The Story of Woman

What are the most pressing issues women and girls still face today? What progress has been made in recent years? How are gender equality champions driving change around the world? In this special episode, host Anna travels to Kigali, Rwanda for the Women Deliver 2023 Conference, the largest convening for gender equality in the world, to find out! Through conversations with conference organizers and participants, hear stories from gender equality trailblazers from around the world, be inspired to take action in your own life and community, and learn why Rwanda is the 9th best place in the world to be a woman. About the conference: Women Deliver convenings catalyze conversations with stakeholders from around the world, break barriers, address challenges, and identify opportunities to advance gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights, and improve the wellbeing of girls and women, in all their intersecting identities. You’ll hear from: Leeza Mangaldas - founder of Leezu's, and partner of The Pleasure Project - 1:06, 32:07, 51:14 Kim Lufkin - Director of Communications at Women Deliver - 4:50, 8:43, 29:13 Kathleen Sherwin - Chief Strategy Engagement Officer at Plan International, Board Member of Women Deliver - 5:30, 16:02, 28:48 Paul Kagame - 6:58 Malala Yousafzai - 7:25 Stacey Abrams - 7:47 Brittany Evans - Women Enabled International - 9:24 Charles Kabiswa - Regenerate Africa - 12:27 Vinitha Venkatraman - founder of VIVA Development Strategies - 12:48 Cora McGuire-Cyrette - CEO of Ontario Native Women’s Association - 12:57 Right Hon. Eunice Oyella - youth delegate for Plan International and speaker for Children Young Peoples Parliament in South Sudan - 17:16 Francis Oppong - Director of Programs for Plan International in South Sudan - 18:07 Lydia Wilbard - Executive Director of Learning and Engagement at CAMFED - Campaign for Female Education - 22:03 Lindsay Camacho - Acumen - 25:08 Nyakuok Juok - South Links Trending - 26:06 Praise Manze - Saathi - 30:58 Ryan Borcherding (Head of Methodology and Training) and Grace Banda (Project Manger in Malawi) - Theatre for a Change - 31:17 Ani Ejay - FP2030 - 31:39 Cristina Ljungberg and Wendy Anderson - co-founders of The Case for Her - 31:52 Connie Lim / MILCK - 44:01 Benita Keza - Rwanda Cooperation - 46:32 *timestamps are approximate* Transcription is available here -- Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world!. If you’ve enjoyed this episode,  please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

This is an episode of the Creativity Found podcast, featuring host Anna Stoecklein’s interview. In it, she discusses her journey from nurse to podcaster, how she came up with the idea and created The Story of Woman, and what’s next for the podcast! Creativity Found Original episode with transcript The Creative Brain is a catalyst for change. For many years Anna Stoecklein believed that creativity was limited to traditional forms of art, such as painting or drawing. However, after watching the Netflix documentary The Creative Brain, she realized that creativity is everywhere, and that everyone is creative in their own way. This realization was a game-changer for Anna, as it allowed her to see her own creativity and potential. Anna had a creative childhood, but that took a back seat during her teenage years and early adulthood. Anna studied nursing, and after three years of working in a clinical setting, she realized it wasn't for her. She couldn't see herself climbing the management ladder or going back to school to become a nurse practitioner. Other career roles followed, along with a move from the US to the UK. The lessons Anna had learnt from that documentary percolated, until a few years later she was able to put them to good use as she turned the idea for The Story of Woman podcast into a fully-fledged show. In this episode Anna and I discuss how she was able to challenge and reframe her self-perception as a "non-creative" person, as well as the amazing experiences she's had with her podcast guests, including conversations with Hillary Clinton and Cherie Blair. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

REPLAY OF SEASON TWO EPISODE ONE In the first episode of season two of the podcast, I speak with former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Cherie Blair, CBE KC in their first-time ever, exclusive joint podcast interview! Hillary Clinton and Cherie Blair have pioneered positive change for women for decades. They have worked as lawyers, politicians, activists, and business leaders - and also both had husbands in charge of governments, the US and the UK respectively.  In this episode, they share what they have learned over the years: the current state of women’s equality, the ripple effect of change that happens when you put power back into the hands of women, and ways to overcome the deeply ingrained economic, social and legal barriers that hold women — and the world — back. They also discuss their long friendship and what it’s like being a female leader in a male-dominated world! Some topics we cover include :  Clinton and Blair’s friendship and what it was like to be married to government leaders - and how they refused to give up their own identities in the process The progress we have made, the pushback we face for it, and how the COVID-19 pandemic plays a part What putting power back into the hands of women does for women, their families, communities, and the world What holds women entrepreneurs and business leaders back How outdated, gendered stereotypes create barriers for women all over the world Ways to continue driving progress and overcoming the forces that hold women — and the world — back How the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women is supporting women entrepreneurs around the world What keeps Clinton and Blair hopeful for the future Transcription is available here Read more about the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Become a mentor for the Foundation Donate to the Foundation Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight.  