Womanhood & International Relations Natalia Bonilla

Has the patriarchal mindset affected the way we portray ourselves, value knowledge and create or sustain work environments in the IR field?

Are we aware of the set of formal or informal rules of engagement we must follow personally or collectively to be perceived as "good professionals" in this or other fields? Do our postures, speech and behaviors change to "fit in" certain masculine/male dominated/logic spaces or environments? Or do we remain consistent across the spaces, environments and social circles? If so or if not, why?

Do we value more knowledge taught in masculine/logic spaces such as universities and think tanks rather than knowledge taught in feminine/intuitive spaces such as community circles or tribes? Do we want the latter to be cheap or free because "we cannot do anything with it"? How is the patriarchal and capitalist systems affecting our perception of knowledge value?

This episode is a new exercise that builds on previous podcast explorations we have shared of how Feminist Theory in IR is connected to the embodied experience of people from different genders studying or working in various areas of Political Science.

Listen to related episodes:


59. Marion Messmer on How-To Incorporate Gender Perspectives Within IR Think Tanks 
92. How-To Speak with Professors about Feminist Theory in IR
93. The Journey and Lessons of Launching Feminist Online Workshops
156. Revaluing Women's IR Analysis in Traditional & Social Media

What are some ways to address Menstrual Health, Hygiene and Education that could enable societies and governments to reduce shame and stigma? How can sensitization training for schools and healthcare professionals, the engagement with local leaders and the rehabilitation and adaptation of WASH facilities could help create inclusive menstrual health management?  Why is MHHE often overlooked within the context of development? What are the cultural, religious and policy budget shifts happening due to WASH programs in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Burkina Faso and Pakistan?

To commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, we feature an interview with Nicole Dagher, Program Manager at Water Aid Canada.

Join us in this exploration, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn @womanhood_ir 

Listen to related episodes:


96. Danielle Keiser on COVID-19's Impact on Menstrual Health Education
110. Zvisinei Dzepasi Mamutse on Girls' Menstrual Health Education in Zimbabwe
157. Kat Plouffe on Launching a Sustainable Period Startup
158. Carolina Ramírez on Decolonizing Menstrual Hygiene & Education in Latin America
159. Dr. Shraddha Kale Kapile on Menstrual Health, Hygiene & Education in Mumbai Slums

Recommended links of this episode:


WaterAid Official Website
The Water Crisis
Facts and Statistics
HerWASH programme
SHARE programme



Background music credit: Roman Kostiuk, A Small Miracle - Pixabay License

What are the menstrual realities of young girls, women and menstruating people living in Mumbai Slums? How are religions, economics, customs and traditions directly or indirectly influencing or perpetuating menstrual shame and stigma in this city? How can science, education, economic empowerment opportunities and health clinics help offer pathways of menstrual dignity to vulnerable populations?

On World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, we feature an interview with Dr. Shraddha Kale Kapile, Senior Program Manager at Myna Mahila Foundation.

Join us in this exploration, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn @womanhood_ir 

Listen to related episodes:


79. Menstrual Hygiene Day: Poverty, Culture and Sustainability
85. Carla Giacummo on Menstrual Health Education in Uruguay
96. Danielle Keiser on COVID-19's Impact on Menstrual Health Education
157. Kat Plouffe on Launching a Sustainable Period Startup
158. Carolina Ramírez on Decolonizing Menstrual Hygiene & Education in Latin America

Recommended links of this episode:


Myna Mahila Foundation Official Website
Myna Mahila's Initiatives
⁠Myna Mahila's Impact⁠
Menstruation Challenges in India
Join the Pledge a Period Campaign
Sponsor a Girl program





Background music credit: Roman Kostiuk, A Small Miracle - Pixabay License

What is the colonial history of menstrual health, hygiene and education in Latin America? How important is the language used in family settings, schools, business ads, health clinics and government policies to reproduce or reduce the menstrual shame and stigma that is passed on through generations? Why words such as "hygiene", "poverty" and "purification" are used by international development agendas to address menstruation as a "sanitation crises" in the Global South? What needs to change in the local and international approach to decolonize menstrual health, hygiene and education in this region?

