The wempower’s Podcast

Voices From The Frontline

Interview with Andrea Backhaus, conflict reporter 

We welcome Andrea Backhaus, an independent journalist from Germany whose courageous reporting on wars and conflicts has taken her from the Arab Spring in Egypt to the frontlines of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Throughout our conversation, the word “anger” resonates—an anger towards the pervasive racism and sexism in mainstream media, and a profound drive to change the narrative surrounding war.

Andrea shares her journey into conflict reporting, emphasizing the need to amplify the voices of those affected by war, who are often reduced to mere statistics in the media.

During our inspiring discussion, Andrea offers practical advice for aspiring war reporters, touching on the importance of safety measures and mental health support, which remains a taboo topic in many newsrooms.

Please tune in to hear Andrea’s insights and reflections, and join us in advocating for a more inclusive and empathetic portrayal of conflict in the media.

News Through a Gender Lens: The Persistent Perspective

Interview with Francesca Donner, Editor and Founder of The Persistent

 

In this episode, we explore "News Through a Gender Lens: The Persistent Perspective", delving into how Francesca is redefining journalism to prioritize equality and diverse representation. She shares her journey and insights on reshaping the media landscape, challenging long-standing biases, and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Rethinking and Redefining Representation in the news

An Interview with Alia Chebbab and Leila Hawkins, founders of NADJA

 

NADJA is a digital news platform with a mission to redefine journalism by telling stories through the eyes of women. Alia and Leila are challenging mainstream narratives and giving a voice to the women shaping our world in ways that often go unseen.

Inspired by Andre Breton’s free-spirited character in Nadja, they’re disrupting stereotypes and offering new perspectives to create a more inclusive, diverse representation of women’s experiences in media. 

Why Afghan women’s rights are not only Afghan women’s problems

The 2nd Episode of the ‘Behind the Headlines Podcast’, which features Zahra Nader, ex-New York Times journalist and the founder of ZanTimes.

ZanTimes is a pioneering women-led investigative newsroom in Afghanistan that reports human rights violations under the Taliban, with a special focus on the experiences of women and the LGBTQI+ community. Her team operates in one of the world's most repressive regimes where journalism is not just a profession but an act of defiance.

“No one speaks about Afghanistan anymore” Zahra emphasizes, hoping to bring its stories to the light every day, not just on memorial and anniversary days or when things get worse. In this episode, Zahra sheds light on the harsh realities Afghan women are facing today— systematically denied education, work, and freedom of movement—amidst a backdrop of global indifference. 

Their journalism is not just about reporting the truth; it's about calling the world to action. Zahra warns the ignorant that the crisis in Afghanistan is a global issue that threatens the status of women’s rights worldwide.

Tune in to hear the full conversation and be inspired by the incredible courage of Zahra and her team. Their unwavering commitment to truth and justice is a powerful reminder that journalism has the power to change the world - if we just listen.

 

Behind the Data: Investigative Journalism and the Power of Women’s Voices

An interview with Patricia Clarke, Reporter and Producer at Tortoise

In the first episode of Season Two of Behind the Headlines, we sit down with Patricia Clarke, an investigative journalist at Tortoise Media. Patricia has worked on award-nominated investigations, shedding light on critical issues like domestic abuse homicides and the porn industry.

Join us as we explore Patricia’s journey into journalism, from her beginnings to becoming a leading voice in investigative reporting. We’ll dive into her experiences producing impactful podcasts, investigative journalism's challenges and rewards, and data's pivotal role in uncovering hidden stories. Patricia shares her thoughts on navigating cross-cultural storytelling, the importance of sensitivity in reporting, and the unique power of diverse perspectives in shaping the media landscape.

This episode is packed with insights, advice for aspiring journalists, and stories that challenge the status quo. Tune in to hear how Patricia and others use data and storytelling to bring underreported stories to light.

 

 

Can philanthropy be feminist? Interview with Rena Greifinger, Managing Director of Maverick Collective and Director for Philanthropy at Population Services International

In this episode I sit with the amazing Rena Greifinger, Managing Director of Maverick Collective and Director for Philanthropy at Population Services International (PSI). Rena is an award-winning social entrepreneur and a passionate advocate for women and girls.

