Wokewash

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Documentaries

Factual

Writer and satirist Heydon Prowse turns his attention to corporate Wokewashing.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Wokewash: Femvertizing

Femvertizing

BBC Radio 4 - Wokewash, Femvertizing

Satirist Heydon Prowse investigates how brands are using feminism to boost their profits.

Can a flavoured douche or tough mascara empower women? Satirist Heydon Prowse explores how brands are jumping on the feminist bandwagon to sell their products.

Be it shoe polish, hair curlers or a perfumed douche, brands hail their products as promoting girl power, body positivity and gender equality. Fashion names emblazon T shirts with positive feminist messages, shower gel bottles celebrate all shapes of women, even Monopoly has as Ms version addressing the gender pay gap.

Are companies just jumping on the feminist bandwagon or are they real social justice warriors?

Heydon discusses FKA Twigg’s bottom and the need for repentance with author Ella Whelan. And marketing expert Katie Martell explains faux femvertizing and which ads make her drop her panties. 

He hears how fake suffragettes helped flog cigarettes from advertising guru Jean Kilbourne, and comedian Josie Long uncovers ads where women are reduced to a pair of breasts. 

Tech journalist Sage Lazzaro tells how Feminist Apparel staff’s revolt backfired, China Labour Watch’s Li Qiang talks factory supply chains, and amongst the bubbles at Lush, Hilary Jones explains how they supported the Spy Cops and why there are no oompa loompa their factories.

Producer: Sarah Bowen
Assistant Producer: Olivia Sopel

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Wokewash

Femvertizing

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4