Now You Know
Now You Know is a series from Al Jazeera Podcasts dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, stories, and uncomfortable topics. Host Samantha Johnson meets people from around the world who share their experiences on topics like women in film, finance, sport, health, and career ambition. The show aims to inspire listeners and help them learn from others' experiences.
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Pink Tax: Why Women’s Products Cost More
Did you know that women’s clothing and personal care products are often priced higher than men's? It’s been that way for years and there’s even a name for it. Pink Tax. Now with Trump implementing widespread tariffs, how will this impact women’s goods and jobs? This week on Now You Know, we talk to Prachi Agarwal, a research fellow at the International Economic
The Hidden Struggles of Women’s Health
Women face big decisions and even bigger challenges when it comes to their health, so we’re sharing some stories that don’t get talked about enough. We begin with one woman’s decision to freeze her eggs holding space for the future she hopes to build on her own terms. Then, we hear from a woman living with endometriosis – an all-too-common condition that's often misundersto
The fight for divorce rights in the Philippines
Divorce remains illegal for most people in the Philippines – making it the only country besides Vatican City where it’s banned. With no legal pathway out, activists say women are often forced to stay in abusive or unwanted marriages. In this episode of Now You Know we speak with Cindy Diaz. The mother of three has been separated from her abusive husband for over a decade and is f
When ICE knocks, migrant groups answer in solidarity
Across the US, migrant communities are living in fear as ICE raids surge with immigration policies tightening under the Trump administration. In response, migrant-led groups are mobilising to provide support to empower the most vulnerable to know their rights. In this episode of Now You Know, we chat with Nelcy Garcia De Leon from Proyecto Faro, a migrant-led support group. She shares what i
Ready to unlock financial freedom?
Did you know that women already control a third of the world’s private wealth — and that number is expected to soar past 50 percent in the next five years? But how can you be part of that growth? Now You Know speaks with Cristina Jaeger, the founder of HerFinancialFreedom. Cristina’s mission is to close the gender gap in wealth and investing and help women gain financial independ
Can cartoons change how you think?
Is laughter truly the best medicine? Pakistani cartoonist Nigar Nazar believes it might be. She's famously known as the first professional female cartoonist in Pakistan and the Muslim world. Through her work she has sought to address social and cultural issues through her witty and thought-provoking cartoons transforming complex topics. This week on Now You Know, we talk to Nigar about her creativ
What It takes to save a child evacuated from Gaza
25,000 children have been injured in Israel’s war on Gaza since October 2023, according to the United Nations. And, according to The World Health Organization, about 2,500 children in Gaza require urgent medical attention outside the territory. What does it take to help children evacuated from Gaza start their journey to healing? This week on Now You Know we speak to Dr Lisa Thornton, a
Can skateboarding transform lives in Bangladesh?
Can skateboarding change lives? One organisation believes it can. Bangladesh Street Kids Aid supports children living on the streets by providing essentials, education, and skateboarding lessons. With over 3 million street children in Bangladesh – many facing poverty, addiction, or exploitation – this initiative offers a lifeline, especially for young girls. Now You Know speaks w
What Iraq’s legal changes mean for women and girls
Iraq’s amendments to its personal status law have been controversial. Critics say the changes could roll back women’s rights, with serious implications for marriage, divorce, and child custody. So why has this shift happened and what does it really mean for girls and women across the country? This week on Now You Know, we speak to Sherri Kraham Talabany, about her firsthand experience
Could the Diddy case be hip-hop’s #metoo moment?
Sean Combs, iconic rapper and music mogul, is behind bars awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied all the charges, but this story has people talking about hip-hop's #metoo moment. This week on Now You Know, we talk to an industry writer, producer, editor about the hip-hop scene and question whether it has a history of
Why one woman self-deported from the US
At 31, Jill Damatac made the decision to self-deport from the United States, ending 22 years of life as an undocumented migrant. Her journey began at age nine, when her family left the Philippines for the US in search of a better life. But instead of opportunity, they encountered instability, xenophobia, and an immigration system Jill describes as broken. In this episode of Now You Know, we speak
Why are so many women being killed?
