The Counter Narrative

In this episode of The Counter Narrative Podcast, Rihanot and Tiaraoluwa engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Lisa Sugiura is a renowned scholar on online misogyny and digital subcultures. They examine the disturbing world of incels—online communities driven by hatred and resentment toward women—and discuss the methods they use to bully and intimidate women in the digital space.

Dr. Sugiura breaks down the psychological drivers behind incel behaviour, the devastating effects of their online harassment, and the broader cultural implications of this pervasive movement.

Join us as we uncover the layers of this troubling phenomenon and discuss the vital steps needed to protect women online and challenge the toxic narratives fueling incel culture.

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From sunup to sundown, from Africa to Asia, America and all the way to Europe, girls are resisting the patriarchy daily. However, their stories have been dismissed, overlooked and ignored.

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, we chat with Cate Nyambura and Jama Jack, two dynamic advocates for social justice and gender equality. Cate Nyambura, a feminist activist and development practitioner, and Jama Jack, a communication specialist and gender advocate, share their insights and experiences in challenging societal norms and pushing for systemic change with the project “Stories of Girls’ Resistance”. They tell us real stories of girls all over the world; how the patriarchy affects them, tries to beat them down and the various ways in which they are resisting and standing strong in their girl power.

Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about reproductive rights and personal responsibility! In the explosive Season 2 premiere of Counter Narrative, we're joined by the brilliant Gabrielle Blair, award-winning author, speaker, and thought leader. Gabrielle is on a mission to flip the script on the age-old narrative that women are solely responsible for unwanted pregnancies, single motherhood, and abortions. With unflinching logic and passion, she argues that the root cause of these issues lies squarely with men who ejaculate irresponsibly.
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In this gripping episode of The Counter Narrative, we delve deep into the world of the "manosphere" and its potential dangers for women and girls worldwide.

Our guests, Jennifer Luu and Michelle Elias  who co-created Uncovering Incels, an award-winning documentary exploring the hidden world of incels share their groundbreaking work on the incel (involuntary celibate) movement and the broader manosphere.

Through their research, they reveal the disturbing connections between online hatred and real-world violence, shedding light on the growing threat posed by these extremist communities.

Join us as we explore the dark corners of the internet where misogyny, toxic masculinity, and extreme isolation fuel hatred and violence against women.

OUTLINE
00:00 - Introduction
01:50 - Let's start from the beginning. What inspired you both to create this documentary?
04:25 - And in your exploration, were you able to draw or validate any
connections between online misogyny and real-world violence?
11:55 - During your research, what insights or findings struck you the most?
17:20 - Social media plays a huge role in today's society. Based on your work, would you
say it's an enabler of the incel movement, or can it actually help curb the spread of such ideologies?
21:20 - It's intriguing yet concerning how many are drawn to the incel community.
From your perspective, what's the driving force behind this influx?
22:59 - Given those drivers, how do you think the rise of incel culture has impacted
broader societal discussions on gender, relationships, and mental health?
26:51 - Turning to solutions now, what actions do you believe society can take to
prevent the growth of incel ideologies?
28:49 - And the media surely has a role to play. How can it contribute to the public
discourse around incel violence and prevent the spread?
34:45 - You've touched on the reasons why people might join incel communities. With
the understanding that no one is immune to such influences, what advice would you
offer to those at risk of being drawn into these communities?
45:00 - Sign out

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Join REWA from The Pink Room, a female-focused financial literacy platform, as we dive into the world of money, investing, and how women can take control of their financial futures. Discover the secrets to building wealth and learn why financial education is the key to breaking the glass ceiling. Tune in to the Counternarrative podcast and unlock the power of financial literacy for women.

OUTLINE

00:00 - Introduction
01:12 - Could you dispel some common myths about women and financial literacy
or independence?
03:15 - You initiated The Pink Room project. What inspired this venture, and what
future developments are in store?
04:50 - Working at Chapel Hill Denham, where women hold significant leadership roles,
how does this reflect on the broader topic of women achieving success in both their
careers and personal lives?
07:10 - What are some frequent financial missteps women make, and how can our
listeners steer clear of them?
17:37 - How can women enhance their financial literacy, particularly in budgeting,
loans, savings, and investing? Are there specific tools or resources you recommend?
27:27 - Research indicates a correlation between female breadwinners and an
increased risk of domestic violence and emotional abuse. Why do you believe this
occurs?
31:54 - How can women navigate financial decisions in their romantic relationships and
marriages while maintaining independence and avoiding financial abuse?
40:39 - Lastly, for our young female listeners eager for advice on career development
and financial success; what guidance can you offer based on your experiences?
45:10 - Sign out

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In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Nutbeam, a leading expert in Emergency Medicine, to explore his groundbreaking research. The findings expose a startling truth: women seeking emergency care are subjected to different treatment than men, with potentially life-threatening consequences. Join us as we navigate the landscape of medical misogyny in clinical practice, unravelling its global impact on women's health and well-being.