In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza.  Episode sponsor: Values Leadership Consulting --- Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn  Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world!. If you’ve enjoyed this episode,  please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, guest host Asha Dahya speaks with Cecilia Chung, a barrier-breaking advocate for transgender rights and people living with HIV. Cecilia shares her personal journey as a trans woman, from her upbringing in Hong Kong to her move to the United States in the 1980s. Highlighting the experiences and challenges faced by trans women, particularly trans women of color, Asha and Cecilia discuss the importance of individual stories in humanizing the trans community and the impact of trans visibility. Cecilia emphasizes the need to focus on quality of life and highlights the revolutionary act of loving and accepting oneself as a trans person. Asha and Cecilia also explore the intersectionality of feminism and the importance of inclusivity within the women's rights movement. Cecilia shares her journey as an architect of a groundbreaking transgender workforce development program in San Francisco and encourages other cities and lawmakers to replicate similar initiatives to combat anti-trans legislation. Some topics we cover include: Cecilia’s personal journey as a trans woman The role of media in amplifying the stories of the trans community Cecilia's decision to share her story as someone living with HIV The current surge in anti-trans rhetoric in America, and around the world Challenges faced by trans youth, especially AAPI trans youth The Transgender Law Center, where Cecilia served as the first deputy director, and their work supporting the trans community today Unapologetically living an authentic life - and the threat this poses to some individuals The significance of including trans women in the larger women's rights movement, and how this can be improved by the current movement And more! Transcription is available here Cecilia’s work: Website Transgender Law Center When We Rise - Cecilia’s life story inspired the character played by Ms. Ivory Aquino Guest host: Asha Dahya GirlTalkHQ Book: Today’s Wonder Women - US | UK Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice ReproFilm.org Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, guest host Asha Dahya speaks with Alicia Garza - author, political strategist, organizer, founder of Black Futures Lab, co-founder of Supermajority, and co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter and the Black Lives Matter Global Network… among other things! Alicia believes that Black communities deserve what all communities deserve - to be powerful in every aspect of their lives. In their conversation, Alicia and Asha explore systemic racism and the importance of building power within Black communities, the strength of women and how feminists (especially white ones) can expand their feminism to be more inclusive, the significance of intersectionality, and Alicia’s work creating a new political home for women, strengthening the ecosystem of Black organizing, and telling new stories that highlight Black potential. Some topics we cover include: Alicia's first experience with activism at the age of 12 Black power and its impact on realizing the true promise of our nation (and world) Systemic racism - what it is, historical examples, and how we address it The crucial role of intersectionality in creating a more inclusive world White feminism, and the importance of asking who is included in your feminism The work that's required behind hashtags (as Alicia has said, “Hashtags don't start movements, people do.”) Specific issues Alicia focuses on within her anti-racism work - police brutality, mass incarceration, health access, and gender justice Why joy and hope are essential to the work How you can get involved in shaping the future! And more! Transcription is available here Where to find Alicia’s work: Alicia’s website Black Futures Labholla@blackfutureslab.org Black Census Supermajority #BlackLivesMatter and the Black Lives Matter Global Network National Domestic Workers Alliance Book: The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart - UK | US Guest host: Asha Dahya GirlTalkHQ Book: Today’s Wonder Women - US | UK Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice ReproFilm.org Episode sponsor: Narratives of Purpose podcast Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, I speak with Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, an expert in the adaptation and mitigation of Indigenous peoples to climate change. A member of the Mbororo pastoralist people in Chad, Hindou is the Founder and President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT), an organisation she started when she was nine years old. (No, that’s not a typo!) Indigenous people make up only 5% of the world’s population, yet they are protecting 80% of the remaining biodiversity. In our conversation today, Hindou makes the case for why Indigenous people should not only be included in the global climate movement, but why they should be leading the charge. Some topics we cover include: What life is like inside a nomadic community (that has been around for millennia!) The impacts of climate change Hindou has seen in her own lifetime How climate change is destroying homes and communities like hers around the world Indigenous knowledge and solutions that are essential for addressing the climate crisis The current status of global Indigenous rights, recognition, and inclusion Why women are best positioned to lead the efforts against climate change Hindou’s organisation - Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT) And more! Transcription is available here Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT) Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, I