The Unfairer Sex

We're back! And in this episode, we speak with Women's safety consultant, Karen Whybro, about the gap between public safety as it’s promised, and how it’s actually experienced.We begin with the Sarah Everard vigil, and the moment that became a catalyst for Karen: laying flowers on Mother’s Day under the threat of a £10,000 fine, and her direct encounter with the police force. From there, the conversation opens out into a broader critique of institutional responses to women’s safety – such as why the Met police choose to advise women to 'flag down a bus' rather than actively respond to allegations against their own staff.The discussion then turns to the cultural framing of violence as something that's inevitable; as well as the persistent myth of the “good guy,” and how narratives of male protection can obscure the deeper work of prevention.We close by asking what meaningful change could look like — from individual actions to systemic shifts — and whether a more preventative, accountable model of safety is within reach.Below are some of the resources Karen referenced during the episode. We unfortunately can't share images here, but have shared on our Instagram: https://www.karen-whybro.co.uk/https://inews.co.uk/news/casey-report-police-officers-rape-culture-met-change-2226230

On 17 June 2025, MPs had the opportunity to vote on two amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill relating to abortion:NC1 aimed to prevent women from being prosecuted for ending their own pregnancy.NC20 went further, seeking to fully decriminalise abortion by repealing the relevant criminal provisions altogether.Both amendments retained the Abortion Act 1967 as the framework for abortion care, meaning the legal grounds for accessing abortion would remain unchanged. However, only NC20 would have made abortion a human right, protected it from future restrictions, and decriminalised the act for both women and healthcare professionals involved in providing abortion care.While we may not fully understand why abortion groups and charities didn't support NC20, we do know that some of the arguments put forth by MPs to oppose the amendments – such as the claim they were about ‘saving women from themselves’, stopping women from 'getting to full term and deciding that the pregnancy is an inconvenience', or that abortion reform should wait for a standalone bill – were ill-advised, insincere and patronising.In the end, only NC1 was passed.So...Why are British tabloids now claiming that MPs have voted to decriminalise abortion in the UK?Why were MPs allowed to misquote statistics on the record in Parliament to bolster opposition to abortion reform — without judicial correction?And most importantly, what are the real consequences of this vote for women, healthcare providers, and the future of reproductive rights in the UK?We asked Stella Creasy, Labour (Co-op) MP for Walthamstow to join us for an episode to unpack what really happened in Parliament on June 17th, why the vote on NC20 mattered, and what’s next for abortion rights in the UK.This episode was recorded on June 18th 2024. *****Helpful links: The Mummafesto Podcast, hosted by Stella Creasy:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mummafesto/id1735494350Hansard Society Debate Overview:https://www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliament-matters-bulletin-16-june-2025#tuesday-17-june-2025Recording of the Debate (start at 16:56:46 in the index):https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/97c409d6-cd51-4596-9921-96e0bfeb7677

Know the difference between NC1 and NC20 in the context of decriminalising abortions in the UK? You're not the only one. This episode picks up when our last episode left off, recapping the key details of e-petition 700014 and the two key amendments being tabled to the Crime and Policing Bill – NC1 (Tonia Antoniazzi, Labour MP) and NC20 (Stella Creasy, Labour MP). We also explain the parliamentary process and why it's imperative we put a democratic lock around our right to access abortion healthcare now, in order to prevent future rollback via secondary regulations. If we miss this opportunity, we delay reform for another generation and open up our rights to political mood swings.Why run the risk?To finish up, Rhiannon shares insights from the June 2nd debate and factchecks some of the fast and loose stats being thrown around by Jim Shannon (and others) – an Northern Irish MP with a real investment in denying abortion access for English and Welsh residents. Next steps: The vote takes place on June 17th, meaning you still have time to email your MP and implore them to back NC20. And you should do that. Here's a template you can use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O4CoU9FfVBrXUoLWgM4-ZMAFwYPuYWBTDSqZMkusnxM/edit?tab=t.0You can also watch the first debate in full here: https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/9e31c35d-d310-4b07-ad31-6b30fea24032The Hansard Transcript of the June 2nd debate can be found here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-06-02/debates/600E3036-7871-4198-BD43-467F710AC5E1/DecriminalisingAbortion