OUTLINE

00:00 - Introduction
01:08 - Dr. Nutbeam, could you debunk two myths about women's healthcare that lack
scientific backing?
02:57 - In your Clinical Investigation about tranexamic acid in major trauma, it was
found that women are less likely to receive TXA than men. What, in your opinion, causes
this disparity?
06:10 - There is a perception that women exaggerate pain and handle it better, leading to
differences in pain management. Is there any medical evidence to support these
beliefs?
09:35 - Female healthcare professionals often face gender bias and harassment. As a
feminist ally, how do you address these issues, particularly with male colleagues who
may not be as aware?
15:00 - The medical research has historically overlooked women, leading to knowledge
gaps. How can medical professionals and organizations bridge this gap?
19:23 - You've published a paper on gender differences in motor vehicle collision
outcomes. Can you share the motivation behind this research, your key findings, and
your thoughts on why certain injuries are more common in women?
27:10 - As someone who witnessed medical misogyny, what advice would you give
for navigating such challenging situations in the medical field?
31:05 - Following your findings on gender differences in collision outcomes, how do you
think these disparities can be addressed?
34:00 - Sign out

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In this episode of Counternarrative, we dive into the compelling conversation with Leta Hong Fincher, the acclaimed author of "Leftover Women." Despite China's staggering gender imbalance, with millions more men than women, societal pressure and media narratives often push women to conform to traditional expectations of marriage. We unravel the myths surrounding "Leftover Women" and explore the complex dynamics shaping the lives of women in China. Join us for an eye-opening exploration of love, marriage, and the social pressures that challenge women in Chinese society.

OUTLINE

00:00 - Introduction
01:50 - Leta, in your research and experience, what are two myths perpetuated by incels and misogynists that aren't supported by data?
05:00 - Your preface in "The Leftover Women" mentioned how the Chinese government's refusal to issue you a journalist visa inspired the book. Can you share more about that backstory?
09:04 - The concept of "The Leftover Woman" is quite prevalent in Nigeria and Africa. Do you think there's a link between traditions and the idea of marriage and family as a woman's greatest achievement, especially compared to Western countries?
15:35 - On the eve of International Women's Day in 2015, Chinese authorities jailed five feminist activists. Eight years later, how has the growing voices of women in China amidst fears of oppression improved their lives and wellbeing?
22:24 - Despite more women becoming breadwinners, they still bear the brunt of domestic responsibilities. How can society address this to prevent married women from breaking under this heavy load?
37:10 - In "The Leftover Women," you discuss how women in China are starting to reclaim the term "leftover." Is there a point where women should refuse certain labels rather than reclaiming them?
45:50 - Your book highlights how property laws in China contribute to a wealth gap and increase women's dependency on men. Do you see a way to close this gap in the future?
01:00:44 - What are your final words to our listeners around the world?
01:03:18 - Sign out

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In this groundbreaking episode, we delve into a revealing conversation with Ben Waber, CEO of Humanyze, who, alongside academic colleagues, conducted extensive research featured in the Harvard Business Review. Their study scrutinizes the work habits of thousands of American executives, exposing a disconcerting truth. Despite equal time investments, performance parity, and networking efforts, women still face a promotion gap in the corporate arena. Join us as we unravel the layers of unconscious bias impacting women's professional advancement and explore ways to dismantle these systemic barriers.

