The Crux | Women's Agenda Podcast

US-born artist Kirsha Kaechele's Ladies Lounge, a "conceptual artwork" in the MONA in Tasmania, was found to be discriminatory towards NSW Jason Lau, when he was refused entry to the space in April last year. This week, Tarla Lambert and Angela Priestley break down what the case was all about, and what's next for the Ladies Lounge.On this week's episode of The Crux, we also discuss Serena Williams' venture capital fund that has helped 14 startups reach unicorn status, extraordinary developments in the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial, plus some exciting wins in Australia and around the world to get you through the weekend!Stories discussed this week:Victorian public sector workers to get paid reproductive and period leave2500 older Swiss women just landed a massive climate victorySerena Williams has invested in 14 startups that have now reached unicorn statusMONA’s women-only lounge discriminated against a man by refusing his entry, tribunal rulesIf ‘building rapport’ means paying for sex, drugs and a $361 steak, then there is something seriously wrong with the Australian mediaThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

This week, we learned the devastating news that Australian aid worker, Zomi Frankcom, was killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza. The news has shocked Australia and sparked even greater outrage amongst Australians over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.Also this week, Tarla Lambert and Angela Priestley chat about the appointment of Sam Mostyn as Australia’s next governor-general, free contraception in Canada, an unusual economic win for women, plus why everyone in Japan will be named ‘Sato’ in 500 years’ time.Stories discussed this week:Canada’s government to offer free contraception to millions of women Samantha Mostyn AO appointed as Australia’s next governor-generalHumility, grace, intellect: Sam Mostyn is an inspired choice for governor-generalAustralian woman reported to be one of four foreign aid workers killed in Israeli air strike ‘Larger than life’: Tributes flow for Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and her outstanding legacyWomen in Australia set to inherit $3.2 trillion in the country’s largest wealth transfer: ResearchOppressive marriage laws in Japan might see everyone named Sato in 500 years’ timeThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

It’s the long weekend, so what better way to kick it off than with some wins? We take a look at ultra marathon runner Jasmin Paris and figure skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek. Some major moves for women’s health in Australia as well, with the launch of a new medical research centre in Sydney, plus a huge milestone for women’s reproductive health.In this episode, Tarla Lambert and Angela Priestley also discuss the so-called woman problem in the Liberal party and what they are - or aren’t - doing about it. Plus, we break down Mary Wooldridge’s National Press Club Address on Australia’s gender pay gaps.Stories included this week:Ultrarunner Jasmin Paris becomes first woman to finish the toughest run in the worldRetired at 17, world champion at 40: Deanna Stellato-Dudek becomes oldest woman to win skating world titleNational milestone as abortion officially decriminalised in every state and territory in AustraliaWhy has the Liberal party kept quiet about its new women’s network?Tim Wilson’s back: The Liberal Party’s missed opportunities for preselection progress‘Gender card’ is ‘grievance narrative’ says man who replaced Anne Ruston on Liberal’s SA senate ticketTo close the gender pay gap, we must ‘reimagine’ what senior leaders look like: Mary Wooldridge‘Fighting medical misogyny’: New Centre to address inequities in health and medicineThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

The World Happiness Report was released this week, with Finland taking the top spot for the seventh year in a row (no surprises there). In this episode, Tarla Lambert and Angela Priestley consider why the same countries top the list year after year - could it have something to do with their women leaders?Also this week: some desperate changes needed for pregnant and parent employees in Australian workplaces, plus alarming rates of online abuse targeted at elite sportswomen.Stories discussed this week include:Ireland’s PM admits he’s no longer the best person for the job. Others could learn from him‘Rare courage’: Bridget Archer wins prestigious prize for political leadershipThese are 2024’s happiest countries. How does gender factor into it?New report urges major changes in workplace conditions for pregnant womenNine in 10 elite sportswomen have experienced gendered online harm: ResearchWomen are constantly sexualised in sport. Here are just 6 examplesThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

Women around the country have vowed to #FinishSamanthasRun, after the 51-year-old mother from Ballarat, Victoria went for her weekly run and never returned home. She was allegedly murdered by 22-year-old Patrick Orren Stephenson, who was charged the day before International Women's Day last week. In this episode, journalist Olivia Cleal joins Tarla Lambert, as they discuss their feelings on violence against women, and how other women stand in solidarity with each other.Also this week, we chat about potential changes for WFH employees, P!NK's success in New Zealand, plus - is it really women who are the emotional ones in politics?Content warning: This episode contains references some listeners may find distressing.If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Stories discussed this week:1800RESPECT launches video counselling service for domestic violence supportPink becomes first female artist to headline Eden Park in Auckland, drawing record crowdWomen shouldn’t fear murder on a run. Samantha Murphy’s case must be the last strawThe traditional 9am-5pm hours could be scrapped for WFH employees. What will it mean for women?Bob Katter erupts at Ross Cadell in a verbal confrontation but it’s women who are ‘too emotional’?The Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