Unbeknown to some, abortion in England and Wales is still a crime under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and the Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929, which carries a life sentence for anyone who has or provides an abortion. These laws remain in place despite being repealed in Northern Ireland by Westminster in 2019 and 2020.In this episode, we tackle the relentless control over women’s reproductive choices – from forced birth and restricted access to healthcare, to the criminalisation of abortion. With Parliament set to debate a crucial amendment next week (June 2nd, 2025) to protect women from prosecution for seeking essential healthcare, we explore what’s at stake and why this fight is far from over.We discuss the harrowing case of Adrian Smith in Georgia, a woman kept alive despite being brain dead, her body used as an incubator without her consent.We also address Nigel Farage’s recent comments calling it “utterly ludicrous” that abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks. His statements mirror anti-choice rhetoric, even though most abortions (88%) occur within the first ten weeks, and later procedures are often medically necessary.Rhiannon shares her own personal story of baby loss – having to terminate her pregnancy at 22 weeks due to her son’s severe and incurable heart condition. She warns of the chilling prospect that, if politicians like Farage succeed in reducing the legal time limit, we risk following the same path as the U.S., where reproductive rights have been systematically dismantled and women are forced to carry pregnancies that only lead to suffering.This episode is a call to action. We cannot let our rights be eroded piece by piece. Join us as we unpack the legal battles, the human stories, and the urgent need to protect bodily autonomy before it’s too late.****Helpful links: www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/exclusive-labour-mp-stella-creasy-calls-for-abortion-to-be-human-right-after-farage-comments-393618/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dqp3dep48oWrite to your MP:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O4CoU9FfVBrXUoLWgM4-ZMAFwYPuYWBTDSqZMkusnxM/edithttps://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj.q2136.fullhttps://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/abortion-statistics-for-england-and-wales-2022/abortion-statistics-england-and-wales-2022https://www.amnesty.org.uk/files/2023-12/Legal%20but%20not%20local_Barriers%20to%20accessing%20abortion%20servicesi%20in%20Northern%20Ireland.pdf?VersionId=TMIsqFC1MS2CogIE1kaZHcya0OSG_HYehttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/abortion-service-protection-zones-in-place-in-england-and-waleshttps://bills.parliament.uk/publications/53621/documents/4252Support Rhiannon's JustGiving Page:https://www.justgiving.com/page/hudsons-little-heart-bereavement-support

In 2023, a non-profit research organization, More in Common, found that trust in the police fell from 63% to 53% in the wake of Wayne Couzens' sentencing. This sharp decline in public confidence reflects a growing distrust of law enforcement, particularly following high-profile cases of police misconduct. In this powerful episode, we speak with Issy Vine who has taken legal action against the Metropolitan Police, shedding light on the deep-rooted issues of misogyny and discrimination within the force.We explore the incident that led Vine to pursue legal action, the personal motivations behind her decision, and the challenges she faced when reporting misconduct within the force. Vine shares her firsthand experience of the cultural dynamics within the Metropolitan Police and discusses how these systemic issues contribute to a hostile environment for women, both within the police force and in the broader public.Despite the negative publicity that stories like this can generate, Vine explains why it's crucial to share her experience publicly and challenge the status quo. Now campaigning for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and institutional accountability, she outline their priorities and suggests reforms necessary to address misogyny and discrimination in the police and other institutions.Join us for a compelling conversation on justice, accountability, and the urgent need for change within law enforcement institutions.Additional resources:The Baroness Casey Review, March 2023 – https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/bcr/baroness-casey-review/The Angiolini Inquiry,  February 2024 – https://www.angiolini.independent-inquiry.ukThe Met's response to issues raised by the crimes of Wayne Couzens: https://www.met.police.uk/notices/met/our-response-to-issues-raised-by-the-crimes-of-wayne-couzens/Independent Review of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), December 2023: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65f458f6af6a0d001190d4fc/Independent+Review+of+the+Independent+Office+for+Police+Conduct+.pdfNational recommendations relating to 'Wayne Couzens failures' - National Police Chiefs' Council and College of Policing, August 2023: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/our-work/learning/national-recommendations-relating-wayne-couzens-failures-national-police-chiefs David Carrick, CPS – https://www.cps.gov.uk/stories/david-carrickSupport Issy Vine:https://www.change.org/p/review-legislation-and-policies-enabling-police-misconduct-in-the-met-police-forcewww.issyvine.com 

