyo Olympics and is currently training for the IWF World Masters Championships later this year. What's more, Breeze is a proud mum of three!
This episode builds on our equality in sport episode (Ep.8) and follows Breeze's experiences of men reacting to her success, how she continues to overcome criticism and what tips she has about learning from and supporting others in sport.
We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did!
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https://www.instagram.com/michaelabreeze/
https://powerposition.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/twomumswithtwinsplus1/
Gribbles Butchers in Ivybridge, Devon sadly closed in 2021.
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As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode 17: Modern Women with Bonnie Hatcher
In the words of Paul Dolan, a professor of behavioural science at the London School of Economics, “We do have some good longitudinal data following the same people over time, but I am going to do a massive disservice to that science and just say: if you’re a man, you should probably get married; if you’re a woman, don’t bother.”
Data has suggested that women are happier without children or a spouse, whilst men benefit greatly from the addition of a wife. Despite marriage being a two-way street, the grass being a little greener on one side has often come down to an inequality within relationships. Women have brought emotional maturity, continue to take on more of the unpaid childcare and domestic work and suffer in the bedroom when it comes to the orgasm gap.
Skip forward to the year 2022 and women's liberation has seen a shape rise in the initiation of divorces and an increase in the number of women choosing to remain single, child-free and unmarried.
As part of our guest series, we invited Bonnie Hatcher, Managing Director of ZAG drinks, to join us for a conversation around choice, being the 91% and female empowerment. We discuss a growing intolerance to low standards in relationships, greater financial freedoms and fertility options for women, and the pure joy of taking yourself out of the dating market. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording.
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As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Useful links:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-state-our-unions/202208/the-rise-lonely-single-men
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220511-why-women-file-for-divorce-more-than-men
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/may/25/women-happier-without-children-or-a-spouse-happiness-expert
Episode 16: Believe Women
Why is it, when a man is trailed by rumours of sexual harassment and assault, or their behaviour reaches the level of a "despicable open secret," we are so quick to dismiss women and protect men?
This episode explores some of the reasons why women aren't believed and why it takes upwards of 10, 20, 60 women to come forward before an accusation is taken seriously, or 50+ UK MPs to be currently under investigation for sexual misconduct before we believe there might be a systemic problem.
We look to the likes of Johnson, Trump, Weinstein, Cosby, R. Kelly and Saville to show how accusations against some of the most powerful men in the world are dubbed as 'piffle', 'conspiracy theories' or just another excuse for a dumb gold digger to make a quick buck. This week's SWDYS is a sobering experience from one of the panellists.
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Helpful links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/creating-an-offence-of-public-sexual-harassment/public-sexual-harassment-consultation https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/from-aggressive-overtures-to-sexual-assault-harvey-weinsteins-accusers-tell-their-stories https://www.npr.org/2020/01/22/798222176/the-harvey-weinstein-trial-a-brief-timeline-of-how-we-got-here?t=1661807267895 https://www.axios.com/2017/12/15/the-hints-of-weinsteins-behavior-that-went-ignored-1513306130 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/11/business/weinstein-company.html https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/apr/01/bill-oreilly-fox-news-sexual-harassment-settlements https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/11/13/bill-cosby-raped-me-why-did-it-take-30-years-for-people-to-believe-my-story/ https://www.vox.com/identities/2019/10/4/20852639/me-too-movement-sexual-harassment-law-2019 https://www.vox.com/2015/7/26/9044867/bill-cosby-new-york-magazine https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-bill-cosby-timeline-htmlstory.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/05/03/camille-cosby-in-the-case-of-bill-cosby-unproven-accusations-evolved-into-lynch-mobs/ https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jul/08/jeffrey-epstein-sex-abuse-allegations-started-2005-explained https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/oct/13/list-of-donald-trump-sexual-misconduct-allegations https://www.businessinsider.com/women-accused-trump-sexual-misconduct-list-2017-12?r=US&IR=T#ivana-trump-2 https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/29/no-10-denies-claims-boris-johnson-squeezed-thigh-journalist-charlotte-edwardes https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/apr/28/is-there-no-end-to-tory-mps-sexual-misconduct https://gen.medium.com/why-dont-good-men-believe-women-23be0ce607c9 https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/a33497652/why-do-we-believe-some-women-and-not-others/ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/28/opinion/metoo-sexual-harassment-believe-women.html
Episode 15: Nipples. To free or not to free?