Every ten minutes, a woman or girl is killed by someone she knows, according to the UN. Femicide is a global issue that we can’t afford to ignore. So what’s really behind it? And more importantly, how can it be stopped? Now You Know talks to María de la Luz Estrada Mendoza, the director of a citizen watch group in Mexico. She shares powerful stories of femicide in her country. W
Why does South Korea have the world’s lowest birth rate?
South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world. While factors like the economy, government policies, and culture play a role, these challenges exist globally. So what makes South Korea so unique? Now You Know talks to Anna Kook, an AJ+ reporter who covers South Korean society and news. She explains why people in South Korea are not having enough babies. In this episode: Anna Kook, (X / IG), AJ
Inside Syria’s prisons for women
When the Assad regime fell in December 2024, opposition forces opened prison doors across Syria. For many, Assad’s demise was both a shock and a moment of long-awaited freedom. Yet for those who had endured years of torture, the scars – both physical and emotional – remain. How did they survive the unimaginable? On this week’s episode of Now You Know, we talk to Maysaa Al H
Can reconstruction ever begin in Gaza?
Israel has resumed its assault on Gaza, shattering the ceasefire with Hamas. Hundreds of people were killed in the first week of renewed attacks and Palestinians have once again been given evacuation orders. As destruction mounts the hope of rebuilding Gaza is fading fast. This week on Now You Know, we talk to Ms. Paula Gaviria, UN Special Rapporteur for the human rights of internally displa
Fighting for justice as a sexual assault survivor in India
In India, a woman or girl is raped every 16 minutes, according to India's National Crime Records Bureau. “To Kill a Tiger” tells the powerful story of a 13-year-old survivor and her father’s fight to get justice for his daughter – a fight that ultimately led to the three accused being sentenced to 25 years in prison each. On this week’s episode of Now You
How Ibtihaj Muhammad made Olympic history
Ibtihaj Muhammad made history as the first American-Muslim woman to compete in the Olympics while wearing a hijab. This achievement holds immense significance, especially given the ongoing controversy surrounding the hijab in sports. This week on Now You Know, we chat with Ibtihaj about staying true to her identity, pushing back against discrimination, and competing at the highest level.&nbs
What happens to Palestinian women in Israeli prisons?
Palestinians who emerge from Israeli prisons often speak of the physical abuse, solitary confinement and terrible living conditions that they’ve endured. But is it even tougher for women? Now You Know talks to Hadeel Shatara, a former Palestinian prisoner. She was released during the first wave of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. Hadeel shares her story and what female prisoners endure
Witches of Bucha: Ukraine’s women protecting the skies
An unlikely group of fighters is on the frontline of Ukraine’s war effort against Russia. They’re called the Witches of Bucha – a group of volunteers, many of them suburban mothers, defending Ukrainian skies from drones. Their training is tough, and the stakes are high. For some, it’s a way to channel their rage. For others, it’s nerve-wracking but necessary work
AI: Who’s responsible for children's safety?
Megan Garcia says her teenage son, Sewell Setzer III, died by suicide after developing a harmful attachment to an AI companion chatbot. She has filed a lawsuit against Character.AI, accusing the company of negligence. In this episode of Now You Know, Megan looks back on some of the warning signs other parents might find useful as they navigate this digital age. We also speak to one of her la
How to amplify African voices in the art world
How can African art be reclaimed and re-defined so that African voices are amplified? Like in many other fields, people from the continent have been overlooked or underrepresented in the art world. So how can that change? In this episode of Now You Know, we chat with Adora Mba from ADA Contemporary Art Gallery in Ghana. She tells us about her mission to showcase emerging African artists and
Women negotiating for peace
Diana Buttu is a Palestinian international human rights lawyer who’s previously been involved in negotiations with Israelis. Often the only woman at the negotiating table, Diana brings a unique perspective to the complex dialogue surrounding peace. In this episode of Now You Know, she shares her experiences navigating the challenges of high-stakes discussions and offers a firsthand account o
Gaza's path to recovery post ceasefire
On January 19, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect. But Gaza lies in ruins with at least 46,000 Palestinians killed, and two-thirds of all buildings now damaged or destroyed. In this episode of Now You Know, we speak to Gaza-based Communications Specialist for UNICEF, Rosalia Bollen, about what a ceasefire means for Palestinians in Gaza right now, especially for the children, and
Online dating’s untold dangers
Online dating is one of the surest and quickest ways to meet someone. The possibilities of finding what you’re looking for are as wide as the internet search. Sometimes you find who you want, but for more and more women, swiping left has exposed them to untold dangers. Increasingly, online dating has become a space where women are being exposed to sexual violence and abuse. This week on Now
Why is thyroid cancer more common in women?
