This podcast episode explores the tension and challenges faced by Irina Caramanos Adrian, the former first lady of Chile, in balancing her role as a first lady and her feminism. She reflects on seeking advice from former first ladies and engaging with feminists from different generations to understand whether being a first lady is compatible with feminism. Irina sees her position as an opportunity for change and aims to challenge the traditional role of a first lady in Chile by addressing the democratic illegitimacy of embedding marriage in the state and the gender bias surrounding the role. The episode also focuses on the role of the first lady in Chilean politics, using Gabriel Borich's presidency as a case study. Irina discusses the criticisms and conflicting reactions she faced as a feminist becoming a first lady and highlights the functions and privileges that come with the position. She plans to redefine the role of the first lady by taking action and advocating for institutional changes that address gender stereotypes. Overall, the episode explores Irina's efforts to transform the role of first ladies in Chile by evaluating existing foundations and promoting positive change.
Takeaways
• Being a first lady and a feminist can create tension and challenges.
• Taking feminist action in an unlikely place, like the position of a first lady, can have significant value.
• Seeking advice from former first ladies and engaging with feminists from different generations can provide insights and opportunities for change.
• The role of the first lady in Chilean politics was examined using Gabriel Borich's presidency as a case study.
• Critics may question the legitimacy of a feminist becoming a first lady, and voters may be surprised when the president chooses their spouse for the role.
• The position of the first lady comes with functions and privileges such as creating projects and foundations and having an office in the presidential palace.
• Addressing the democratic illegitimacy of embedding marriage in the state and challenging the gender bias surrounding the role of the first lady is a goal for change.
• The speaker aimed to transform the role of first ladies by evaluating existing foundations, engaging with unions and workers, improving salaries and transparency, and shifting decision-making authority to relevant ministries.
• Traditional gender stereotypes and expectations for women in power were challenged, advocating for a move away from gendered expectations.
• By making institutional changes and emphasizing democratic processes, the speaker aimed to strengthen democratic values and increase people's attachment to their governments.
