In this episode, “Iran : Roots of Resistance”, Asha Metcalfe and Astrid Healy Carrasco are joined by Iranian activist Zolal Habibi to discuss the current state of Iranian resistance politics and its generational heritage.

Given current military and political developments, the episode starts with much-needed context from Zolal, but also with insights into the current Iranian resistance movement. She details exactly how it differs from previous waves of opposition. She develops her insights on the Iranian culture of resistance, with particular attention given to the women that give life to popular opposition.

Looking to the future, Zolal argues against Western interventionism, including in potential support for a return to monarchy. Instead, she highlights the resistance’s 10 point roadmap for a democratic Iran. The Iranian revolution must be fashioned by and for Iranians and their freedom.

For any comments or suggestions, please get in touch via

thefeministfiles2025@gmail.com or on Instagram : @the_feminist_files_

Credits

Hosted by Asha Metcalfe and Astrid Healy Carrasco

Joined by Zolal Habibi

Edited by Rowan Berkley

Cover design by Madeleine Baber

Music by Jacob Carey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss the socialist origins of International Women’s Day, how it has developed over time, and how it has been co-opted for corporate gain today. Exploring examples of pink washing and virtue signalling, we interrogate what ‘International Women’s Day’ really means for us today. Acknowledging the ongoing institutional inequality experienced by women, we reflect upon how we can feel hope for the future in our own lives. We explore how feminist inspiration is found through art, friendships and everyday conversations.

https://substack.com/home/post/p-189983269 “Why IWD needs a complete rethink”

https://shapetalent.com/glass-ceilings-and-sticky-floors-why-women-are-overworked-and-undervalued/ “Glass ceilings and sticky floors - why women are overworked and undervalued”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/08/womens-protest-sparked-russian-revolution-international-womens-day Socialist History of IWD

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Asha Metcalfe and Rosie Hillary are joined by Eilis Boden and Jess Martins to discuss what it is like to be a woman in the creative industries. We investigate stereotypes imposed upon women, such as ‘women aren’t funny’ and ‘women can’t take a joke’, and unpack the harm caused when those generalisations are internalised.

By looking at the comedy scene in and beyond Cambridge, we explore the way in which the male experience being regarded as universal impacts how and when women are ‘allowed’ to be funny. We also turn to the music industry, thinking about how songwriting can act as a form of emotional processing, and discuss why female ‘pop icons’ often face stigma for displaying vulnerability. Interrogating the concept of the ‘internalised male gaze’, we ask how societal perception shapes the way these women view their work and their place in the creative industries?

Go watch Eilis in her upcoming shows!

11th-13th March - Four Sketches and a Funeral https://www.adctheatre.com/whats-on/comedy/four-sketches-and-a-funeral/

19th-21st March - Rushed Hour https://www.adctheatre.com/whats-on/comedy/rushed-hour/

Listen to Jess Martins on Spotify here… https://open.spotify.com/artist/4AqSqzn0lwECIcgbXSKyyJ

… and keep up with her new releases on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/jesssmartinsss

Follow the Feminist Files on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_feminist_files_

Follow the Feminist Files on Substack: https://substack.com/@thefeministfiles

Episode edited by Rowan Berkley

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.