Right to Equality
Right to Equality with Charlotte Proudman, leading feminist, barrister and academic. Together, we discuss pressing issues about cutting-edge feminist politics and our fight for equality. Nothing is off the table, we are here to have difficult conversations. Right to Equality is a space for curiosity, empowerment, education and laughter. Guest speakers range from campaigners, journalists, lawyers, politicians, psychologists, survivors and activists working to achieve equality and freedom for all. It takes a movement to push boundaries, challenge the status quo and change the world, let’s start here.
When Children are Taken from Loving Parents After Abuse Disclosures (What’s Really Happening): Reshare from The Heartbreak to Happiness Podcast
This is the first in a two-part series, produced in partnership with Sara Davison, The Divorce Coach, where we look into the shocking subject of child removal in private family proceedings in England and Wales.
Sara is joined by three impressive guests:
Dr Charlotte Proudman, women’s rights barrister, Founder of Right to Equality, and author of the book “He Said, She Said” recalls how she represented a 15 year old girl we call “Florence”. Charlotte talks about Florence’s remarkable courage in independently...
Special Episode: Take the Stand & Open Justice for All—The Power of Being Heard
Lucy sits down with Charlotte and Juliana to talk about their podcast and critical work in the fight for survivor justice. Charlotte explains how survivors are routinely charged thousands of pounds to obtain their own court transcripts—a deeply unjust barrier to healing, accountability, and justice. Juliana shares insights from survivors whose words were never spoken in court (this episode contains a portion of her own statement), and how reading their victim impact statements (VIS) on Take the Stand has helped reclaim their voice.
We dive into the emotional, legal, and societal implications of denying survivors access to...
Bringing [Dis]ability to the Bar with Konstantina Nouka
In this episode, Lucy Hayton is joined by Konstantina Nouka, a pupil barrister at Nexus Chambers and the Chair and Founder of Bringing [Dis]ability to the Bar—an organisation led by and for disabled aspiring barristers. Through education, research, mentorship, and advocacy, the initiative works to make the Bar more accessible and inclusive. Lucy and Konstantina discuss common misconceptions about disability, the importance of advocating for marginalised clients, and practical ways to improve accessibility within the legal profession and the courtroom.
Special Episode: Supporting Domestic Abuse Survivors in Family Court
In this episode, Lucy Hayton is joined by Amy Finnimore, a domestic abuse advocate, and Cathryn Blyth from Voices Charity in Bath. Together, they share the story behind the creation of a groundbreaking Domestic Abuse Advisory Board, developed in partnership with the Bristol Family Justice Board. This unique collaboration aims to transform how family courts respond to domestic abuse. Amy and Cathryn discuss the development of a new court guide designed to help survivors navigate the legal system with greater clarity and confidence. They also explore the challenges survivors face in family court and the urgent need to...
Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector: Safe Accommodation with Lisa Hilder
In episode 8 of "Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector," Lucy Hayton discusses providing safe accommodation for women with Lisa Hilder MBE, the founder, treasurer and current Trustee of Preston Road Women’s Centre and Affordable Justice based in Hull. She also co-designed the Social and Sustainable Housing Fund and is a senior strategic leader in the NHS. They discuss how Lisa developed a portfolio of safe accomodation for women fleeing gender-based abuse, created a social enterprise based model for affordable justice and established financial independence from grant funders and contracts.
Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector: Holistic Services and International Perspectives with Yasmin Rehman
In episode 7 of "Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector," Lucy Hayton discusses offering holistic services to victims of gender-based violence with Yasmin Rehman, the CEO at Juno Women’s Aid in Nottingham. Yasmin has worked for more than 30 years predominantly on violence against women and girls, race, faith and gender, and human rights. She co-edited a book, Moving in the Shadows: Violence in the Lives of Minority Women and Children and is working on a second examining polygamous and temporary marriage and is an expert on abuse, honour-based abuse, forced ma...
Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector: Lived Experience with Lisa Ward
In episode 6 of "Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector," Lucy Hayton discusses lived experience with Lisa Ward, the Lived Experience Involvement Consultant to the Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network based at King’s College, London. They discuss the significance of language and terminology in this sector, the origins of feminist counseling and the early rape crisis centres, campaigning for street lighting for women to feel safer, and her journey as an “accidental feminist”.
Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector: Intersectionality with Benaifer Bhandari
In episode 5 of "Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector," Lucy Hayton discusses intersectional feminism with Benaifer Bhandari. She is the CEO at the Hopscotch Women’s Centre, which provides support services for Asian women and other minority women and their families on a wide range of issues including domestic violence, training, employment, housing, and welfare benefits. She also chairs Voluntary Action Camden and Camden and Islington's Trauma Informed Network and is a trustee of Global Generation, Naz and Matt Foundation, and an active trustee of Camden’s consortium of community centres. They discuss Hopscotch Women's Cent...
Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector: Public Sexual Harassment with Dr Fiona Vera-Gray
In episode 4 of "Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector," Lucy Hayton discusses sexual offences with Dr Fiona Vera-Gray from the Child and Women Abuse Studies Unit at London Metropolitan University. Fiona is an internationally renowned expert on public sexual harassment and sexual offending. She is the author of several books, including Men’s Intrusion, Women’s Embodiment: A critical analysis of street harassment (2017) and The Right Amount of Panic: How women trade freedom for safety (2018) and Women on Porn (2024). She has also been part of the Home Offi...
Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector: Women in Refuge with Angie Herrera
In episode 3 of "Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector," Lucy Hayton discusses the complexities of supporting migrant and minoritised women with Angie Herrera from Latin American Women Aid. LAWA is the only organisation that offers refuges in Europe and in the UK “by and for” Latin American women and children fleeing gender-based violence. Angie and Lucy discuss the barriers facing migrant women, LAWA's precedent-setting court case and protecting women and children in refuge from court-ordered contact with an abuser.
Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector: Child Sexual Abuse with Luci Coffey
In episode 2 of "Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector," Lucy Hayton discusses failures in family law with Luci Coffey from We Stand, an organisation that supports families affected by child sexual abuse. Luci has worked in the sector for 14 years and provides qualified pro-bono family law advice. Luci and Lucy discuss gender inequality in family courts, including how child victims are not believed, sex offenders are given access to children, and protective parents are punished by a patriarchal legal system.
If you have been affected by child sexual abuse and need s...
Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector: Legal Reform with Nogah Ofer
In episode 1 of a new mini-series "Spotlight on the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector," our host Lucy Hayton discusses advocating for victims with Nogah Ofer from the Centre for Women's Justice. Nogah has been a solicitor for 25 years specialising in human rights law, in particular civil law on holding the police and other criminal justice agencies to account in cases involving failure to protect or investigate VAWG. She has also been a volunteer on several helplines including Rape Crisis, National Domestic Abuse Helpline, and providing free legal advice in cases of sexual harassment in the workplace. Nogah...
Addressing Sexism and Bullying in the Legal Profession with Stephanie Hayward
This week, Stephanie Hayward joined us to discuss the address of sexism within the legal profession and her work combatting bullying within the Bar, per the BSB guidance. In addition to her work in the legal profession, she's the leader of Behind the Gown, an organisation pushing for equality at the Bar with the mission to lead an inclusive culture in which diversity thrives. Stephanie draws on her personal experiences to inform her passionate activism for change and shares with us the amazing work she's accomplished. Listen in to learn more!
'The Pocket Guide to the Patriarchy' with Maya Oppenheim
We're excited to be joined by Maya Oppenheim, the only Women’s Correspondent at a UK news outlet. She's amplified women’s rights, often covering sexual and domestic violence, abortion, the criminal justice system, women’s health, policing, mental health and more. Today we discussed her recently released book!