On World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, we feature a Spanish-language interview with Psychologist Carolina Ramirez, founder of Princesas Menstruantes, Escuela de Educación Emancipadas and Coordinator of Encuentro Latinoamericano de Educación, Salud y Activismos Menstruales.

Join us in this exploration, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn @womanhood_ir 

Listen to related episodes:


79. Menstrual Hygiene Day: Poverty, Culture and Sustainability
85. Carla Giacummo on Menstrual Health Education in Uruguay
96. Danielle Keiser on COVID-19's Impact on Menstrual Health Education
157. Kat Plouffe on Launching a Sustainable Period Startup
159. Dr. Shraddha Kale on Menstrual Health, Hygiene & Education in Mumbai's Slums

Recommended links of this episode:


Princesas Menstruantes Official Website
Escuela de Educación Menstrual Emancipadas Official Website
Revista Menstrúa
Educadoras Menstruales
Princesas Menstruantes Instagram
Emancipadas Instagram



Background music credit: Roman Kostiuk, A Small Miracle - Pixabay License

Amidst talks on the Menstrual Equity Fund in Canada, how challenging is to launch a sustainable menstrual hygiene small-business? What are the biggest opportunities and struggles female entrepreneurs face when entering the market, often flooded by synthetic and cheap products from big corporations? What are the main criticisms and successes of choosing sustainable sourcing, manufacturing and distribution? How are plastic-free and rayon-free hygiene products good for people's health and the environment?

On World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, we feature an interview with Kat Plouffe, founder of Only.

Join us in this exploration, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn @womanhood_ir 

Listen to related episodes:


79. Menstrual Hygiene Day: Poverty, Culture and Sustainability
96. Danielle Keiser on COVID-19's Impact on Menstrual Health Education
158. Carolina Ramírez on Decolonizing Menstrual Hygiene & Education in Latin America
159. Dr. Shraddha Kale on Menstrual Health, Hygiene & Education in Mumbai's Slums

Recommended links of this episode:


Get Only Official Website
Menstrual Equity Fund Pilot
Only Reusable Tampon Applicator
Only Menstrual Cup
The Rayon Problem
Follow Only on Instagram
Follow Only on TikTok



Background music credit: Roman Kostiuk, A Small Miracle - Pixabay License

How are we currently valuing women's presence, voices and expertise in traditional media and social media as fellow colleagues, readers, listeners or audience members? Has the patriarchal mindset and the predomination of male experts in the International Relations field affected the way we look and value women experts whether we agree with their IR analysis or not?

Are we aware of the set of beauty standards, cultural norms and behavior expectations we personally or collectively measure to define what a "good scholar" or a "good professional" should be, look or sound like?

What kind of struggles, insecurities, risks and/or structural barriers do women experts face in order to be recognized as "experts" or "legitimized" by their peers within this field? Why the criticism against women's experts in IR is mostly destructive criticism and not constructive? Is it possible to revalue or re-educate our gaze and value system in a nonviolent way?

This episode is a new exercise that builds on previous podcast explorations we have shared of how Feminist Theory in IR is connected to the embodied experience of people from different genders studying or working in various areas of Political Science.

Listen to related episodes:


72. The Dehumanization of Women's Research
92. How-To Speak with Professors about Feminist Theory in IR
93. The Journey and Lessons of Launching Feminist Online Workshops

Other related interviews:


59. Marion Messmer on How-To Incorporate Gender Perspectives Within IR Think Tanks 
68. Camila Cavalcante on Feminist Photography and Abortion in Brazil

Register for upcoming free events:


Free Masterclass May 23rd: The Evolution of Women Political Leaders
Free Registration May 28th: Menstrual Hygiene Podcast Fest

Recommended readings and women experts' directories:


Foreign Policy Interrupted
Interruptrr Expert's List
Red de Politólogas
WOX Network
Gender Security Project
What is Destructive Criticism
Why are so few women on think tanks' foreign policy
Missing in Action: The Absence of Women Scholars on Foreign Policy Panels
Hidden from International Relations: Women and the International Arena
Foreign territory: Women in international relations
Women, gender and think tanks: political influence network in Twitter 2018
The Media in International Affairs