Let feminism encompass your way of being: Reflections from a Podcast Officer

Mia Taylor reflects on her journey as podcast officer for Girl* Up Edinburgh, what she loves about hosting the podcast and how it encapsulates feminism as an entire way of being in the world.

“So, Mia, what made you get into feminism?” is a question quite often asked to someone who identifies themselves (quite proudly, I must add!) as a feminist. Quite a nice question, quite easy to answer for one who continuously overthinks, yet I think it is the wrong question to ask.

By asking someone what made them “get into” feminism- it makes it sound as if it is a hobby one can dip their toes into as they please, or when they fancy. Feminism is a way of being. Once one recognises gender inequality in the world we live in, one cannot ignore it. Every decision or interaction one makes with the knowledge of feminist theories, one can see the patterns manifest into real, lived experiences. Oh, and you can’t ever un-do this knowledge. To ignore the inequality being presented to you is an active way of engaging with the inequality (whether you like it or not!). 

Rather, I think, better questions to ask could be: How has feminism impacted your life? Why are you still a feminist? These get an individual to understand how feminism is a way of life, a way of being, and that one can never cease to be a feminist until there is gender equality. 

Through my lived experiences as a young woman at a prestigious University, I have seen before my eyes feminist theories of gender inequality play out- too stereotypically that it seems almost staged! From lecture halls, peer socializing structures and content material all being made to cater to one demographic of student: it is a huge issue that sparks debate and the need for change. But this is not the only inequality I recognise in the world that fuels my feminist way of life. The world is vast and gender inequality is ubiquitous. Violence in Palestine and the ever-diminishing agency of Afghani women are glimpses into a broader array of issues that maintain my activist efforts as a feminist. No one should cease to be a feminist until all individuals are free, no matter how distant and different their lives may be. This is something that Girl* Up allows me to voice through the podcast. 

I hope that my style of writing doesn’t give away my undergraduate degree in Philosophy, yet I want to surface a frequently asked question “So, Mia, why podcast officer?”. This question I like to answer, not only because I enjoy talking, but because the answer shines light on the community at Girl* Up. 

As podcast officer I can create a safe and welcoming space for those wanting to expand their knowledge on feminist issues, without having to attend Girl* Up’s in person meetings. Those who don’t feel confident enough to attend a meeting, or perhaps those who may be working during meeting times, to get their weekly dose of feminist theory. It allows anyone to learn, which is a fundamental human right, without judgement or anxiety. 

In the podcast episodes, I discuss a broad assortment of topics with those on Girl* Up’s committee. This can range from witty online trends to deep-rooted structural issues that affect everyone living under the patriarchy. But most importantly, whilst bringing academic journals discussions to life, we discuss our lived experiences on the podcast. This is where the real engagement happens, as we allow those to share their stories or their frustrations, and this can allow the listener to feel heard or understood by another individual who has faced similar circumstances. 

The philosophy of the podcast is to educate others that feminism is a way of life, a way of being. I want listeners to resonate and draw back to episodes that they have listened to in their lived experiences, and not end their learning or exploration within the hour-or-so long episodes. I want episodes to spark discussions within their circles, as the propelling force for change begins with interpersonal relations and conversations. 

I want my listeners, and other activists, to take care when listening to -often what is- quite triggering topics. This is why at the start of every podcast trigger warnings are read out, and listeners are encouraged to take breaks and stop listening when they feel the need to. We also encourage listeners to get in touch with us through our instagram to create a community of like-minded people. It is essential that whilst you help educate others- you ensure you don’t burden them with overwhelming information that they don’t know how to deal with. 

Some of my favourite episodes recorded so far (to name a few!) have been “A feminist exploration of Edinburgh Nightlife”, from which Street Assist Edinburgh came into contact with us- saying that they felt heard and understood. This has now led to future campaigns we shall be working on together in the new year. Another one of my favourites, “Gender in Times of War”, in which we collaborated with individuals outside of committee to discuss how the effects of war have gendered consequences. 

What has made this process so rewarding is that I feel as if the podcast is the mouthpiece for Girl* Up. It is validating to know our voices are being heard, and that our methods to spread information have been successful and well received. The podcast is my pride and joy- I like to describe it as my academic baby to the rest of committee! I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that Girl* Up and the University has provided for me. I encourage the readers of the GENDER.ED blog to listen to the podcast, and hope it allows feminism to encompass your way of being. 

Author Bio: 

Mia Taylor (she/her), the current Podcast Officer for Girl* Up Edinburgh, reflects on her journey in feminist activism at The University of Edinburgh.