Description: Over the last 10 years, egg freezing has become a game-changer for many women, giving them a powerful tool to take charge of their reproductive futures. Yet, in some parts of the world, there is still a stigma attached to it, especially when it comes to unmarried women making this choice. Now You Know chats with one woman about her own egg freezing journey and her hopes to break social barriers. Plus, we get a gynaecologist to break down what egg freezing actually involves.   ...

Francesca Albanese is the first woman to serve as the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories. Since her appointment in 2022, and especially following the events of October 7, 2023, she has witnessed some of the worst aspects of humanity. She has also faced slander and threats for her commitment to holding those in power accountable. In this episode of Now You Know, Francesca Albanese discusses how the war in Gaza symbolises the breakdown of the international system and...

The US faces a pivotal election on November 5. Two years after Roe v. Wade was overturned by a conservative-led Supreme Court, abortion access and women’s reproductive rights are shaping the presidential race. Also on the ballot are every seat in the House of Representatives and about a third of the Senate. In this episode of Now You Know, we speak with Dr. Kristin Lyerly, an OB/GYN specialising in reproductive health and a candidate for the House. She discusses the ongoing struggle for...

Kamala Harris is the first African-American and South Asian woman running for president of the United States under a major party ticket.  With over 34 million eligible Black voters ready to make their voices heard this election, we explore the shifting dynamics of their voting patterns. Will tradition hold, or is change in the air?  In this episode of Now You Know, we explore the power of the Black vote and dissect the critical numbers in this fiercely competitive election race between...

When it comes to starting a business, or becoming an entrepreneur, the odds are stacked against women. Less support, less funding and fewer chances to succeed. When it comes to money in general, women still earn less. Sixteen percent less. In this episode of Now You Know, we find out what it takes to create a billion-dollar company. Tech entrepreneur, Silvina Moschini, is the first Latina to lead a company to unicorn status - a business that’s valued over a billion dollars without being...

Navigating menopause can be a complex journey marked by a variety of symptoms. From brain fog and hot flashes to sleepless nights and mood swings. In this episode of Now You Know, during Menopause Awareness Month, we dive into discussions about navigating menopause and empowering women during this transformative phase of life. And, as the conversation surrounding menopause is changing in the Global North, we ask: What's the conversation being had in the Global South?   In this episode: ...

In the year since Israel’s war on Gaza began on October 7, more than 40,000 people have been killed, with nearly 30,000 of those being women and children. Medical staff are risking their lives to help Palestinians in unimaginable circumstances. Among them has been paediatric intensive care physician, Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan. In this episode of Now You Know, Dr. Tanya shares what keeps her going in the face of such despair.   In this episode: Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan, (X or IG), Paediatric...

Anita Jones suffers from endometriosis, a disease that impacts more women than you may know. It is extremely painful and affects the lives of 1 in 10 women. Yet, most cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. That’s what happened to TV presenter Anita Jones. She was told by doctors that her debilitating period pains were normal. Sound familiar?  In this episode of Now You Know, Anita tells us about her journey with endometriosis. We also talk to an expert who helps us understand what...

In 2022, Sara Sabry earned the opportunity of a lifetime. She was selected from thousands of international applicants for the Space for Humanity Citizen Astronaut Program, a program that provides every day citizens from all walks of life the opportunity to go to space. In this episode of Now You Know, we speak to Sara about being the first Egyptian, the first Arab woman and the first African woman to enter space. In this episode:   Sara Sabry (X or Instagram), Astronaut & entrepreneur ...

World Afro Day is a time to educate and celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of afro hair. For years, natural black hair and styles like braids, locs, and twists have been discriminated against. It was considered “unprofessional” or “distracting” in the workplace and schools. But that’s changing. Big time.  In this episode of Now You Know, we speak to an international journalist about her hair journey and how she’s helping to break barriers for younger generations. We also explore...

When the odds feel stacked against you, how do you come out swinging and winning? Former TV producer Sam McAlister went from working behind the scenes to hitting the headlines after securing the high-stakes interview with Prince Andrew following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In her autobiography, Scoops, and its recent Netflix adaptation, McAlister reveals how she overcame feeling like an outsider to achieve remarkable success. In this episode:  Sam McAlister (X and Instagram), TV producer...

Now You Know is a new series from Al Jazeera dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, stories, and, at times, some pretty uncomfortable topics. This is a safe space where we go all in so that by the end of each episode, you can say, 'Now I Know'. In this conversation-driven series, we dive into topics ranging from women in film, finance, sport, health, and career ambition. We talk to women who keep the ladder down so the girls who follow in their footsteps can climb up. Host Samantha Johnson...