OUTLINE

00:00 - Introduction
00:59 -  Can you shed light on the root causes of the persistent wage gap between a man and woman who put thr same effort and time for a job?
04:12 -  In your article on how men and women are treated differently at work, you mentioned 'Weighted centrality.' Could you expand on whether the fear of sexual harassment might be holding women back from socialising or spending time with the so-called 'boys club'?
07:02 -  The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles is a glaring issue. Only 7% of companies are led by women, and this trend persists across various fields. Does this statistic imply that men are inherently more competent than women in the workplace?
16:11 - Gender equality is a crucial Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5), yet we continue to witness unequal pay and a lack of representation for women and girls, particularly at the policy-making level. What strategies should companies use to bridge this gap and achieve this goal?
21:15 -  Let's delve into the complex topic of the 'fatherhood bonus' and 'motherhood penalty.' Fathers tend to earn more at work due to being perceived as responsible, while mothers face stagnant or reduced pay because they're seen as less committed. What are your insights on this issue, Ben?
40:54 - Co-Host discussion
41:25 - Sign out

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Dear listeners welcome to a thought-provoking episode of the Counternarrative Podcast, where we delve into the complexities of singlehood and challenge societal norms that often shape our perceptions of fulfillment. Today, we are honoured to host Bella De Paulo, a distinguished author and social scientist whose work has been instrumental in reshaping narratives around the lives of unpartnered individuals.

In this captivating episode, we explore the empowering narratives that arise from the uncharted territories of single life, particularly for women. Dr Bella's latest book, "Single at Heart," serves as a guiding light, dismantling stereotypes and celebrating the richness that comes from living authentically, unburdened by conventional expectations.

Dr Bella prompts us to question ingrained assumptions about companionship, asking a profound query that becomes a focal point in our exploration: "How could marriage possibly provide insurance against dying alone?" This question unravels a profound truth— that unless both spouses experience their last breaths simultaneously, one will inevitably face the solitary journey into the afterlife.

OUTLINE

00:00 - Introduction
01:15 - Dr. DePaulo, you've coined the term "Single At Heart." Could you share with our listeners what it means to be "Single At Heart"?
02:12 - We often witness double standards when it comes to singles - single women being labeled as promiscuous, while single men are often seen as players. In your book 'Single at Heart,' you expressed a deep love for single life and a commitment to remain single. Could you explain what single life offers that a partnership might not?
05:46 - You referenced Dr. Amy Blackstone's book 'Childfree by Choice,' highlighting that those without children engage in "social reproduction" by helping others become contributing members of society. Does this suggest that single individuals, particularly women, are more likely to contribute to their communities than husbands and fathers?
10:35 - In 'Singled Out,' you debunked numerous myths about single life, including the belief that single people are miserable or lonely. As a society, how can we challenge and change these negative perceptions?
15:45 - Society often equates completeness with being part of a marital unit. Dr. DePaulo, what, in your view, makes a human being complete, and how can we encourage this broader understanding of completeness?
19:26 - Co-host Discussion

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In 2020, a staggering 47,000 women and girls lost their lives to domestic violence. Shockingly, this statistic translates to a tragic reality: a woman or girl is killed by a family member every 11 minutes.

This episode of Counternarrative features Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, a strong advocate who believes that every instance of domestic violence carries the potential for something even more tragic—murder. She passionately illustrates how gender-based violence (GBV) is deeply entwined with gender inequality, highlighting patriarchy as one of the chief instigators of this crisis.

Vivour-Adeniyi advocates for transformation through education, emphasizing the urgent need to educate boys in positive masculinity and to reorient young girls. Her goal is to dismantle the pervasive rape culture that perpetuates these atrocities.

This compelling episode exposes the crucial efforts of The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency as they work diligently to curb the rates of GBV. It's time to address these issues at their roots, to end the cycle of violence. Together, we can make a difference.

OUTLINE

00:00 - Introduction
01:52 - You had your secondary school education in France and tertiary education in England. But you came back to Nigeria to become a civil servant with the Lagos State Government. What was the driving force behind this decision?
03:58 - Tell us about your activism. Have you always felt a calling to be a public servant working to serve and empower the vulnerable in society?
08:56 - You have been with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency since 2014 when you served as the coordinator of the response team known as Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team. You’re now the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Lagos DSVA. Could you share with us the agency's key achievements, including statistics on reported cases, male to female ratio, and convictions, and discuss the role you’ve played in these accomplishments?
24:00 - What would you say are the most significant challenges you face heading such a sensitive and busy agency in Nigeria?
41:30 - A 2019 survey by the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics found that 30% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while 68% have encountered emotional, economic, or sexual abuse. In your experience, what factors contribute to these high numbers in Nigeria?
48:50 - As someone doing crucial work at the Lagos DSVA, what are your thoughts on how we can reduce the instances of abuse in Nigeria? Is there anything specific that Lagos DSVA is doing that could serve as a model for other state governments?
59:50 -  Many people mistakenly believe that sexual and gender-based violence is limited to physical harm that leaves visible scars. What's your take on this misconception?
01:04:22 - Lastly, do you have any advice for women currently in abusive situations?

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