For as long as our bodies have been clothed, breasts have been a point of contention. Our nipples even more so. In this episode we explore the double standard when it comes to sexually promiscuity, how breasts are used in art and marketing to sell consumer goods but a picture of a woman breast-feeding on a magazine cover, instagram feed or park bench is considered unsavoury, and how women are expected to lead with their boobs or their brain, but never both. We also consider the age at which girls are asked to start covering their torsos and the sexualisation of girls at school, and question if there's ever a right time to tell a female body to cover itself.
Have a listen and reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or email to let us know your thoughts.
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As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word. The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Useful links:
@genderless_nipples project
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a40575630/florence-pugh-responds-criticism-free-nipple-valentino-show/
https://startsat60.com/media/news/breast-cancer-ad-that-actually-shows-boobs-goes-viral
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2022/may/11/adidas-sports-bra-ads-banned-uk-twitter-asa
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/waitwhy-do-my-nipples-need-to-be-freed_b_574e0d38e4b0068c40dfa4dc
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/17/style/student-bra-nipples-school.html
https://time.com/3892965/everydaysexism-school-dress-codes-rape-culture/
https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/919/1496/1580969/
https://bpr.berkeley.edu/2014/05/04/dress-codes-foundations-of-rape-culture/
https://breaking-down-patriarchy.captivate.fm/episode/girls-and-sex-by-peggy-orenstein
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/guerrilla-girls-do-women-have-to-be-naked-to-get-into-the-met-museum-p78793
Episode 14: Abuse isn't always physical
Picture someone suffering from domestic violence. Do they have bruises? Is their partner clenching a fist? Are they sitting next to you at work volunteering for overtime because they can’t keep up with their partner’s spending?
Domestic violence takes many forms. It isn’t always physical. It isn’t always obvious.
It is always impactful. It is always unacceptable.
This episode of The Unfairer Sex unpacks some of the less well known forms of domestic violence like financial and psychological abuse. We talk through how we can identify the symptoms and support each other to take action to quash domestic violence against women and girls. Let’s celebrate the advances we have made with awareness, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and next steps with The Unfairer Sex.
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The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode 13: Princess Problems
The Walt Disney Company – home to Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm and the much loved Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures animated movies. And it is from these animations that many of us learnt about Prince Charming, true love's kiss, and happily ever afters.
While at first glance they are seemingly harmless and entertaining tales of princes and princesses, many of the animated children’s films produced by The Walt Disney Company have reinforced and even exaggerated traditional gender stereotypes.
In this episode, we explore the impact these heteronormative stereotypes have on children and the ideals we hold on to as we get older. Should The Walt Disney Company answer for some of our hangups, or is it all just harmless fun? Have a listen to The Unfairer Sex panellists as we share our views on all things Disney.
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The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Useful links:
- Wreck-it Ralph 2 Scene – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yirc35yIjfc
- https://medium.com/@hairyanto/representations-of-females-and-femininity-in-disney-princess-films-bfdc58c7d217
- http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1701/the-feminine-threat-reconsidering-the-damsel-in-distress-in-early-disney-films
- https://www.academia.edu/33466790/Power_to_the_Princess_Disney_and_the_Creation_of_the_20th_Century_Princess_Narrative
- https://www.academia.edu/33466790/Power_to_the_Princess_Disney_and_the_Creation_of_the_20th_Century_Princess_Narrative
- https://www.ft.com/content/e4e84eac-8502-4a7f-b51b-c372752b4b38 https://nypost.com/2022/06/25/lightyear-flop-audiences-are-weary-of-hollywood-wokeness/
Episode Twelve: Misogyny, memes and the media
We dig into the reasons behind the overwhelming support he received versus the intense hatred directed at her, as well as looking at similar instances of the treatment of women by the media, such as Monica Lewinsky and Britney Spears, and we share our views on what this says about our society and culture.