speak with Dr Katharine Wilkinson, a bestselling author, strategist, and teacher, working to heal the planet we call home. Time magazine featured her as one of 15 “women who will save the world.” Co-founder of the All We Can Save project, Dr Wilkinson’s work focuses on storytelling, education, community building, and nurturing the leaderful climate community we need for a life-giving future. In our conversation, we talk about how we arrived at this moment, what needs to happen to drive lasting change, and how you can be a climate leader no matter your background or profession. As Dr Wilkinson has said, "the only credential that is needed is to be alive on this planet in this moment.” Some topics we cover include: How “The Grandmother of Climate Science” was lost to history after her work was credited to a man The important intersection of feminism and climate leadership Why equity isn't just secondary to survival, but it is survival The current reality of global warming and climate change The solutions - technology, policies, storytelling, leadership equity Ways to ensure justice is embedded in the solutions How the All We Can Save project is helping to change the climate leadership landscape And more! Transcription is available here Book: All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis: UK | US All We Can Save project Marilyn Waite for sustainable banking and more Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, I speak with Xiye Bastida, a 21-year-old climate justice activist born in Mexico and was raised as part of the Otomi-Toltec Indigenous community. She is an organizer, author, speaker, and student who is driven to make the climate movement more inclusive and diverse. As an organizer with Fridays For Future and the co-founder of Re-Earth Initiative, Xiye is a global leader of the climate movement that focuses on highlighting the intersectionality of the climate crisis. In our conversation, Xiye shares her story of getting into climate activism, what makes the youth movement so powerful, and indigenous wisdom that she sees as most essential for addressing the crisis. Some topics we cover include: Xiye’s climate experience growing up in Mexico The current reality of the climate crisis, and how we got here What climate justice is, and what it looks like in practice Indigenous wisdom that’s essential for addressing the climate crisis How to change the cultural mindset regarding the climate crisis, and the role storytelling plays What it’s like to be a young person growing up in this world, and what they wish older generations knew What Xiye hopes will be most different in 10 years And more! Transcription is available here Book: All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis: UK | US Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, I speak with one of the top ski racers of all time, Lindsey Vonn. Olympic gold medalist with 82 World Cup championships, Lindsey has the third highest super ranking of all skiers, men or women. In our conversation, we talk about Lindsey’s journey going from a 9 year old dreaming of being an Olympian to the most decorated American skier of all time - her role models, double standards she faced, progress in the industry, and what it’s been like to be a fixture in the American sports landscape for almost twenty years. Some topics we cover include: What it’s like to fly down a mountain at 80mph Double standards female athletes face around confidence, competitiveness and aggression The importance of confidence outside of athletics Lindsey’s attempt to compete in men’s races, even getting tips from Billie Jean King The gendered imbalance in leadership and coaching positions in skiing, and all sports Progress that’s been made and Lindsey’s hope for the future How Lindsey has changed the game for women and skiing And more! Transcription is available here Lindsey’s book: Rise The Lindsey Vonn Foundation Après Productions This episode was sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/storyofwoman for 10% off your first month of online therapy. Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, I speak with one of the most decorated American distance runners of all time, Lauren Fleshman. Throughout her career, Lauren saw how the sports systems - originally designed by men, for men and boys - continued to fail young women and girls as much as empower them. Girls drop out of sports at alarming rates once they hit puberty, and female collegiate athletes routinely fall victim to injury, eating disorders or mental health struggles as they try to force their way past a natural dip in performance for women of their age. Lauren isn’t just changing the system by breaking records, but also by speaking out about the inequitable systems of competitive sport and the need to rebuild them with women at their center. Some topics we cover include: The benefits of sports for women and girls How the sports system was designed for male athletes – and spectators – and what that means for women The physical and psychological toll of unrealistic body standards placed on female athletes – and all women The continued sexualization of female athletes Lauren’s first-hand experience of these inequities, and how she is fighting back Lack of representation in leadership and coaching positions – what makes it hard to gain equality, and why it matters How athletes today – especially women of color – are speaking out and changing the norms And more! Transcription is available here Lauren’s book - Good For A Girl: US | UK Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, I speak with Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of theSkimm - a non-partisan digital media company dedicated to succinctly giving women the information they need to make confident decisions. Carly and Danielle disrupted the male-dominated media landscape and defined a new category altogether when they launched theSkimm. In