In January 2026, the Trump Administration further weaponized U.S. foreign aid when it issued a new policy, cynically entitled “Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance.” Through three separate Executive Orders, the Administration now seeks to use $40 billion of U.S. assistance to bar Global South countries, the UN and any non-governmental organization (foreign or US) from speaking about or doing anything not only on abortion, but also on gender and on diversity, equity and inclusion. Jamie Vernaelde of Ipas explains how this could affect speech, activities, policies and programs related to women, girls, LGBTQI+ persons, racial and ethnic minorities and many other marginalized persons worldwide.

Democracy and human rights are under severe attack everywhere, including in Europe. Far-right actors use anti-gender and anti-abortion arguments to build their political base, win elections, and use their political power to adopt much broader authoritarian agendas. To defend justice and freedom, we must understand what these movements are up to. Roberto Kulpa of Edinburgh Napier University joins Françoise to examine anti-gender tactics across Europe, and how the actors and discourses change depending on the context.

A growing body of evidence shows that we can prevent and stop violence against women and girls – from programs that reduce poverty, improve couples’ communication, question harmful gender norms or ban the corporal punishment of children. Avni Amin, of the World Health Organization, explains how RESPECT, a document that summarizes and evaluates available knowledge, can guide policymakers’ choices. Feminist movements pioneered many of these programs around the world, often with very little resources: now is the time to expand and scale them up!

Oui, nous pouvons prévenir faites aux femmes et aux filles – avec Avni Amin

 Can women's rights still be advanced at the UN? – With Gita Sen

Peut-on encore faire progresser les droits des femmes à l’ONU ? – Avec Gita Sen

Women’s Rights and Democracy in Poland – with Wanda Nowicka

Droits des femmes et démocratie en Pologne – avec Wanda Nowicka

Jessica Stern, former U.S. Special Envoy to Advance Human Rights for LGBTQI+ persons and founder of The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice, discusses with Françoise the connections between feminism and LGBTQI+ rights, why politicians weaponize LGBTQI+ communities and especially trans rights at election time, and why she’s working to center human rights as a core principle of US foreign policy. Tune in to learn how defending the human rights of marginalized people can strengthen democracies worldwide.

Globally, girls experience adolescence very differently than boys do, explains Evalin Karijo, award-winning leader and Associate Director of the GIRL Center at the Population Council. 40% of adolescent girls (10-19) are neither in school nor in training or paid employment, as compared to 10% of boys their age. Early and forced marriage and early pregnancy still limit girls’ opportunities, and HIV incidence amongst girls remains high in sub-Saharan Africa. But we shouldn’t despair. Karijo shows that investing in comprehensive programs rather than in single approaches--for example, combining support for girls’ secondary education and job training, reproductive and sexual health services, with prevention of gender-based violence--generates impressive change. Learn more about the GIRL Center here. 

Dr. Rebecca Steinfeld (PhD, Political Science) is a leading expert and campaigner on reproductive health and rights. In this conversation with Françoise, she explores the complex world of infant feeding — from the cultural and medical pressures around breastfeeding to the realities many new mothers face.

Is breastfeeding always best? Why do so many mothers feel judged no matter what they choose? And how can parents make informed, confident decisions that work for them and their babies?

Tune in for an honest discussion about choice, empowerment, and the real challenges of early motherhood.

La Dre Rebecca Steinfeld (Ph. D. en science politique) est une experte et militante reconnue en santé et droits reproductifs. Dans cette conversation avec Françoise, elle explore le monde complexe de l’alimentation des nourrissons — entre les pressions culturelles et médicales liées à l’allaitement et les réalités auxquelles font face de nombreuses jeunes mères.

L’allaitement est-il toujours la meilleure option ? Pourquoi tant de mères se sentent-elles jugées, quel que soit leur choix ? Et comment les parents peuvent-ils prendre des décisions éclairées et sereines, adaptées à leur situation et à celle de leur bébé ?

Écoutez une discussion sincère sur le choix, l’autonomie et les véritables défis du début de la maternité.

American researcher, medical doctor, and President of Gynuity Health Projects, Beverly Winikoff, tells Françoise Girard about the latest research into ulipristal acetate, also known as the emergency contraceptive Ella. Available over the counter in many countries, ulipristal can be used as a much-needed additional option for terminating pregnancy. But would its use as an abortion pill endanger its emergency contraception application? And why has the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) been so afraid of mifepristone, ulipristal's close relative?