With over a decade at PSI, Rena has pioneered design-thinking in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. She's received the Harvard School of Public Health’s Albert Schweitzer Award and Sara’s Wish Foundation’s Global Humanitarian Award. In 2021, she was named one of Apolitical’s Top 100 Influencers in Gender Policy. 

Join us as we delve into Rena’s journey, her innovative philanthropic strategies, and explore if philanthropy can truly be feminist. We'll also discuss how a new generation of wealthy women is transforming this traditionally male-dominated field.

This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

The Woman Redefining Breast Safety in Sports

Interview with Suzie Betts, founder of Boob Armour

In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Suzie Betts, the visionary founder of Boob Armour, a revolutionary brand that is working to protect women’s breasts and to give athletes, sportspeople and those in physically demanding careers the confidence to play, work and live freely by alleviating breast impact and preventing injury.

The inception of Boob Armour was inspired by the personal journey of Suzie finding lumps in her breast due to trauma she faced in her younger years that left her feeling vulnerable and unsupported. Determined to find a solution, she embarked on a mission to design innovative breast protection that would ensure both comfort and safety and create a positive change.

In our conversation with Suzie, we delve into the journey that led her to create Boob Armour, discussing the challenges she faced and the inspiring stories that fueled her passion for women's empowerment. As a trailblazer in the field, Suzie shares invaluable insights into the importance of body positivity, self-care, and breaking down barriers in the world of sports and fitness.

Whether you're an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or simply someone who believes in the power of empowerment, this episode is sure to resonate with you. Tune in to gain valuable insights, be inspired, and join us in celebrating the incredible work of Suzie Betts and Boob Armour!

The Feminist Blueprint

Interview with Latanya Mapp Frett

Latanya Mapp Frett is the former president and CEO of the Global Fund for Women, a public foundation that supports courageous activists who are fighting for justice and equality in their communities and the current CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. 

During this joyful and inspirational conversation, we explored Latanya's incredible journey advocating for justice and equality worldwide, delving into her experiences as the Global Fund for Women CEO and her new role at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Latanya shares her strategies for forging impactful partnerships with organizations, governments, and stakeholders to maximize our collective impact in advancing women's rights, and the essential qualities that are crucial for driving positive change, alongside insights from her leadership journey and the mentors who have shaped her path.

We'll explore the inspiration behind Latanya's book, "The Everyday Feminist," and its valuable contributions to the broader discourse on feminism and social justice. We will also gain insights into Latanya's writing process, challenges, and advice for aspiring authors seeking to contribute to discussions on feminism and social justice.

 

Redefining leadership with creativity

 Interview with Annie Bartley, founder of I am female

 

Join us for an enlightening episode as we sit down with Annie Bartley, the visionary founder of I am Female, an award-winning design & branding agency challenging the norms of creativity.

In this episode, Annie shares her insights on the lack of representation of women in design, and how she's actively working to reshape the narrative. From dismantling barriers to fostering inclusivity, Annie's bold approach is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse creative industry.

Tune in to discover the strategies, stories, and passion driving Annie's mission to empower women in design and inspire the next generation of leaders. 🌟🚀

Leading with purpose: Lisa Baskott's entrepreneurial evolution

In this episode, Lisa takes us on an inspiring journey, sharing the pivotal moments that led her from being a certified SIA-licensed door supervisor in 2021 to becoming the CEO of 2nd Line of Defence. From breaking barriers to championing diversity, she delves into the crucial role women play in frontline security in the UK.

 

We talked about...

- Lisa's inspiring journey from a certified SIA-licensed door supervisor to the dynamic CEO of 2nd Line of Defence.

- Her commitment to championing diversity and empowering women in the private security sector.

- Insights into the critical role of frontline security in the UK and the unique challenges faced by women in the field.

- Reflections on success and fulfilment, intertwining community and sustainability in her roles.

- Lisa's multifaceted expertise, across B2B media, property management, and her various roles in justice and community building.

 

This thought-provoking episode promises to be a captivating exploration of Lisa's commitment to justice and community building.