LILIA KHOUSNOUTDINOVA
*1988
historian, social scientist, publicist, lecturer, entrepreneur, doula activist and philantropist
founder of several successful startups and endowment fund Propolis33
long term focus on women’s issues, gender studies, reproductive rights, initiator of a wide range of educational and awareness raising campaigns for the public, future parents and healthcare professionals with a focus on maternity care and midwifery
academic
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
MSc Gender, Development and Globalisation
2014 - 2015
University of Oxford
MA (Hons) Honorary in Modern History and Politics
2012
University of Oxford
BA (Hons) in Modern History and Politics
2005 - 2008
English College in Prague
2000 - 2005
work experience
2021 - Endowment fund Propolis33
- EFP was established primarily to support women's charitable and educational initiatives with a vision of a society based on respect, equality and affordable care. Propolis33 runs a variety of projects focused on modern and respectful maternity care and midwifery - Ať můžou (So they can), Na porodu záleží (Birth Matters), projects supporting vulnerable mothers with children, projects dedicated to raising awareness on issues of gender equality and ecology.
2016 - Goddess Gifts, ltd. - co-owner, managing director, www.womensacademy.cz
- education - courses, online programs, conventions.
2021 - 2025 Minty Fox ltd. - owner, managing director, www.mintyfox.cz
- an independent publishing house focused on books themed around maternity, societal dynamics and women’s rights.
2016 - Ecstatic ltd. - owner, managing director, www.ecstatic.cz
- manufacturing jewellery themed around women's reproductive freedom and clothing made from natural and hand-woven fabrics.
NGOs & volunteering
Czech Helsinki Committee, www.helcom.cz
- board member - Český Helsinský výbor
Aid Foundation, www.nfpomoci.cz
- member of the board of directors - Nadační fond pomoci
Happy Czech Republic Foundation, www.stastnecesko.cz
- member of the founding team - Nadační fond Šťastné Česko
publishing
- hundreds of articles in printed and online media
- dozens of podcasts on various channels as guest or host
- speeches on congresses and conventions - for public and profesionals
books
- Novodobé ženské rituály - Praktická příručka (Modern Women's Rituals)
- Ženské příběhy - Cyklická cesta životem (Women's Stories - A Cyclical
Journey Through Life) - Ženské příběhy II - Když promlouvá tělo (WS II - When the Body Speaks)
- Jsem žena, jsem bohyně (I am a woman, I am a goddess)
- Jsem žena, jsem Evropa (I am a woman, I am an Europe)
- Ženy v zenu (Woman in zen)
projects
a lifelong interest in the birth process and its impact on women's lives has led me to the creation of several long-term projects that are changing practice in many hospitals in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and educates expecting parents. Projects run under my EF Propolis33. I am actively involved as a lecturer, author, podcaster and activist.
ongoing projects at EF Propolis33:
Na porodu záleží - Birth matters
- an umbrella initiative of midwives, doulas and academics focused on promoting a positive birth experience
- production of workshops and study materials for healthcare professionals
- educational campaigns for expecting parents
- annual conferences: Birth matters and Midwifery day
- podcasts, publishing books, advocacy
Koza ven - Goat out
- educational campaign for healthcare providers as well as expecting parents about mobility and upright positions during labour
- implementation workshops conducted in over 50 hospitals in Czech and Slovak Rep., educational videos, leaflets, etc
- EF Propolis provides fudning for hospitals to purchase birthing couches to help upright delivery. 30+ hospitals and 6 universities funded so far.
Porod do vody - Water birth
- educational campaign about waterbirth in several languages including leaflets and academic lectures
Na kojení záleží - Breastfeeding matter
- educational campain includes posters, leaflets and workshops for hospitals
Konference Na ženách záleží - conference Women matter, Roses revolution
- annual events on women’s issues
Žena v zenu - Woman in Zen
- podcast with 80+ episodes and a book on women-specific hate speech and methods of countering it
- in support of women who have been exposed to attacks and verbal aggression in public, but also those who have faced stereotypes and gendered obstacles
- podcast series of interviews with experts and patients about female
reproduction. Personal testimonies and information from the scientific
community on issues that we as women of reproductive age and beyond
experience but do not talk about.
Jsem žena - I am woman
- two projects that combine the cultural richness of Slavic mythological figures and today's inspiring women and European historical figures. Books, calendars and events promoting the value and contribution of women to society.
participation in projects with other organisations:
Ať můžou - Let them - lobbying for the harmonisation of legislation on the
working conditions of midwives within the EU
Ať stojí - Let it stand - lobbying for the establishment of independent maternity centres and midwifery-led units
Být spolu je normální - Being together is normal - education and awareness-raising campaign on patients' rights, especially children's rights to be accompanied by their parents or guardian in hospital.