She is the author of 'The Pocket Guide to the Patriarchy,' which includes real-world examples and observations about misogyny, as well as statistics and data on the realities women face under the patriarchy, such as restricted and criminalised abortion, high dangers of facing male violence, discrepancies in pay, a...
Childcare and Feminist Activism with Mandu Reid
This week, we had the privilege of speaking with Mandu Reid, the leader of the Women’s Equality Party! Our discussion covered the need for universal childcare, the often-gendered nature of childcare, and the role childcare can play in family law. This is an extremely important topic affecting everyone, and we are so grateful to Mandu for her work!
You can check out more about Mandu and the Women's Equality Party's work online at: https://www.womensequality.org.uk/equal_parenting_and_caregiving
A Discussion on Misogyny and 'Himpathy' with Dr Kate Manne
In this episode, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses misogyny and 'himpathy' with noted feminist academic Dr Kate Manne! She is the author of three books: Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny, Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women, and coming soon, Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia.
Today's discussion explored how 'himpathy' (a term coined by Dr Kate Manne) and misogyny are often present in societal and interpersonal ways. Additionally, the exploration of entitlement was explored in how it can be a lens used to change our worldview. We're so thrilled that Dr Kate Manne joined us this week, and we...
Feminist Activism & Gender Literacy with Gina Martin
In this episode, Dr. Charlotte Proudman discusses feminist activism with activist and writer Gina Martin! Gina has advocated for gender equality and creating positive change and joined us to share her experiences and insights.
Today's discussion explored conversations for meaningful change, facilitation and gender literacy. She shares wisdom on activist work, particularly in prioritising mental health in the work. Through Gina’s insightful perspective, we examined the implications of activist work and experience on equality.
Unveiling the Enclosure of Care: With Sarah Stein Lubrano
On our most recent Right to Equality podcast episode, our host Charlotte Proudman is joined Sarah Stein Lubrano from Oxford to explore "Unveiling the Enclosure of Care." The talk covers confined care, its link to patriarchy, family creation by the state, and norms like monogamy. Communes challenge care enclosure, valuing friendships empowers women, and communal living reduces domestic violence. Actionable steps for dismantling care constraints and promoting gender equality are discussed.
KILLJOY FEMINISM: Are You Ready to Embrace Your Inner Killjoy?
In this episode, Charlotte is joined with Sara Ahmed to discuss Sara's new book, The Feminist Killjoy Handbook. Together, they discuss how activists become "killjoys" in order to build a more just world. Through this process, they can feel killjoy joy, making strides to change the status quo.
Sara Ahmed is is a writer and scholar whose area of study includes the intersection of feminist theory & critical race theory. She blogs at feministkilljoys.com.
Tackling FGM, misogyny, racism and white supremacy: A Conversation with Dr Leyla Hussein
Join Charlotte on this episode of Right to Equality as she engages in a thought-provoking discussion with award winning Dr Leyla Hussein. A renowned psychotherapist, lecturer, and advocate for women’s rights, Dr Hussein shares her insights on the crucial topic of female genital mutilation (FGM). Together they delve into the human rights aspect of FGM and explore the role misogyny and racism play in perpetuating this harmful procedure. Join these two feminists as they discuss actionable steps we can all take to help put an end to this harmful practice.
International Women's Day 2023: With Patsy Stevenson
Join Charlotte and Patsy on IWD as they reflect on the past two years of feminism and women's safety in the UK. In a dynamic conversation, they delve into misogyny in the police force, intersectional feminism and the media. From examining the experiences of women to dismantling patriarchal structures, this is the perfect way to celebrate International Women's Day 2023.
Discrimination in Life and Law: With Ann Olivarius KC OBE
Joining Charlotte on the show today is the fantastic international feminist attorney delivering justice for those who need it, Dr Ann Olivarius KC (Hon) OBE. Ann is Chair of the Executive Committee of McAllister Olivarius, an international law firm specialising in cases of sexual misconduct and discrimination. The two feminist lawyers discuss the issue of discrimination against women and the impact on their lives.