Sam Kerr's face has been splashed on the front of newspapers and news sites in recent times - but not for the reasons we're used to. She's being accused of racial harassment for calling a police officer a "stupid white b*****d". Some are calling it "reverse racism", but is that even a thing?This week, Angela Priestley and Tarla Lambert also discuss how gender equality could actually be going backwards based on new data, plus a historic announcement from the Albanese government on superannuation and paid parental leave.Stories included this week:France becomes first country to enshrine abortion rights into the constitutionThe solidarity of two women from across party lines has rattled the old guard. That can only be a good thing.Sam Kerr called a police officer a ‘stupid white bastard’. Is ‘reverse racism’ a real thing?Progress on gender equality went backwards in 2023, according to Financy Women’s Index‘Historic reform’: Government to pay super to parents on paid parental leaveThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda. Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

Australia jumped higher up the WEF's Gender Index last year, largely due to an increase in women's political representation. One such woman elected at the 2022 Federal Election was Dr Sophie Scamps, who ran as a community independent in the seat of MacKellar in Sydney and is now commonly known as a Teal. Dr Scamps is a GP turned climate activist, political candidate and now key part of the crossbench of the 47th Parliament Australia. She has played a key role in negotiating on pivotal legislation over the past two years, and particularly in pushing for more integrity and greater respect for women in parliament. Some of her key conversations include pushing for an end to "jobs for mates" in politics, and she has also introduced a bill to end childhood obesity. She spoke about "listening" being the key to her election success during her first parliamentary speech, where she called for the government to declare a climate emergency and more investment in renewable energy. Dr Scamps joined Women's Agenda's Co Founder Angela Priestley for a conversation on domestic issues, in one with International Women's Day. During this discussion we discuss women's safety, the impacts of climate change on women, women's health and of course integrity in Parliament. Thanks for listening. And please join us again tomorrow, for a latest take through the biggest stories of the week. The Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the independent, all women led and owned publisher of Women's Agenda.

The wait is over - we now have access to the gender pay gaps of more than 5,000 Australian businesses, and some of the results are pretty grim. Angela Priestley and Tarla Lambert discuss their key takeaways from the data.There’s another gender gap we talk about this week - it’s a gender exercise gap. More than half of women say they don’t exercise as much as they want to. Why is this the case?We also look at why Sydney Mardi Gras will feel different this year, plus some wins for the week. Thank you for listening.Stories discussed this week:Ruth Gottesman makes $1.5b donation to New York medical schoolCaroline Kennedy to participate in Shitbox Rally, raising money for cancer research20 Australian businesses and their gender pay gaps, according to new data from WGEAActivate your career with us! Just ignore the 37.1% gender pay gapSo you just found out men are earning significantly more than you. What now?‘Anyone can be a victim of violence’: The horrific alleged murders of Jesse Baird and Luke DaviesMardi Gras board asks NSW Police not to participate in this weekend’s paradeName-dropping Taylor Swift in a political speech doesn’t undo Scott Morrison’s damage to womenMore than half of women don’t exercise as much as they would like, new research findsToday’s podcast is made possible thanks to Grant Thornton Australia. Women’s Agenda is partnering with Grant Thornton on their SuperWomen Initiative by spotlighting women in superannuation. Through Roundtable discussions and a dedicated podcast profile series, we are examining how women are pushing to transform superannuation in Australia. You can learn more about the series at womensagenda.com.au/superwomen The Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

Among several exciting appointments from this week was the appointment of Amanda Bardwell as CEO of Woolworths, following the current CEO Brad Banducci’s disastrous interview on ABC Four Corners. But it’s a tale as old as time: a man makes a mess, and a woman cleans it up. Why do they keep handing us the mop?This week, we discuss the horrific term used to describe Kelly Wilkinson in the days before her murder, courageous research from Jean Hailes on women’s health, and so much more.Stories discussed this week:Jo Yapp becomes first full-time coach of the WallaroosMinderoo Foundation appoints new Gender Equality Executive DirectorWoolworths CEO Brad Banducci retires, will be replaced by Amanda BardwellKelly Wilkinson told police she was in danger. Police said she was ‘cop-shopping’Taylor Swift’s Eras tour boosts Melbourne’s spending by $174 millionMateship is for the girls: The Taylor Swift friendship bracelet frenzy is proofPaid millions, CEOs should expect public scrutiny and not walk outPaid leave should encompass all women’s health concerns, new Jean Hailes report showsThis episode of The Crux is brought to you by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Good food feeds the heart and soul, and sharing a meal together has the power to unite people from diverse backgrounds as one family, one community and one people. This is the power of Feast for Freedom.  Come together as a community and celebrate the food, culture, and stories of refugees and people seeking asylum, while raising vital funds for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Register as a host for Feast for Freedom this February and come together with friends, family, and community over a shared meal, cooked from delicious foods and recipes gifted by refugees.  For more information, visit www.feastforfreedom.org.auThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho