Sisters of Defiance

Gisèle Pelicot has emerged as one of the most influential feminist voices of current times. Her extraordinary courage has sparked conversations around the world about justice, dignity, and the treatment of survivors of sexual violence.After becoming the central figure in a landmark French rape trial, Gisèle made the remarkable decision to waive her anonymity, choosing instead to speak openly about the abuse she endured after being repeatedly drugged by her husband over many years. Her actions transformed a deeply personal trauma into a broader public discussion about consent, accountability, and societal attitudes toward violence against women.In this moving conversation, Gisèle reflects on resilience, the impact of public scrutiny, and the strength it takes to reclaim one's voice after trauma. She shares her perspective on the importance of truth, the impact of the women who supported her, and the lessons she hopes future generations will carry forward.We also discuss her memoir, A Hymn to Life, in which she reflects on her experience, the pursuit of justice, and the path toward rebuilding a life after unimaginable betrayal.Content warning: This episode contains discussions about rape, sexual assault and sexual violence. We know these experiences can be difficult to hear about, so please listen in the way that feels right for you. If you need support, or if this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, you'll find details of organisations that can help below.Rape Crisis England & Wales - 0808 500 2222 - rapecrisis.org.uk The Survivors Trust - 0808 801 0818 - thesurvivorstrust.org If you enjoyed the show, follow us at…Instagram - @sistersofdefianceAnita - @itsanitaraniGisèle - @gisele_pelicotYou can get Gisèle’s book, A Hymn To Life hereSubscribe to us on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@AnitaRaniExplores

Emma Grede has built some of the most influential brands of the modern era, but behind the businesses and boardroom is a woman who has never been afraid to question who gets to lead, who’s allowed to speak openly about ambition, or to take up space.In this episode of Sisters of Defiance, Anita sits down with Emma to talk about power, money, motherhood, resilience, and the defining moments that shaped her extraordinary rise. From growing up in East London to building global brands and becoming one of the most respected entrepreneurs in business, Emma reflects on the risks she took and the mindset that helped her forge her own path on her own terms.This is a conversation about what happens when women stop apologising for wanting more and start owning their ambition without shame. This one is for anyone ready to think bigger.If you enjoyed the show, follow us at…Instagram - @sistersofdefianceAnita - @itsanitaraniEmma - @emmagredeSubscribe to us on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@AnitaRaniExplores

Dame Meera Syal has graced our screens, bookshelves, and stages for decades - but behind the wit, brilliance, and groundbreaking work is a woman who has spent her life quietly and powerfully defying expectations.In the very first episode of Sisters of Defiance, Anita sits down with Meera to talk about identity, ambition, belonging, and what it meant to grow up feeling caught between cultures while trying to forge a path that didn’t yet exist for women like her. From the creation of Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42 to navigating a divorce in a culture which views it as deeply shameful, Meera reflects on the highs, the challenges, the moments that shaped her voice, and all the work still to come. If you can’t be what you can’t see, thank god Anita saw Meera aged 14. This one is personal.If you enjoyed the show, follow us at…Instagram - @sistersofdefianceAnita - @itsanitaraniMeera - @meera.syalSubscribe to us on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@AnitaRaniExplores