MISOGYNY IN THE MEDIA: With Natasha Devon
Charlotte is joined by writer, presenter & activist Natasha Devon MBE. Together they discuss women in the media and how they are portrayed. They reflect on the rise of Andrew Tate and incel voices. Join their honest and open discussion on what it means to be a woman in the public eye.
LAW AND ACTIVISM: Can lawyers be activists? with Jolyon Maugham
In this episode, Charlotte is joined by her good friend and founder of Good Law Project, Jolyon Maugham. Together they discuss Jo’s new book, Bringing Down Goliath – How Good Law Can Topple the Powerful; the discrimination of women under the law; the impact and need for the Good Law project as well as exploring whether lawyers can also be activists. When it comes to fighting for justice and tearing down inequality, these two are forces to be reckoned with.
TOXIC MASCULINITY: Challenging norms with David Challen
In this very special episode, Charlotte is joined by domestic abuse campaigner, and writer, David Challen. Together, they talk about misogyny in our society with the rise of men such as Andrew Tate, the prevalence of male violence against women and girls and how it is men’s responsibility to combat it. There is nothing off the table when these two talk feminism.
DOMESTIC ABUSE & THE FAMILY COURTS: With Dr Adrienne Barnett
Joining Dr Proudman on the show today is the brilliant Dr Adrienne Barnett. Dr Barnett is a Reader in Law at Brunel University, London and practised as a Family Law barrister in London for over 25 years. Her specialist area of research is domestic abuse and family court proceedings and, more recently, parental alienation.
Together they discuss domestic abuse, the so-called theory of ‘parental alienation’ in the family courts, the highly anticipated Victims Bill and the importance of the 2020 Harm Panel Report.
INTERSECTIONAL FEMINISM: Transgender rights with Katy Montgomerie
In this episode, Charlotte is joined by fierce feminist, advocate for trans rights and LGBTQIA+ rights Katy Montgomerie. Together they talk about feminism and the recent decision by the UK government to block a controversial Scottish bill, designed to make it easier for people to change their legal gender. Join Charlotte and Katy as they talk about feminism, transgender politics and inclusion in our current society.
RADICAL FEMINISM: Andrea Dworkin, #Metoo, Amber Heard, pornography and trans rights with Moira Donegan
In this special episode, Charlotte meets journalist, columnist for the Guardian and all-round rad feminist Moira Donegan. Join Charlotte and Moira as they cover topical feminist issues in our society from the perspective of revolutionary feminist herself, Andrea Dworkin. Nothing is off the table in this open and honest conversation between two revolutionary feminist activists.
HEARD V DEPP IRL Witch-trials and Victim Blaming
In this episode, Charlotte and Lucia Osborne-Crowley share their views about the live-streamed Heard v Depp defamation trial in Virginia, US. Lucia is an award-winning writer and journalist. Her news reporting and literary work appeared in Granta, GQ, The Sunday Times, the Guardian, The Lifted Brow and others. She’s smart and brilliant. Both Charlotte and Lucia followed the trial, which became trial by TikTok. It was all popcorn and drama until it became trauma porn in which Amber Heard was relentlessly mocked and ridiculed on our screens. They share their views about the effect that the trial wi...
SEX: Conversations on Consent to Sex
In this episode, Charlotte is joined by Nicole Bogott, director of the Philia Project association and co-initiator of the conversations on the consent campaign and Alex Born, financial director of the Philia Association and co-initiator of Consent Revolution, a community-driven leadership initiative working to promote equality and justice globally. Together they have a radical conversation about overhauling the law on consent to sex and what it means to be deceived into sex. Is deception to sex a form of rape? They discuss ‘affirmative consent’ as a new approach that requires both parties to ask for consent before having sex...
