We're not done talking about the Manosphere

Plus: 👩‍⚕️ News on endometriosis 👓 The danger of AI glasses 🍺 Pints and ponytails

You’ve probably seen Louis Theroux: Manosphere by now – and if not, you’ve likely read about it.

Whatever you make of the online debate over the past few weeks, the episode is deeply unsettling.

We’re introduced to a mix of “manosphere” influencers – different faces, but the same dangerous blend of beliefs about masculinity, success and women’s place in the world.

We can warn young people that this content is misleading or harmful, tell them not to take it seriously – but when the voices on their screens are louder, more constant and more confident, we may already be fighting a losing battle.

Read the full article below.

Welcome back to Take The Lead, the fortnightly newsletter from The Female Lead.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the articles you loved this month.

One in 10 women and those born with a uterus are affected by endometriosis, yet the average time to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK has now reached 9 years and 4 months, new data has been released by Endometriosis UK to highlight the struggles of women seeking diagnosis and support.

Meta’s AI glasses are being marketed as the next step in wearable technology, but as their use grows, so do concerns about misuse - particularly around women’s safety and privacy. Emerging experiences suggest these tools are entering an online culture where boundaries around consent and privacy are becoming blurred.

Have you seen the amazing video of a group dads learning to braid hair in the pub? Pints and Ponytails (hosted in collaboration with Braid Maidens) was set up by Lawrence and Mat from Secret Life of Dads. Originally set up for men to learn how to style their daughters’ hair, it quickly became something even more meaningful.

And a new study proves “baby brain” does exist, but it is far from the dismissive stereotype it has long been reduced to. New findings show pregnancy reshapes the brain itself, with shifts that may actually support emotional connection and responsiveness, rather than signal any kind of decline.

Enjoy this issue, share it if you like it, and reply directly to let us know what you think.

You can also catch up on our most recent full newsletter here.

The Female Lead Team

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