the past decade, they have grown it from a daily newsletter, to an entire ecosystem of newsletters, podcasts, a mobile app and more. TheSkimm breaks down the news, trends, policies, and politics impacting women so that they can navigate their daily lives with confidence. In our conversation, Carly and Danielle talk about the problems they identified that drove them to start theSkimm, how it continues to address gaps in the male-dominated market, and advice they would give to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Some topics we cover include: The gaps in the male-dominated media landscape that led Danielle and Carly to start theSkimm Challenges they faced as young, female entrepreneurs Their journey of building theSkimm from a single email newsletter to an entire ecosystem with more than 12 million skimmers The power millennial women have as a key voting block and financial decision-makers The current state of women in health, money, family, and politics - and how this challenging moment presents an opportunity for driving progress Danielle and Carly’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs And more! Transcription is available here theSkimm’s State of Women report: https://www.theskimm.com/stateofwomen Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, I speak with Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Acumen, a global organization that invests in for-profit companies that are tackling poverty and building a world where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity. For too long, businesses and corporations have put profits above everything else, to the detriment of people and the planet. Jacqueline Novogratz has pioneered an entirely new business model that uses traditional market-based approaches to invest in companies that are bringing affordable, life-changing products and services to the world’s poorest populations. In our conversation, Jacqueline speaks about what it takes to be a leader who creates meaningful and lasting social impact, who can withstand the inevitable challenges that get in the way, and who always strives to do what’s right, not what’s easy. Some topics we cover include: How Acumen is pioneering a new business approach that people people and planet above profits Stories of the entrepreneurs Acumen supports, and the lives of the people they impact The importance of building a world based on dignity How change happens – starting small with big dreams Jacqueline’s tips for being a socially responsible entrepreneur and investor Why women are integral to solving the problems of poverty Moral imagination, moral leadership, and the moral revolution And more! Jacqueline’s books: Manifesto for Moral Revolution: Practices to Build a Better World The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World Transcription is available here Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, I speak with Reshma Saujani – a leading activist, lawyer, politician, and the founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First (previously Marshall Plan for Moms). Reshma has spent more than a decade building movements to fight for women and girls’ economic empowerment, working to close the gender gap in the tech sector, and most recently advocating for policies to support moms impacted by the pandemic. In our conversation today we focus on her most recent work with Moms First, a national movement to center mothers in the economic recovery from the pandemic and value their labor. They advocate for public and private sector changes to expand choices for women and to remove barriers to equality. Some topics we cover include: What it takes to be an activist driving change, and Reshma’s own journey as a changemaker The current lack of infrastructure for women to both work and be mothers – from unaffordable childcare to non-existent maternity (and paternity) leave How this lack of infrastructure in a post-Roe America is forcing women into poverty The absurdity of new moms breastfeeding in closets at work How, since World War II, workplaces were never built with women in mind Why the key to the fight for gender equality is in the ways society does - or doesn’t - support its mothers All the ways moms have been gaslit into thinking these issues are personal for them to solve alone, and how the pandemic exposed this myth, shining a light on the broken system Why it’s time for moms to demand more from their governments and employers And more! Reshma’s books: Brave, Not Perfect Pay Up Transcription is available here This episode was sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/storyofwoman for 10% off your first month of online therapy. Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode I speak with Tawakkol Karman, a human rights activist, journalist and politician who is known as the “mother of the revolution”, “the iron woman” and “the lady of the Arab Spring,” for her key role in the 2011 pro-democracy uprisings in Yemen, also known as the Arab Spring. She was awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for this work, making her the first Yemeni, the first Arab woman, and the second Muslim woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize, as well as the youngest Nobel Peace Laureate at the time, at the age of 32. Tawakkol is just one of the many women that have been at the forefront of this revolution, peacefully leading the path to freedom and democracy. Yemen is in the middle of one of the worst humanitarian crises of modern times which stems from the counter-revolution to the Arab Spring, waged by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran. Despite this, Tawakkol remains hopeful for the future of her country and the region, asserting that Yemeni people will continue their peaceful resistance until they “reach to the destiny of democracy.” Some topics we cover include: What Yemen was like in the years leading up to the Arab Spring, and the progress that has been made since Tawakkol’s pivotal role in the movement as a journalist who exposed human rights abuses and mobilized weekly demonstrations against the government Her arrest for this work, and how it had the opposite effect of what the government intended The counter revolution led by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran - and how it led to one of the worse humanitarian crises of modern times Women’s pivotal role in the Arab Spring uprisings, and the ongoing revolution What makes Tawakkol proud to be a woman, and to be Yemeni What keeps Tawakkol hopeful for the future of her country and the region Transcription is available here This episode was sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/storyofwoman for 10% off your first month of online therapy. Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode I speak with Jess Phillips, UK Member of Parliament for Birmingham Yardley. Jess is also the Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding and a fierce defender of women and girls, especially when it comes to men’s violence against women, domestic abuse, sexual and reproductive health, childcare, and maternal and paternal rights. Every year, Jess she reads out the names of UK women killed by men in the year since the last International Women's Day⁠.⁠ She also advocates for a greater participation in politics from ordinary citizens, making the case that, “The greatest trick ever played by the powerful was to convince the population that we couldn’t change things, when the truth is that we can,” in her new book The Life of an MP: Everything You Really Need to Know About Politics. Some topics we cover include: Why Jess decided to run for office, and what it’s like to work for the government The challenges she faces as a woman advocating for women’s rights in a male-dominated space The huge role women having less power and control than men plays in men’s violence against them How important politics is in all of our personal lives Why we need more women in government - and in all places decisions are being made Power, and why women shouldn’t be afraid to try and get it Transcription is available here Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In this episode, I speak with former mayor - and Afghanistan’s youngest ever female mayor - Zarifa Ghafari. After the Taliban returned to power in August of 2021, the question on everyone’s mind was ‘What’s going to happen to all the women and girls now?’ Zarifa has answers. From 2018 until August 2021, Zarifa was mayor of the Maidan Wardak province, located in the heart of Taliban territory. During her tenure, an extremist mob barred her from her office, her male staff walked out in protest, assassins tried to kill her six times, and they even took the life of her father in 2020. Despite all of this, Zarifa ended corruption in the province, promoted peace, and worked to lift women and girls up. In this episode, we discuss what is the reality for women and girls in Afghanistan, her journey to becoming mayor and what keeps her hopeful for the future. Some topics we cover include: The typical life of a woman in Afghan society - from birth through death Zarifa’s journey from decision to stand for mayor to taking office, and the extremist mob that tried to stop her How Afghan women have been the ones driving changes all along What makes Zarifa most proud of the women and girls in Afghanistan, and her optimism of the future Zarifa speaks directly to all of those still in Afghanistan, including the men She also speaks directly to the foreign powers behind the Afghan wars, and to everyone outside of the country, sharing how we can help Transcription is available here Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight. In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza. Episode sponsor: The Know — Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

Become a Patreon for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee * In the first episode of season two of the podcast, I speak with former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Cherie Blair, CBE KC in their first-time ever, exclusive joint podcast interview! Hillary Clinton and Cherie Blair have pioneered positive change for women for decades. They have worked as lawyers, politicians, activists, and business leaders - and also both had husbands in charge of governments, the US and the UK respectively.  In this episode, they share what they have learned over the years: the current state of women’s equality, the ripple effect of change that happens when you put power back into the hands of women, and ways to overcome the deeply ingrained economic, social and legal barriers that hold women — and the world — back. They also discuss their long friendship and what it’s like being a female leader in a male-dominated world! Some topics we cover include :  Clinton and Blair’s friendship and what it was like to be married to government leaders - and how they refused to give up their own identities in the process The progress we have made, the pushback we face for it, and how the COVID-19 pandemic plays a part What putting power back into the hands of women does for women, their families, communities, and the world What holds women entrepreneurs and business leaders back How outdated, gendered stereotypes create barriers for women all over the world Ways to continue driving progress and overcoming the forces that hold women — and the world — back How the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women is supporting women entrepreneurs around the world What keeps Clinton and Blair hopeful for the future Transcription is available here Read more about the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Become a mentor for the Foundation Donate to the Foundation Changemakers: How women make change happen This is the first episode of the new Changemakers series which explores how women make change happen from those at the top helping to drive it. Each episode, we look at where we are on this long march to equality, what lies ahead, and how important you are in the fight.  In this 14-episode series, we’ll hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, and Afghanistan's youngest ever female mayor Zarifa Ghafari, among others. Guest host Asha Dahya speaks with co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement Alicia Garza.  Episode sponsor: Values Leadership Consulting --- Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn  Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of all things WOMAN We need more women’s stories in the world!. If you’ve enjoyed this episode,  please share, subscribe, rate and review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

