Myra Betron is a feminist researcher, educator, and founder of @powherdata, where she works to bridge the gap between research, practice, and public understanding around gender equity, health, and systemic inequality. With more than 20 years of experience across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Myra has led groundbreaking initiatives focused on preventing gender-based violence, addressing harmful gender norms, and building more equitable systems for women globally.

Born in the Philippines and raised in the United States, Myra’s work is deeply personal — shaped by growing up in a home impacted by domestic violence and witnessing firsthand how systems of inequality silence women and constrain opportunity.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The global realities of gender-based violence and systemic inequality
• Why patriarchy is not a “cultural issue” — it’s a structural one
• The rise of the manosphere and anti-feminist backlash
• Why Gen Z attitudes toward gender equality are shifting
• The hidden workplace norms that continue to disadvantage women
• Emotional labor, caregiving, and why women are opting out of traditional systems
• How AI, policy, and social media are shaping the future of gender equity
• Why meaningful change happens through “1% shifts”
• The importance of raising boys and girls with healthier models of gender roles
• How women can interrupt bias and advocate for themselves in everyday moments

One of the most powerful themes throughout this conversation is that the “small moments” matter. The interruptions in meetings. The dismissive comments. The subtle objectification. The casual sexism. Myra reminds us that challenging those moments is how larger cultural change begins.

This conversation is thoughtful, nuanced, validating, and incredibly timely.

Connect with Myra & check out the PowHerCircles:
@powherdata

www.powherdata.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/powherdata/

Resources for Gender-Based Violence & Support:

🇺🇸 National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
https://www.thehotline.org

🇺🇸 RAINN — Sexual Assault Support
Call: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
https://www.rainn.org

🇨🇦 ShelterSafe Canada
https://www.sheltersafe.ca

🌎 UN Women — Global Resources
https://www.unwomen.org

🌎 NO MORE Global Directory
https://nomoredirectory.org

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or violence, support is available. You are not alone.

Don't forget to head on over to Instagram and follow @Fe_maledominated to join the community.

You can also follow Hannah @stemwithhannah
and Tara @simplysortedstem