After going undiagnosed for years, Ayah Jaghoub discovered she had two autoimmune diseases and thyroid cancer. She speaks to Samantha about her journey, and the years of neglect she says she experienced by the medical industry. We also talk to an endocrinology consultant to better understand thyroid issues. On this episode of Now You Know, we want to know why it can take so long to get a diagnosis
Presenting: True Crime Reports
Today, we bring you on the Now You Know feed True Crime Reports, a new global crime show from Al Jazeera Podcasts. Crime stories from the global south and beyond that often haven’t reached the outside world. Find them wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe. Thabo Bester: Prison BreakThabo Bester is South Africa’s most notorious con man. In 2012, he was locked away for life for mu
How did the first woman conquer the Barkley Marathons?
In 2024, Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons, a 100-mile race that snakes through Frozen Head State Park in the state of Tennessee. The runners have 60 hours to finish the course and Paris completed it with only seconds to spare. On this week’s Now You Know, we speak to Paris about what it takes, physically and mentally, to be the only woman to have co
Now You Know ... here’s what we’re working on next!
Hey, Samantha here. Now You Know is on a winter break. But please come back and listen on January the 6th, because I'll be talking to ultra runner, Jasmine Paris. She became the first woman to ever finish the Barkley Marathons. If you've never heard of the race, trust me, that's a triumph. Jasmine also has some great advice on how you can achieve what you want in 2025. See you soon! Connect with u
Women bear brunt of war in Sudan
Since April 2023, the civil war in Sudan has claimed more than 60,000 lives in fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Famine is imminent, sexual violence against women and girls is widespread. On this week’s episode of Now You Know, we talk to a young Sudanese woman who fled to neighboring Egypt, and a policy analyst on Sudan who explains why this war
Can trauma be healed under occupation?
When living under conditions of extreme violence, the burden of trauma becomes inescapable. For Palestinians, life under Israeli occupation and persistent bombardment, the struggle is profound. How can they embark on a journey toward healing? Now You Know speaks with Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian trauma therapist who shares her own story of perseverance and survival. When Israeli soldiers broke h
Banned, but not broken: Afghan women in football
Khalida Popal’s passion is football and her purpose, fighting for women’s rights. Both put her life in danger in Afghanistan. Forced to flee and become a refugee, Khalida has found a new and stronger voice to help all women. In this episode of Now You Know, Khalida talks about creating the Afghan women’s national football team, and how football gave her a sense of freedom that her country did not.
Climate change: Are women the answer?
Research by the United Nations highlights a critical issue: climate change could push an additional 158 million women and girls into poverty by 2050. Yet, despite this alarming statistic, just 8 out of 78 leaders at this year’s UN climate change conference were women. Why is that?Now You Know speaks with a scientist and climate advocate about the essential role of gender in tackling climate change
Should women freeze their eggs?
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. P
Israel, Gaza and the fight for justice
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
Will abortion access decide the US election?
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 i
The power of the Black vote in the US
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 Blac
Do you believe in unicorns? Successful women do.
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
The menopause train is coming
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 Globa
What it takes to save a life in Gaza
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 th
Why aren’t we talking about endometriosis?
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 u
The trailblazing citizen astronaut
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
Don’t touch my hair!
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 he
How to get the scoop on a prince ...
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
Trailer
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
