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Breaking Silence: How Women Lead in Times of Political Fear

Author
Lucy Barkas & Karen Heras Kelly
Published
Fri 19 Sep 2025
Episode Link
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Karen and Lucy explore the urgent rise of extremism and far-right movements in the UK, examining what it means to have a voice during politically hostile times when many feel like hiding.

• Looking at how reform groups polling at 30% leaves 70% of the population fractured between other parties
• Personal connections to extremism, including Karen's Spanish heritage and memories of Franco's far-right regime
• The lived experience that most people are compassionate and kind despite extremist narratives
• Community responses to division, including creative acts of unity through international flags and colourful ribbons
• How extremism particularly threatens women's rights, healthcare access, and safety
• Practical ways to take action: education, sharing personal stories, supporting like-minded groups
• Using economic power by not buying from companies that don't support diversity or women
• Holding public figures accountable while protecting personal safety
• The new reality of questioning where and when it's safe to express feminist views

Your voice isn't a luxury – it can be taken away in an instant. In the face of rising extremism, silence only helps them. We may not control every headline or political agenda, but we can control how we show up, our intentions, and how we stand together.


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