Feminist Voices
Feminist leaders, activists and writers paint a picture of the movement's history. Hear from activists like Gloria Steinem and artists like Viv Albertine on what the struggle for equal rights has meant to them.
The Future of Feminism and the ERA
Ms. Magazine co-founders Gloria Steinem and Pat Carbine discuss renewed efforts to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. They see coalition-building among politicians, men, and gay and straight women as crucial to the passage of more protective legislation and further progress for the women's movement.
For Years, Anita Hill Was A 'Canary In The Coal Mine' For Women Speaking Out
As more women come forward with charges of sexual harassment, and more high profile men are brought down, a talk with Jane Mayer and Rebecca Traister about some of the tough questions being raised, and a look back at another earlier turning point when Anita Hill testified against Clarence thomas during his confirmation hearings.
Betty Friedan on Feminism's Future
The iconic author of The Feminine Mystique believes that the women's movement needs to move toward what she calls "the second stage," which focuses on cultural and policy changes which foster a greater balance of work and home life.
Stirring Up 'The Feminine Mystique' 47 Years Later.
On Fresh Air, social historian Stephanie Coontz explains how the publication of Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique in 1963 helped women view themselves differently. But Coontz, author of A Strange Stirring, also critiques many aspects of Friedan's pioneering book, including its omission of minority women.
Musicians Kathleen Hanna and Johanna Fateman.
Kathleen Hanna and Johanna Fateman of the band, Le Tigre (lay-TEE-gruh). Hanna was the lead singer of the 90s band Bikini Kill. Bikini Kill was part of the music/cultural/feminist movement know as “Riot Grrl,” which focused on the concept of ‘girl power” and young women’s empowerment. The movement was based primarily in Washington, DC and Olympia, WA, and its members formed bands, wrote fanzines, and held meetings, protests and festivals. HANNA was a leader and spokesperson for the movement. Her first solo project after Bikini Kill was called Julie Ruin. She then formed Le Tigre.
Barnard President: Today's 'Wonder Women' Must Reframe Feminism
Many think of the feminist movement as a thing of the past, but Debora Spar says the battle isn't won yet. She tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross about the misinterpretation that got us where we are, and the need to improve support and pay for working women.
Gloria Steinem Discusses Women and Self-Esteem.
Feminist and writer Gloria Steinem. In her new book, "Revolution From Within," Steinem departs from her usual straightforward discussions about women and society, and she examines the link between personal self-esteem and outward issues such as feminism. (It's published by Little, Brown).
Remembering Jill Ker Conway, The First Female President Of Smith College
The women's history scholar, who died June 1, grew up on a remote Australian sheep farm and later went on to write three memoirs, including True North. Conway spoke to Fresh Air in 1989, '94 and '98.
New Book Explores The Science Of Pregnancy 'Like A Mother'
As a first-time mother, journalist Angela Garbes craved unbiased, scientific information — not just anecdotal advice. Her new book debunks myths and assumptions about pregnancy and childbirth.
Punk Legend And Memoirist Viv Albertine On A Lifetime Of Fighting The Patriarchy
Growing up in North London in the 1960s and '70s, Viv Albertine never dreamed that one day she'd be a rock star. For one thing, she says, "There [were] just no role models ... I never heard of anyone, any female playing guitar."
Not A Feminist? Caitlin Moran Asks, Why Not?
Moran believes that most women who don't want to be called feminists don't understand what feminism is. Her new book How to Be a Woman is a funny take on housework, high heels, body fat, abortion, marriage and, of course, Brazilian waxes.