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Useful links:
people.com/movies/juror-in-johnny-depp-defamation-trial-says-jury-didnt-believe-amber-heards-crocodile-tears/
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10878019/Johnny-Depp-won-trial-TikTok-fans-rejoice-social-media.html
www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/amber-heard-johnny-depp-trial-memes-chilling-effect-victims-domestic-a-rcna28572
amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/01/amber-heard-johnny-depp-trial-metoo-backlash?fbclid=IwAR2IrXkQ2J6hXlef8oBMu8n4Xtay5hk9kHQb4EvEKhgZENp163QgJV-I8sA
www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/johnny-depp-amber-heard-saga-feminism-metoo#read-more
apnews.com/article/fact-check-amber-heard-talented-mr-ripley-487576135842
www.pajiba.com/celebrities_are_better_than_you/johnny-depps-case-against-amber-heard-was-textbook-darvo.php
slate.com/culture/2022/06/johnny-depp-amber-heard-trial-verdict-evidence-truth.html
www.theguardian.com/books/2022/may/03/fix-the-system-not-the-women-by-laura-bates-review-a-compelling-insight-into-gender-injustice
Episode Eleven: Women aren't funny
When so many people still believe a woman’s place is in the home when a comedian’s place is anywhere but, an aversion or bias against women performing comedy (in any context) should be expected.
Inspired by a conversation with a woman who claimed she "just doesn't find women funny", we explore where this idea comes from, why it has survived so long and some of the pathetic attempts people have made, and continue to make, to prove "women just ain't funny".
We cover Christopher Hitchens' notorious 2007 Vanity Fair article, the discrimination & abuse experienced by female stand-up comedians, as well as the problems associated with sexist humour.
Links:
- Christopher Hitchens' 2007 Vanity Fair Article – https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2007/01/hitchens200701
- Bridget Christie Ant stand up – https://youtu.be/vIUG2dNeECY
- Chortle – https://www.chortle.co.uk/about/2008/06/23/6954/about_us
- Woody Allen and Twiggy Interview – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgrCmel-RWs
- Piers Morgan Interview with Hayley Hughes– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSA0Hx_OS_k
- Women's History Month Blog Series: Women aren’t Funny by: Sydney Kovach – https://www.jcipr.com/post/women-s-history-month-blog-series-women-aren-t-funny
*In the first 30mins we talk about female comedy writers and would like to confirm that Amy Poehler only wrote 3 episodes of Parks and Recreation: "Telethon" in season 2, "The Fight" in season 3, and "The Debate" in season 4 (for which she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series).
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The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you like our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word. The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode Ten: How abortion is used to control women
Before we jump in, a quick note on this episode's content. This particular conversation covers issues around abortion, rape and incest. In light of the recent introduction of restrictive abortion laws in some US states and the possibility that the US Supreme Court may overturn Roe v Wade, we thought we should address the issue of access to abortion.
In this episode we discuss the ways in which denial of access to safe, lawful, free abortions in many parts of the world are driven by patriarchal traditions, which deny women’s rights to autonomy over their own bodies and are used to control, oppress and punish women.
*****
The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word. The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode Nine: Wonderful world of periods
In this episode we discuss periods – the stigma, the bizarre myths about what effect periods can have on everything from crops to handling ham, and why in the 21st century, periods are still considered shameful, mysterious and symbolic of many things, from entry to womanhood to a woman's "crazy", emotional behaviour. We also talk about period poverty, tax on period products and how adverts and the media perpetuate the view of periods needing to be kept secret or that they're a bit icky.
So grab a glass of wine and join us.
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The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode Eight: Equality in sport
Join us for another instalment of the Unfairer Sex. This episode we’re discussing equality in sport. Why are so many school girls dropping out of sport even though a majority of women wish they were sportier? Where is the media exposure for our role models and why aren’t female athletes paid as much as men? We also discuss the flawed reasons some give to justify inequality sport and shine a light on the double standards that still exist. If you're interested in learning more about the inequality in sport, we recommend the following documentaries:
2018 - Maiden (available on Netflix)
2020 – Athlete A (available on Netflix)
2020 – Rising Phoenix (available on Netflix)
2022 – No Woman No Try (available on Amazon Prime)
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EDIT: Ely would like to put her hands up and say she was incorrect when she said Team GB women's hockey 2016 Olympic final was the most watched game during the olympics. The real story is, the BBC pushed back its nightly News at Ten broadcast in order to show the game in full after viewers complained about being forced to channel hop in the semi-final match: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/team-gb-hockey-golden-girls-8659788
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As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode Seven: The Double Bind
In this episode we discuss a phenomenon termed the "double bind" or the "corporate tightrope". At its simplest, the double bind that women face results from the fact that we have all been taught that the base case or natural leader is male. This leads to problems with how women are perceived when they lead.
