The Women's Agenda Podcast

The stories that got people talking this week, including a new report claiming Australia (and the world) have improved on women's health and representation—giving us now only (only!) 123 years to wait for gender equality. Plus, Scott Morrison gets an honour. So, how about those not getting recognised? And the new report claiming a global trend towards new parents preferring baby girls over boys. The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, publisher of Women's Agenda.

One in three men have admitted to using violence in intimate relationships, according to new research this week. Not allegedly. Not accused. But these men are self-reporting the fact that they have used such violence.Also this week, Jacinda Ardern delivered a fresh take on impostor syndrome, highlighting the good it can help a self-aware leader achieve. Plus what does it take to return a career following trauma? Katherine Berney joins the podcast to discuss these key stories and more. Katherine is Executive Director of the National Women’s Safety Alliance. Katherine wrote about the latest findings on the prevalence of violence this week hereWe know who's causing harm. The question is why aren't we stopping them. And Hannah Moreno writing about appointing Brittany Higgins to her team at Third Hemisphere Brittany Higgins PR appointment is a lesson in courageous leadershipThe Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by the 100% women owned and run Agenda Media. Check out all our latest stories here.

Human rights lawyer Prabha Nandagopal joins the podcast to discuss the latest news from the past week, including a scathing review into the toxic culture of one of Australia's best-known institutions, a Senator speaking out about sexism and what Australians can do to push parliamentarians to do more for those in Gaza. The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media. You can catch up on all our stories at Women's Agenda. Prabha Nandagopal is a human rights and discrimination lawyer and founder of Elevate Consulting Partners, which aims to support and strengthen the work of organisations committed to positive social change. She was involved in developing the positive duty to eliminate sexual harassment and sex discrimination from inception to implementation, was a senior advisor to the Respect@Work National Inquiry, and was a finalist in the 2024 Women's Agenda Leadership Awards.   

Legendary Labor policymaker Jenny Macklin spent 11 years in Opposition before the six years she spent on the frontbench of the Rudd/Gillard Government. She knows that the long setup is well and truly worth it, as long as you're ready to make the most of your time in power, knowing it's fleeting. In Jenny's case, she was instrumental in delivering Australia first national paid parental leave scheme, the NDIS and the National Apology, among other things. Jenny joins the podcast for a conversation on how politicians can achieve great policymaking, just in time for the 48th Parliament of Australia featuring more women than ever in prominent leadership positions. But the lessons are for more than just policymakers; they're relevant to anyone keen to create change, in whatever field of work they do. Jenny left parliament in 2019 and has now just published a book: Making Progress, How good policy happens. It’s described as a part policy memoir, part war room drama and part field guide – a political book with a message, and a method. 

To mark National Family Violence Remembrance Day, we're sharing this powerful conversation with Farah Mak, actor, speaker, founder, mother and survivor. Farah shares how she cultivates self worth and resilience, especially supporting herself and kids during the years she spend in the court system. You might know Farah from her work on stage, in the media, or on screen in Neighbours, playing the character Katrina Marshall. But behind her public life, Farah is someone who has truly transformed personal adversity into a powerful force for change.She’s a survivor of domestic violence who spent years going through the court system and talks about having to rediscover herself during that process – and the difference that a simple offer of help made to her life, which you’ll hear in this conversation. Please note, the Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil is on May 7. Check out the website to learn more. And you can learn more about Farah Mak and The Self Worth Movement here. Please note that this episode discusses domestic and family violence. If you need help and advice, call 1800Respect at 1800 737 732, Men’s Referral Service at 1300 766 491, or Lifeline at 13 11 14.

Deputy Speaker Sharon Claydon joins us to discuss the realities of political life, what’s changed for women in Parliament, and what hasn’t. She shares her views on representation and the challenges of pushing for progress within a system built to resist it. Enjoy this frank conversation about the long game of change, right before the 2025 federal election!Thanks to Dinushi Dias for guest-hosting The Women's Agenda Podcast this week!

Ronni Kahn's energy and passion brings a much needed voice to one of the most significant issues Australia faces: food insecurity, including the mental and physical tolls such insecurity places on women. Through OzHarvest, Kahn's built a team of staff and volunteers who rescue food and repurpose it for those who need it most. But in 2025, during a cost-of-living crisis and housing crisis, OzHarvest is highlighting the more than 50,000 people who get turned away from food services every month and the very real and simple solutions available for us to do something about it. We discuss the new research from OzHarvest out today, as well as how Ronni Kahn remains so dedicated to her purpose so many years after founding OzHarvest, and the serious work still ahead.

Olympian turned politician: Zali Steggall on holding power to accountIndependent MP Zali Steggall joins the podcast from the campaign trail as she fights to retain the seat of Warringah.Steggall discusses taking on a former prime minister when she first won the seat, as well as the work she has done since, including her involvement in the climate wars.Steggall also talks about he potential for a minority government and holding major parties to account from the crossbench.An Olympian turned barrister and now politician, Steggall opens up on the energy it takes to take on hard careers and new challenges.

What's missing from the election campaign? Lifesaving and opportunity-creating policies for women.We discuss the latest, as well as women's representation across the major parties.Elsewhere, Tarla and Angela discuss lessons from the week, including reality, politicians answering questions and the best new word for your vocab.The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, publisher of Women's Agenda. You can sign up to our daily news update, and become a member to support our work.