CHILD MARRIAGE: Ending Violence against Children
In this episode, Charlotte is joined by Naomi Wiseman, barrister at Garden Court Chambers specialising in violence against women and girls and Payzee Malika, award-winning activist and survivor of child marriage. They reflect on their long fought campaign to increase the age of marriage and criminalise child marriage in England and Wales. Alongside a coalition of amazing women’s organisations representing women and children from all backgrounds, they campaigned to change the law and they were successful. The Pauline Latham MP Bill came into effect in 2022. Until recently, children were able to marry at the age of 16 with pa...
COERCIVE CONTROL: Shattering Myths with Professor Evan Stark
In this episode, Charlotte is joined by Professor Evan Stark, sociologist, forensic social worker, widely published author and an award-winning researcher with an international reputation for his innovative work on the legal, policy and health dimensions of interpersonal violence, including its effects on children. Professor Stark coined the term ‘coercive and controlling behaviour’ which now appears on statute books across the world and is a recognised criminal offence in many jurisdictions. Together they debunk myths and examine the impact of coercive control on the lives of children as well as how family courts across the...
INEQUALITY IN MEDICINE: Dispelling the Gender Pain Gap and Sexism in Healthcare with Dr Maddy Lucy Dann
In this episode, Charlotte meets Accident and Emergency Doctor and internet sensation, Dr Maddy Lucy Dan. She’s feisty, funny and intelligent. They discuss the gender inequality gap in healthcare and medicine, touching on topics such as the gender pain gap and reproductive healthcare in Britain. Did you know that abortion is a crime in Britain subject to certain exceptions from prosecution? Maddy dispels harmful health myths, such as false information about hysterical women and virginity testing. In this episode, we tackle deep-seated prejudices that remain within the medical profession. Nothing is off the table in a frank an...
ANTI-SEMITISM AND MISOGYNY: Challenging the Status Quo with Eve Barlow
In this episode, Charlotte is joined by Eve Barlow. Eve is an active voice on Jewish identity and fighting antisemitism on social media. She was listed as Algemeiner's Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life in both 2020 and 2021 for her efforts. Eve Barlow is a pop culture journalist based in Los Angeles. As activists for social change, they share the ups and downs of challenging the status quo and going against the grain. They discuss the intersection of misogyny and anti-semitism, as forms of hatred regularly dished out on social media. In a frank conversation...
CONTROL: Coercive control, gaslighting and patriarchal bargaining
Dr Emma Katz and Dr Roxanne Khan join Charlotte in a new episode to talk about coercive and controlling behaviour and how it impacts on the lives of victims and children. They explore the key signs to look out for if a child or mother is a victim of coercive and controlling behaviour, how the law can help to protect future victims and the harm and danger caused by coercive control.
Dr Emma Katz is Senior Lecturer in Childhood and Youth at Liverpool Hope University and is the author of the m...
REVOLUTIONARY FEMINIST: The Life of Valerie Solanas
We can only truly achieve the liberation of women with a revolution that dismantles patriarchal structures that oppress women and harm men. Let’s talk about revolutionary feminism. In this episode, Charlotte is joined by Professor Breanne Fahs, a Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Arizona State University. Breanne has authored six books: Performing Sex; Valerie Solanas; Out for Blood; Firebrand Feminism; Women, Sex, and Madness; and, most recently, Unshaved. Together, they follow the footsteps or giant leaps of Valerie Solanas, the woman who infamously shot Andy Warhol. They discuss the complex, fascinating and revolutionary existence of So...
ABORTION: The Movement to De-criminalise Abortion
In this episode, Charlotte is joined by Dr Jonathan Lord, UK medical director of MSI Reproductive Choices. They share their views on access to abortion in Britain and the laws and restrictions surrounding this fundamental right to reproductive healthcare. A recent string of reports have emerged in the British press with harrowing details of women being prosecuted for abortion in the UK. At the moment two women are on trial for abortion-related offences. Women are criminalised under Victorian-era legislation which was enacted at a time when women did not even have the right to vote. The recent prosecutions...