More specifically, we have been taught that men lead, men take charge, they are strong, decision and assertive. Women on the other hand are caregivers, we are nurturing, we are emotional, we are communicative. These are stereotypes that we've been taught to believe, even in the face of empirical evidence to the contrary. And while these stereotypes persist, women are left in a double bind: if we exhibit what are viewed as male leadership attributes, such as taking charge, we may be viewed as competent, but we will be disliked. Whereas if we conform to the female stereotypes and are caring, we will be liked but viewed as less competent. Hence the double bind: whatever we do, we're screwed. We can be likeable or competent but not both and often neither.
We discuss our own experiences of the double bind and strategies to challenge it.
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As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Useful links:
https://www.catalyst.org/research/infographic-the-double-bind-dilemma-for-women-in-leadership/, https://www.catalyst.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The_Double_Bind_Dilemma_for_Women_in_Leadership_Damned_if_You_Do_Doomed_if_You_Dont.pdf
https://www.npr.org/2016/10/18/498309357/too-sweet-or-too-shrill-the-double-bind-for-women
https://genderbiasbingo.com/double-bind/#.YlhL0MhByUk
https://www.google.com/amp/s/fortune.com/2014/08/26/performance-review-gender-bias/amp/
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace
Episode Six: How film has failed women
Welcome back to the Unfairer Sex Podcast. We hope you're having a misogyny-free week so far! In episode six we look at different ways film and media have failed women – either by deliberately omitting things from the big screen or failing to recognise optimum moments to better educate their audience. It’s worth noting at this point that we recognise that our intake of film and media will have been heavily influenced by our upbringings, and whilst we’ve tried to cast our nets a little wider the older we’ve become, there will be shows and TV and movies we’ve missed so if you’ve got a great example that we haven’t shared today, do let us know on twitter and/or instagram!
Before we jump into the main theme of this episode, we share a 'Sorry, what did you say' moment from one of our listeners. This moment explores the topic of surnames for children outside of marriage – something that remains a taboo topic for so many couples. A big thank you to our listener for trusting us with your story.
Episode Five: Sorry, what did you say?
The reason we felt it important to publish this episode was because everything we share happened to us in 'ordinary' settings doing 'ordinary' things. From volunteering at a hockey game to going to work, to being asked to 'pretty up this document'.
As always, a big thank you for engaging with the podcast and to the listener who shared their 'sorry, what did you say' moment with us this week. Not only did it give us time to reflect on a previous episode's 'sorry, what did you say moment' (episode 3: wedding traditions), it enabled us opportunity to look back on how we reacted when faced with our own moments, and how we would react differently now with hindsight.
If this episode sparks the fire in your belly, send us a voice note of your 'sorry, what did you say' moments to theunfairersex@gmail.com or DM us on instagram – theunfairersexpodcast
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The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: akondas.com Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode Four: International Women's Day
Happy International Women’s Day! This bonus episode takes you on a whistle-stop tour of IWD basics. We talk about the origins of IWD and how it has grown from a small march protesting gender inequality to the internationally recognised day for championing women’s rights on a global scale. We check out how different cultures celebrate the day and take a moment to consider what IWD means to us and how we like to celebrate it as individuals. There is a deep dive on this year’s UN IWD theme ‘gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ as we discuss how stronger women’s rights can drastically alter the path of climate change.
Finally, the team gives an Unfairer Sex salute to some less well known but no less notable women who have inspired us.
There’s a lot to celebrate and a lot of work still to be done so pour a glass and join us for another episode of The Unfairer Sex.
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The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode Three: Wedding traditions
When was the last time you looked into the origins of a tradition?
Or perhaps, a better question might be, how many times have you been told you have to do something because 'it's tradition' – even if it makes you feel uncomfortable or question your moral compass?
Traditions are, by nature, a product of the past and for the most part, are “accepted without being assessed by any criterion other than it having been believed before” (Shirley Jackson). Whilst some are harmless or have been given a modern interpretation, there are many which have disturbing origins that continue to be harmful today. Whilst it's a personal choice to follow a tradition or not, many feel pressured to conform.
This can be for a number of reasons. Out of fear of upsetting somebody else's expectations – expectations based on deeply ingrained ideas of what is 'proper'. Religious, partner or family values. Not wanting to be the first to go against the status quo. Knowing you don't feel right about something, but not knowing how to change it. Not having the money or freedom to choose another path.