Witchcraft* – a crime predominately played out by women in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was not a crime before this time because, well, it was completely made up to punish those destabilising gender hierarchies and social hierarchies. This means it also impacted men. Anyone who was oppressed by patriarchal ideals. So much so, that many scholars in this field look at witchcraft as a study of disenfranchised groups more broadly, rather than just a crime against women. This episode discusses talking points raised by Dr Jennifer Farrell (a lecturer in medieval history at the University of Exeter) in a talk she hosted with Seed Talks in September 2024, titled: The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Jennifer Farrell. Using Dr Farrell's learnings, Rhiannon and I delve into the emergence of witchcraft at the end of the middle ages, the variety of magical practices (including love magic, healing, and various forms of necromancy), the impact of secular powers on who was accused of witchcraft, and how the genesis paradigm continues to feed the patriarchal fear of women. Enjoy! *Evidence of witchcraft ranged from being considered a 'woman of forcible speech and domineering ways' by a neighbour, to having friends – and 'gathering' with them, to exhibiting menopausal symptoms, being gay, marrying someone 'outside your league', or living in a town which was experiencing a bad harvest or political unrest...

We've covered the menopause before, but not like this! Dr Wendy Molefi joins Rhiannon and Ely to discuss the differences in menstrual patterns among various ethnicities, why menopause is still considered a social stigma in many minority communities – and how this affects the treatment of women going through the menopause, as well as how we address the misconception that menopause is a loss of femininity. Dr Molefi will be speaking at Pause Live – the UK’s largest menopause event. It takes place this year on 14th September, in London. Helpful links BMS – Menopause in ethnic minority women 2023 online survey of postmenopausal women to determine their attitudes and knowledge of the menopause. Rawan Aljumah, Samantha Phillips, and  Joyce C Harper APPG on Menopause inquiry: Assessing the impacts of Menopause and the case for policy reform £25 million for women's health hub expansion “A part of being a woman, really”: Menopause at work as “dirty” femininity, 2022

In this episode, we dive into the world of contraception, sharing our personal experiences and the insights we’ve gathered through trial and error and plenty of googling! Rather than inviting an expert on to share their medical wisdom, we wanted to walk the walk of an average person – gathering information the way our listeners might and sharing our own experiences with the NHS. Join us for an open and honest conversation as we explore the choices and challenges surrounding birth control, the various methods of contraception available around the world, their pros and cons, and some surprising historical facts! Oh, and Rhiannon starts the episode with an incredibly personal 'sorry, what did you say' story that will leave you fuming...

In Australia, intimate partner violence contributes to more death, disability and illness in women aged 25-44 than any other preventable risk factor. So far this year in Australia, more than one woman per week has been killed by a male perpetrator. The rate of women killed by an intimate partner in Australia has increased by nearly 30% in 2022-23 (Australian Institute of Criminology), with research from Ipsos and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) showing that Australian men hold some of the most misogynistic views in the Western world. In this episode, we are once again honoured to be graced with the presence of The Unfairer Professor, Steve Roberts, alongside his esteemed colleague Dr Stephanie Wescott (Monash University). Together, we delve into the impact of toxic masculinity within Australian schools, the response from the Australian government, and why asking women and girls to suffer so men and boys can 'learn a lesson' isn't right or sustainable. We explore how harmful stereotypes affect students, educators, and the overall learning environment, and how much harder it's becoming to tackle what's been called a 'national crisis' when the likes of Andrew Tate continue to embed themself in the consciousness of teenage boys... Links: The problem of anti-feminist ‘manfluencer’ Andrew Tate in Australian schools: women teachers’ experiences of resurgent male supremacy – Stephanie Wescott, Steve Roberts and Xuenan Zhao paper https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540253.2023.2292622 Interview with The Conversation about Doctor Stephanie Wescott's and Prof Steve Roberts' research paper: https://theconversation.com/andrew-tates-extreme-views-about-women-are-infiltrating-australian-schools-we-need-a-zero-tolerance-response-229603 The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 https://www.dss.gov.au/the-national-plan-to-end-violence-against-women-and-children/the-national-plan-to-end-violence-against-women-and-children-2022-2032 Yarra Valley grammar students suspended: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/may/06/yarra-valley-grammar-students-suspended-spreadsheet-rating-female-classmates Julia Gillard misogyny speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCNuPcf8L00

