Chaii Lab

Why are we conditioned to view vulnerability as a weakness? Are we truly vulnerable with anyone in our lives, including ourselves? What does vulnerability actually look like in our lives, from our professions to relationships? Join us in episode 15 where we talk about our own perceptions of vulnerability and how we can start seeing it as a form of strength.

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you probably have seen the new popular Netflix show: Indian matchmaking.  Grab your cuppa and join us in episode 14 where we talk about our opinions of the show's depiction of arranged marriage, beauty standards, how women are treated in this process and whether we would ever trust Sima Aunty with our future

In this episode we explore the prescribed gender roles in our upbringing, modesty, the workplace and more. We have all  faced and internalised double standards at some point in our lives and we discuss the different double standards we have faced and how we can we work to overcome them.

Trying to convince your parents to move out? Do you feel yourself drifting from friends? Struggling to find a partner? (Bound to be one of these!) Join us in Episode 12 for our first “Advice over Chaii” where we answer your questions and give our perspectives (disclaimer, we are in no way responsible for ruining your life if you do take our advice)

Every woman has experienced some sort of pressure to get married, whether it’s sly comments from aunties at graduation or just generally from standards set by our communities. Join us in Episode 11 where we talk about our experiences as women navigating careers and societal pressures and how important is to define success and happiness on our terms.

Being the first to move away from your family for university or work is a struggle, from convincing your parents of the move, to figuring out how to deal with a clogged sink without first calling baba. If that wasn't enough, you now have to come to terms with spending time with yourself and loneliness that comes with moving into a completely different city, country, or even continent and the struggle of making new friends. Join us in Episode 10, where we discuss our experiences with finding our independence whether we chose to move out or stay at home

“You’re pretty for a dark-skinned girl”, “Your fair skin is so beautiful, why do you want to tan?”: we’ve all heard casual comments like these from childhood to the present day. Why isn’t colourism addressed in our communities? How does colourism affect us from relationships to the beauty and media industry? Join us in Episode 9 where we speak about our experiences with colourism, the impact it has, and how we can no longer allow it to be the status quo.

Where does our internalized racism and colorism come from? How important is understanding history in unpacking these prejudices? Can we afford to be silent in today’s world? Grab you chaii and join us, with a special guest, on a conversation about the importance of decolonizing our minds and attitudes and our responsibility to change for future generations.

Is being Somali and Black mutually exclusive? How much of our identities are shaped by our surroundings? Join us in episode 7 where we explore Blackness, racism, and the tough conversations that are necessary to have with ourselves, our friends and family and with our broader communities.

Does travelling necessarily make you a better person, or is finding yourself abroad overrated? Join us as we talk about our personal travel experiences as women, how many women are discouraged to travel, and whether or not that can stifle your life experiences and development.