The FMUS podcast

FMUS
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Hosted by Françoise Girard, founder of FMUS (Feminism Makes Us Smarter at FMUS.org) the FMUS (“famous”) podcast is here to reset the conversation about feminism, at a time when far-right movements increasingly rely on attacking gender and sexuality as core strategies to assert power. With our fabulous guests, we unpack thorny debates and shine a light on the positive impact of feminist movements worldwide and on their brilliance, boldness and bravery. We aim to lift spirits, create connections and inspire action for transformational change. Justice, Happiness and Freedom begin here!

  1. APR 9

    Trump’s Global Gag Rule 3.0 Now Goes Also After “Gender Ideology” and DEI – with Jamie Vernaelde

    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.

    43 min

  2. MAR 30

    Anti-gender movements in Europe: how do they operate? – with Roberto Kulpa

    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.  Les mouvements anti-genre en Europe : comment fonctionnent-ils ? – avec Roberto Kulpa La démocratie et les droits de l’homme sont gravement menacés partout dans le monde, y compris en Europe. Les acteurs d’extrême-droite utilisent des arguments anti-genre et anti-avortement pour consolider leur base politique, remporter des élections et se servir de ce pouvoir politique pour mettre en œuvre des programmes autoritaires bien plus vastes. Pour défendre la justice et la liberté, nous devons comprendre les actions et intentions de ces mouvements. Roberto Kulpa, de l’université Napier d’Édimbourg, se joint à Françoise pour examiner les tactiques anti-genre à travers l’Europe, et comment les acteurs et les discours évoluent en fonction du contexte.

    51 min

  3. MAR 17

    Yes, We Can Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls – with Avni Amin

    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 De plus en plus d’études prouvent qu’il est possible de prévenir et mettre fin à la violence faites aux femmes et aux filles, notamment grâce à des programmes qui réduisent la pauvreté, améliorent la communication au sein des couples, remettent en question les normes de genre préjudiciables ou interdisent les châtiments corporels infligés aux enfants. Avni Amin, de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé, explique comment RESPECT, un document qui résume et évalue les connaissances disponibles, peut guider les décideurs dans leurs choix. Les mouvements féministes ont été à l’origine de nombreux programmes de ce type à travers le monde, souvent avec des ressources limitées : il est maintenant temps de les développer et amplifier !

    45 min

  4. MAR 2

    Can We Still Advance Women’s Rights at the UN? – With Gita Sen

    Can women's rights still be advanced at the UN? – With Gita Sen Gita Sen, feminist political economist and member of DAWN, explains to Françoise why she has resumed her activism and lobbying for sexual and reproductive rights at the UN. At a time when the effectiveness and relevance of the UN are being questioned, this may seem counterintuitive. But feminists from the Global South are determined to use multilateral negotiations to reinvigorate demands for development justice and reproductive and sexual autonomy, and to counter so-called austerity measures such as the proposed merger of UN Women and UNFPA.   Peut-on encore faire progresser les droits des femmes à l’ONU ? – Avec Gita Sen Gita Sen, économiste politique féministe et membre de DAWN, explique à Françoise pourquoi elle s’est remise à militer et à faire pression en faveur des droits sexuels et reproductifs à l’ONU. À l’heure où l’efficacité et la pertinence de l’ONU sont remises en question, cela peut sembler contre-intuitif. Mais les féministes du Sud sont déterminées à utiliser les négociations multilatérales pour redynamiser les revendications en faveur de la justice en matière de développement et de l’autonomie reproductive et sexuelle, et pour contrecarrer les mesures dites d’austérité telles que la fusion proposée entre l’ONUFemmes et le FNUAP.

    50 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    Fertility-Awareness Based Methods of Preventing Pregnancy – Pro or Con? With Drs. Chelsea Polis and Rebecca Simmons

    Contraceptive methods based on awareness of one’s own fertility seem to be everywhere these days – promoted by MAHA health influencers, touted by evangelical Christians and ultra-Catholics, advertised by FemTech. But do they work? Why are women and persons capable of pregnancy turning to them? Did the field of sexual and reproductive health err in shunning them? Should we be worried by the deep-pocketed economic and religious forces behind them? Two experts in the field – Drs Rebecca Simmons and Chelsea Polis – provide nuanced and thought-provoking answers.   Méthodes de contraception basées sur la connaissance de la fertilité : pour ou contre ? avec les Dres Chelsea Polis et Rebecca Simmons Les méthodes contraceptives basées sur la connaissance de sa propre fertilité semblent omniprésentes aujourd’hui : promues par les influenceuses santé MAHA, vantées par les chrétiens évangéliques et les ultra-catholiques, mises en avant par FemTech. Mais ces méthodes sont-elles efficaces ? Pourquoi les femmes et les personnes capables de procréer y ont-elles recours ? Le domaine de la santé sexuelle et reproductive a-t-il eu tort de les rejeter ? Devons-nous nous inquiéter des puissants intérêts économiques et religieux qui les appuient ? Deux expertes en la matière, les dres Rebecca Simmons et Chelsea Polis, nous offrent des réponses nuancées qui invitent à la réflexion.         CD

    48 min

  6. 12/23/2025

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

    Women’s Rights and Democracy in Poland – with Wanda Nowicka Two years after the far-right Law and Justice party lost control of the government in Poland, have progressives and feminists been able to reverse the damage to democracy and human rights, including women’s rights? Wanda Nowicka, member of the Polish Parliament and longstanding feminist activist, outlines what has been achieved despite significant challenges.   Droits des femmes et démocratie en Pologne – avec Wanda Nowicka Il y a deux ans, le parti d’extrême-droite Loi et Justice perdait le contrôle du gouvernement en Pologne. Les progressistes et féministes ont-elles depuis réussi à réparer les dégâts causés à la démocratie et aux droits humains, notamment aux droits des femmes ? Wanda Nowicka, députée au Parlement polonais et militante féministe de longue date, dresse le bilan des progrès accomplis malgré d’importants obstacles

    38 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    Yes, LGBTQI+ rights are critical to democracy and foreign policy!

    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.

    46 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    How can we support the extraordinary potential of adolescent girls? with Evalin Karijo

    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.

    46 min
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About

Hosted by Françoise Girard, founder of FMUS (Feminism Makes Us Smarter at FMUS.org) the FMUS (“famous”) podcast is here to reset the conversation about feminism, at a time when far-right movements increasingly rely on attacking gender and sexuality as core strategies to assert power. With our fabulous guests, we unpack thorny debates and shine a light on the positive impact of feminist movements worldwide and on their brilliance, boldness and bravery. We aim to lift spirits, create connections and inspire action for transformational change. Justice, Happiness and Freedom begin here!

Information

  • Creator
    FMUS
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The FMUS podcast

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