Ben Yeoh Chats Françoise Girard: Feminism, Activism, and the Power of Storytelling
Françoise Girard is an activist and founder of Feminism Makes Us Smarter. We discuss Francois' journey from studying law in Montreal to becoming a feminist activist in New York. Francois shares experiences from her work with the Open Society Institute and the International Women's Health Coalition, elaborating on the critical role of grassroots feminist movements in effecting societal change.
“Taking a feminist, intersectional lens helps us understand the world better. You can see trends before the regular commentators do.”
The conversation touches on misconceptions about feminism, the interconnected nature of various justice movements, and the importance of long-term, flexible support from philanthropists.
“If you want to track the health of a democracy, look at what’s happening to women’s rights. They’re the early warning system.”
Francois also highlights the power of storytelling in activism and reveals her creative process behind her writing.
“When we walk out of a play, we’re more in touch with our feelings. That’s how movements grow — through stories and emotion, not just policy.”
“Each of us won’t solve it all, but if we all do something — even something small — that’s how things move. That’s what gives me hope.”
The discussion concludes with insights into successful campaigns, including the decriminalization of abortion in Ireland, and practical advice for individual contributions to social change.
- 00:18 Francois' Journey to Activism
- 01:50 Working with International Organizations
- 03:39 Founding Feminism Makes Us Smarter
- 04:54 Understanding Modern Feminism
- 05:41 Intersectionality and Feminism
- 10:35 Theories of Change in Activism
- 22:54 Challenges and Learnings in Feminist Movements
- 31:45 The Role of Art and Opera in Life
- 32:17 The Power of Storytelling
- 36:14 Creative Processes and Writing
- 41:51 Successful Movements and Campaigns
- 49:41 Current Projects and Future Plans
- 54:38 Final Thoughts and Advice