We are no strangers to competition – give us a board game or a sports field and we will compete till the cows come home, but in this episode, we talk about an arena in which we refuse to compete. We dive into the historical and ongoing trend of pitting women against each other, from the royal courts of Henry VIII to the pop culture clash between Britney and Christina, and beyond. Why has society long fostered a culture of competition among women in areas where it doesn't belong? Why do we perpetuate this cycle of competition, and is it time to put an end to it? We examine the impact of rivalry in various spheres, including pop culture, the workplace, and the pressures mothers face to avoid judgment. Through a range of examples, we discuss the reasons behind this phenomenon, the unfairness and absurdity of it, and most importantly, how we can shift from competition to support. Join us as we challenge the status quo and this tired game of competition, and advocate for a world where women empower each other in all their endeavours, celebrating unity over rivalry.

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: https://theconversation.com/affirmative-consent-campaign-calls-for-sexual-assault-law-change-in-england-and-wales-but-this-approach-has-pitfalls-too-225317 EU Resolution – first EU law on violence against women: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240205IPR17412/first-ever-eu-rules-on-combating-violence-against-women-deal-reached 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: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/29/killer-of-sarah-everard-should-never-have-joined-police-report-finds

Who better to debunk online sex myths than a sex therapist and gynaecologist? 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! **** 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.

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. ****** Helpful links: Prof Steve Roberts Future Men Healthy Masculinities Project, Australia The Good Childhood Report 2023 Ep 39 – The Complexities of Masculinity with Future Men Ep 20 – Politics of Masculinity with Steve Roberts

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 ;-)

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!

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.

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. **** https://futuremen.org/ https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

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 **** Helpful links: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jan/24/menopause-law-equalities-act-uk-change-rejected https://inews.co.uk/opinion/menopause-leave-sticking-plaster-larger-problem-2106877 https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/health/a34973500/menopause-taboo-history/

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!

Jeez, it's been a week (or two!) 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. ***** Links from the episode: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/sep/24/russell-brand-and-why-the-allegations-took-so-long-to-surface https://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 https://theathletic.com/4857814/2023/09/13/rubiales-interview-piers-morgan/?access_token=14125488 https://theathletic.com/4855373/2023/09/15/spains-world-cup-winners-reject-call-ups/ https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/sep/06/jorge-vilda-spain-hits-back-after-sack-i-spent-17-years-fighting-for-womens-football https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66653971 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv01gcp-YP0 https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/sep/21/football-match-only-women-spectators https://time.com/6073949/allyson-felix-launching-saysh-shoes/ https://ukshopruggetterfc.com https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/fashion/nike-has-launched-the-world-s-first-sports-hijab-a3707896.html https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/domestic-abuse-world-cup-england-win-b2237666.html https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66804170

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.

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. *** https://www.barbieliberation.org https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/01/barbie-film-ken-ryan-gosling-patriarchy 

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. https://atlasofthefuture.org/project/queens-of-africa/

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. **** Links from the episode: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/feb/07/julia-gillard-misogyny-speech-voted-most-unforgettable-moment-in-australian-tv-history https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v39/n06/mary-beard/women-in-power https://blog.politics.ox.ac.uk/oxpol-blogcast-women-in-politics-in-conversation-with-mary-ann-sieghart-is-there-a-gendered-authority-gap/ https://www.stylist.co.uk/opinion/mhairi-black-resignation/801053 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1097184X14558237

Inspired by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro becoming fathers with significantly younger women, and of course, the serial under 25 dater Mr DiCaprio himself, this episode looks at the juxtaposition around 20+ year age gaps; societies are increasingly progressive with their views about how love presents itself, and yet, significant age gaps in relationships still carry a taboo and often face backlash. 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. **** Helpful links: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66174352.amp https://www.insider.com/leonardo-dicaprio-girlfriends-reddit-chart-2019-3

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!

