The Well-Behaved Woman

What makes a Mennonite woman a Mennonite woman? In this final research episode, we dive into the modern Mennonite woman. Our interviewees discuss how it feels being outsiders to the historical European, straight, Mennonite background, and we consider how we could move forward as Mennonite women as a whole.  

We talk all things feminism and late-stage careers this episode. We talk to the first female Mennonite moderator, hear from two amazing ministers about "the boys club", Anabaptism, and how Jesus was a feminist. We also speak with two amazing profs about second and third wave feminism and inclusive feminine language for God.

We may not share the bun recipe you're looking for, but we do offer engaging conversations about food, the traditional roles of Mennonite women and the realities of the expectations placed on girls. We also chat with the creators of "Quietly Landed," a musical production from the 1990s focused on the untold stories of Mennonite women. Grab a snack and get listening. 

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses domestic abuse and sexual violence. How can a people group who is defined by their peace movement have allowed violence in the home? What is the difference between "pacifism" and "non-resistance"? Explore these questions and more with us in this episode as we engage in conversations with experts in the fields of domestic abuse and sexual harm, as well as hear real life experiences from Mennonite women themselves. 

This episode explores themes of love in the time of war, women's roles in 1940s Canada, and what it's like to be a young adult woman growing up culturally Mennonite. 

This research episode explores the theme of immigration, coming to Canada and the context of Mennonites in the 1920s. Follow along as we hear many stories of hardships, change, trauma and resilience.    Opening Credits: Public Domain 1920's-1930's clips from various films: "Madame X" and "The Road to Ruin".  Quote from Laura Thatcher Ulrich's talk courtesy GBH Forum Network https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbsrSdT9x84   Closing Credits:"Again" by Robyn Froese   Special thanks to our interviewees: Chris Sundby, Marlene Epp, Maria Friesen via Juliana Howe, Crissy Robson, Sonja Everson, Ruth Funk, Elfrieda Buhr, Karen Theissen, Mary Loewen, and Betty Giesbrecht   MORE INFORMATION: https://canadianmennonite.org/mennocreative/the-well-behaved-woman/

The Well-Behaved Woman Podcast's introductory episode gives an overview of the project and introduces the creators, Katrina McCarthy (Froese) and Robyn Froese. These two sisters, living in Vancouver, Canada, discuss their experiences growing up Mennonite and the creation of this podcast. They offer listeners a preview of interviews with remarkable Mennonite women from across the country, asking, "What is a Mennonite woman?"   MORE INFORMATION: https://canadianmennonite.org/mennocreative/the-well-behaved-woman/