We are thrilled to announce season two of the podcast, The Story of Woman: Changemakers - exploring how women make change happen. In this 14-episode series, I'll be talking to women at the top of their industries who are bringing about social and cultural change, despite the (many) obstacles they have faced. You'll hear from activists, politicians, athletes, environmentalists and more.⁠ We’ll discuss all things change - how it happens, what gets in the way and how we all play a part in driving it. The series is kicked off by an exclusive, first-ever double interview with Hillary Clinton and Cherie Blair. The rest of the lineup includes: Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Cherie Blair, CBE KC Zarifa Ghafari - activist, author, former Afghanistan Mayor Jess Phillips - UK Member of Parliament, Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding Tawakkol Karman - Nobel Laureate, activist, journalist and politician - the “mother of the revolution” Reshma Saujani - activist, founder of Girls Who Code and the Marshall Plan for Moms Jacqueline Novogratz - author, founder and CEO of Acumen Danielle Weisberg & Carly Zakin - co-founders and co-CEOs of The Skimm Lauren Fleshman - one of the most decorated American distance runners of all time Lindsey Vonn - Olympic and World Cup gold medal-winning ski racer Xiye Bastida - youth climate justice activist Dr Katharine Wilkinson - writer, climate change activist, and executive director and co-founder of The All We Can Save Project Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim - environmental activist, geographer, business leader Alicia Garza - writer, activist, NDWA director, co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter and Supermajority TBC Guest host: Asha Dahya Transcription is available here - Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow along: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts - and be sure to rate and review to help other people find us! Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

The Story of Woman podcast is nearly one year old! In this rare solo episode, I reflect on the close of the first chapter of the podcast, and I also talk about what’s to come in 2023. This year we’ve been highlighting the work of some incredible non-fiction writers whose work focuses on the subject of women. From medicine to myths, authority to advocacy, and weddings to the workplace, their books are brilliant, and we’ve loved sharing our conversations with you. In 2023, Season 2 will be a little different, and will focus on changemakers: the women making change happen in their workplaces and communities around the world. Follow us to make sure you don’t miss this series, as we’ve got some exciting episodes coming up - including a conversation with the one and only Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton!  Share your invaluable feedback through this survey to help make the podcast even better. All questions are optional and will result in my eternal gratitude 😊 Powered by The Trouble Club: use the code STORY25 to get 25% off all Trouble ticket sales and membership payments Transcription is available here -- Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow along: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts - and be sure to rate and review to help other people find us! Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com

In this episode of The Story of Woman, I chat to not one but TWO amazing authors, Karrie Fransman and Jonathon Plackett about their books, Gender Swapped Fairy Tales and Gender Swapped Greek Myths.  Fairytales and Greek Myths have been told and re-told for thousands of years, but never like this. Taking these well-known stories that form the archetypes we still see today, Karrie and Jonathon make one vital change - they swapped all the genders. This simple change created characters and stories never seen before, and shine a light on the gender binaries in language, the roles we adopt and the stories we've been telling our children for generations. Some topics of discussion include: Where the inspiration for this idea came from The binary-busting characters and worlds these books create How these stories illuminate existing power imbalances The books’ importance, especially for boys and men with the lack of empathetic and nurturing male figures in mainstream narratives An urgent call to action for creators to make more stories like this! And more! Powered by The Trouble Club: use the code STORY25 to get 25% off all Trouble ticket sales and membership payments Transcription is available here Buy the books: Gender Swapped Fairy Tales: US | UK Gender Swapped Greek Myths: US | UK Mentioned in the episode: Cyberman - Veronika Muchitsch The Expanse - James S. A. Corey -- Become a Patron for access to bonus content and to support the podcast, or buy me a (metaphorical) coffee Follow along: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube | LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts - and be sure to rate and review to help other people find us! Explore The Story of Woman book recommendations in the US and the UK - purchases support the podcast AND local bookstores 🤩 www.thestoryofwomanpodcast.com