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!

We had plans this week but sometimes plans don't...well....go to plan. So Rhiannon and Ely sat down for an impromptu chat about the things that made their blood boil this week — namely, a series of public-facing misogynostic trope. Topics include: > The incredibly sexist comment by Alan Sugar on The Apprentice which inexplicably didn't make the headlines. > It being suggested that Rihanna is "wearing the trousers" in her relationship, how downtrodden that makes her male partner, and what being a "wife" means in society. > Don Lemon citing Google as his source for 'knowing' women over 40 aren't in their prime anymore. > The insane situation where Tucker Carlson (and others) lost it at the video posted by Chelsea Handler showing her "day in life of a childless woman". Finally, we talk about how sexist remarks making headlines and going unchallenged on national TV is worth getting angry about, because it has a direct impact on the way people behave towards women and girls in the real world.

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! ***** Helpful links: https://www.maryammonsef.com/ https://www.weforum.org/people/maryam-monsef

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. **** 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

**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… **** 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

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! **** Links from the episode: https://www.jstor.org/stable/353530?seq=1 https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/emotional-labour-christmas  Mass catcalling in Madrid  F*** that Elf clip 

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!   **** 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

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?'  **** 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.passblue.com/2022/02/14/while-feminist-foreign-policies-expand-in-number-germany-jumps-in/ https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/10/31/swedens-new-government-abandons-feminist-foreign-policy https://www.peacewomen.org/e-news/article/introducing-wps-global-study-chapter-3-womens-participation-and-better-understanding https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/gender-differences-in-public-understanding-of-climate-change/

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!  *** 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 *** 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.

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.* *** 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 *** 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.

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. *** 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 *** 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.

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! *** https://www.instagram.com/michaelabreeze/ https://powerposition.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/twomumswithtwinsplus1/ Gribbles Butchers in Ivybridge, Devon sadly closed in 2021.  *** 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.

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.  ***  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

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.   *****  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

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. ***  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.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-sexual-abuse-in-schools-and-colleges/review-of-sexual-abuse-in-schools-and-colleges#fnref:12 https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/guerrilla-girls-do-women-have-to-be-naked-to-get-into-the-met-museum-p78793

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. ***** 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.

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.   *****  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/ 

We discuss the carnival of misogyny unleashed by the recent Depp v Heard court case. Despite an English court having already determined that it was "substantially true" that Depp had subjected Heard to domestic violence, Depp then decided to pursue Heard through the US court system and what followed was very much a trial by media - in particular, social media. Content with the hashtag #justiceforjohnny had billions of views, while the equivalent hashtag for Heard only attracted views in the millions. TikTokers, tweeters, bloggers and YouTube content creators produced thousands of pieces of content that presented Depp in sympathetic terms, while vilifying Heard.  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. ***** Useful links: https://people.com/movies/juror-in-johnny-depp-defamation-trial-says-jury-didnt-believe-amber-heards-crocodile-tears/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10878019/Johnny-Depp-won-trial-TikTok-fans-rejoice-social-media.html https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/amber-heard-johnny-depp-trial-memes-chilling-effect-victims-domestic-a-rcna28572 https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/01/amber-heard-johnny-depp-trial-metoo-backlash?fbclid=IwAR2IrXkQ2J6hXlef8oBMu8n4Xtay5hk9kHQb4EvEKhgZENp163QgJV-I8sA https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/johnny-depp-amber-heard-saga-feminism-metoo#read-more https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-amber-heard-talented-mr-ripley-487576135842 https://www.pajiba.com/celebrities_are_better_than_you/johnny-depps-case-against-amber-heard-was-textbook-darvo.php https://slate.com/culture/2022/06/johnny-depp-amber-heard-trial-verdict-evidence-truth.html https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/may/03/fix-the-system-not-the-women-by-laura-bates-review-a-compelling-insight-into-gender-injustice 

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).   ***** 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.

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.

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.  ***  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.

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)   *** 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 ***  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.

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. *** 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.forbes.com/sites/rebekahbastian/2019/03/08/personality-based-performance-reviews-are-fine-to-give-women-as-long-as-men-get-them-too/ 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

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.