And the list goes on.
In this episode we question the origins of five popular wedding traditions and discuss the expectations placed on women from society, family, partners, patriarchy and in some cases, ourselves. As always, we share our own experiences and 'sorry, what did you say' moments as we try and understand our in the moment reactions, and how we might react differently with the benefit of hindsight.
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Before we jump into the main theme of this episode, we share a 'Sorry, what did you say' moment from one of our listeners. This moment explores the topic of up-skirting and battery performed by a man with a duty of care to the victim. It runs until 23:12 so if this is a trigger for you or you're just super keen to jump into this week's theme of 'Wedding traditions', you're welcome to skip ahead. A big thank you to our listener for trusting us with your story.
***
As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode Two: Clothing & how it's policed
Clothes.
Too long we've been told what to wear, what not to wear, how long or short our skirts need to be and when we can wear trousers. That our outfits are too slutty, prudish or time-stamped, and that playing handball in a bikini is the only way we can play the sport – despite our male counterparts competing in mid-thigh shorts.
And to be honest, we're tired of people feeling like they have a say over other people's choices. We're bored of the hypocrisy and double standards. And we're disappointed that we're still dealing with the same old shit in 2022.
So let's walk you through a quick history of clothing, how it's policed and some of the hilarious explanations society has come up with to validate a backwards (and sometimes harmful) way of thinking.
Before we jump into the main theme of this episode, we share a 'Sorry, what did you say' moment from one of our listeners. This moment explores the topic of sexual health and our own experiences with medical professionals. It runs until 22:08 so if this is a trigger for you or you're just super keen to jump into this week's theme of 'Clothing', you're welcome to skip ahead. A big thank you to our listener for trusting us with your story.
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As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Research, editing and artwork fulfilled by The Unfairer Sex.
Episode One: Sorry, what did you say?
When was the last time the perfect comeback slipped your mind in the moment?
In this episode, The Unfairer Sex explore notable "sorry, what did you say?" moments, reflecting on how we responded at the time, how we wish we had responded with the benefit of hindsight and sometimes, patting ourselves on the back for delivering the perfect retort. Don't be fooled.
Just because you said the right thing doesn't mean you won't get an earful from a disgruntled bystander who can't stand that you've been so witty! We'll be exploring that too. Using our own experiences, research, and the biases and social context surrounding these all too common moments, we hope to give listeners actionable suggestions.
We recommend keeping these stowed away in your back pocket for the time you're presented with something equally as jaw dropping as some of the moments we explore in this episode. Because we can promise you, those moments are coming.
You might also want to download the Cookie Monster song. You'll thank us later.
*** As always, The Unfairer Sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com
Introductory Episode
From baby feminist to get the fuck out of my way, this episode gives you an intimate introduction to The Unfairer Sex, our aspirations for the platform and the four women behind the microphones that will be gracing your ears each episode.
What is The Unfairer Sex?
We're glad you asked!
We are a group of professional women who are really quite tired of the misogyny, discrimination and effects of the patriarchy that we are forced to navigate everyday. But that shit isn’t going to go away by itself - so let’s talk about the problems and, even better: the solutions.
Whether it is a stranger asking why you aren’t yet married, gender bias in advertising, having your clothing policed, being expected to do all the admin at work, that persistent gender pay gap, or all the ways in which the pandemic has made women’s lives harder, we will share our research, experiences and perspectives on it all so next time you’re faced with that crap you know exactly what to say.
Each week we'll pick a new theme, deliver our favourite 'Sorry, what did you say' moments and suggest fun homework so you can start to put into practice our l'esprit de l'escalier wisdom – aka, our staircase wit! For the themes we don't know very well, we'll reach out to more knowledge guests so you benefit from first-hands experiences rather than our well-intentioned guesswork.
And yeah, there’s definitely going to be some rage, but there’s also going to be a hell of a lot of laughing, learning, catharsis and camaraderie along the way. So grab a glass of wine and join us.
Small print
The unfairer sex is not sponsored so, if you liked our show, please show your support by liking, subscribing and sharing on all your favourite social media platforms! We'll send you positive vibes for being awesome human beings and helping us spread the word.
We also thought it important to note... the views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect any views of the organisations for whom they work.*The Unfairer Sex music was masterfully created by Artur Kondas: https://akondas.com