The Women's Agenda Podcast

We announce our person of the year, Gisele Pelicot. Her bravery throughout the public rape trial that shocked the world, which this week saw 51 men convicted and sentenced. Thank you, Gisele. Elsewhere, we discuss whether 2024 was really the year of democracy for women. Plus, Tarla Lambert speaks with Assistant Minister Kate Thwaites to test how far Labor’s policies from this year will go in improving the lives of Australian women. Thank you for listening.  Stories discussed this week:Cries of joy as 51 men found guilty but anger at sentences‘The year of democracy’: How 2024 impacted female representation in global politics10 women who have refused to stay silent, shifting the dial for change in 2024 

What is a radical centrist, and is 2025 the year for optimism? Journalist turned entrepreneur, and now NFP CEO, Kate Mills, joins the conversation to discuss. Kate's a fascinating thinker whose positivity and optimism are as infectious as genuine. In this wide-ranging chat, we discuss the challenge of homelessness, the crux of Kate's work, and the power and opportunity in collaboration. We then venture into the idea of 'radical centrism' and taking the best ideas of all sides of politics rather than aligning with one structured narrative. Radical centrism is a term Kate explains and makes a strong argument in favour for. This is an inspiring chat. One that will challenge your mindset around positivity and leave you with ideas for rethinking how to take on a big challenge in your part of the world. This is the Summer Series! We’re speaking with different people to help keep you across some of the biggest issues affecting women and girls globally, and to introduce you to some of the most intriguing women on our radar. About our guest: Kate Mills is CEO of the Property Industry Foundation. She is also a former journalist and editor of business magazines, including BRW Magazine. Kate hosted multiple seasons of The Leadership Lessons, a podcast by Women’s Agenda, and is also an entrepreneur who sold her business ProfessionalMums back in 2017. Women's Agenda is produced by Agenda Media, also publisher of the daily news site of the same name. You can subscribe to our daily news update here and support our work by becoming a Women's Agenda Member.

98 women had been killed by violence in 2024, at the time of publishing. We know this, thanks to the tireless work of Sherele Moody, who runs the Australian Femicide Watch. She has been counting women and children killed by violence since she began the Red Heart Campaign in 2015. In fact, we wouldn’t know the names or the stories of many of these women, if it wasn’t for Sherele and her work.This week, Angela Priestley sits down with Sherele to discuss how she does her work, why she does it, and most importantly, how we - as women, as voters and as humans - can make sure her work can continue into the future.The Australian Femicide Watch: https://australianfemicidewatch.org/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.The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women-founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women’s Agenda.

There's a massive gender divide in support for nuclear energy in Australia. Why? And what happens when you talk about nuclear energy on social media?Introducing the Nukebros, in time for an upcoming election year in Australia where nuclear energy is set to become a key issue as we head to the polls.Today, we speak with Jane Gardner about the vast gender divide for support in Australia and what happens when you take on a key issue on social media, knowing that it'll bring out the 'explainers'.The Australian Conservation Foundation has just released new data, in partnership with 1 Million Women, revealing one of the biggest gender splits on support for an issue ever seen in Australia.This is the first ep of our Summer Series!In this series, we're experimenting with the format over the holiday period to bring you more conversations about some of the challenging issues we cover, and introduce you to some of the most intriguing women we come across.About Jane Gardner Jane's been with the ACF for a year now and has previously worked with the Climate Council as well as in media at several global NFPs. She also hosted Al Gore on his Inconvenient Sequel press conference in Australia. You can catch up on all the stories we discuss on Women's Agenda and more on our website here.

This week, Tarla Lambert-Patel received an email from the childcare centre her kids go to. They informed parents the centre would not be accepting the federal government’s 15 per cent wage increase for staff, and instead would be offsetting costs back onto parents. So, what is stopping them from taking up the government’s funding? Tarla joins Angela Priestley to discuss more.Also this week, we look at the new laws in Belgium giving greater employment rights for sex workers, and what it means for the industry in Australia. Plus: The Greens have unveiled a policy that would make contraceptives free for women. Will the policy ever see the light of day?Stories discussed this week:‘Rise together’: New women’s investment fund launches with $100m committed‘The consequences are existential’: Women leading the way at the ICJ climate change hearings‘Not the right fit’: A glaring gap in the government’s policy to increase the pay of early childhood educatorsWhat if we valued women working in childcare like men working in constructionSex workers in Belgium have more working rights than ever. Could we see similar laws in Australia?The Greens unveil new policy to make contraceptives free for women. Could we see it in action?The Women's Agenda Podcast 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

An astounding 45 bills passed in the last sitting week for Parliament this week, one being the social media ban on children under 16 years of age. Will it actually work?This week, Angela Priestley and Tarla Lambert-Patel also chat about the widespread backlash from conservatives on DEI initiatives at Walmart in the US. Plus, the coronial inquiry in the Northern Territory has resulted in 35 recommendations to improve services for victims of domestic, family and sexual violence. We’ll talk through the findings.A warning to our First Nations listeners: this podcast discusses a story which involves the names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have died.Stories discussed this week:Emily Calandrelli became the 100th woman in space but ‘small men on the internet’ objectified herWalmart will roll back its DEI initiatives amid conservative backlashReports of rape, bullying and a ‘diversity’ backlash. Rio Tinto must continue and ramp up cultural reform efforts‘None of these are radical’: Elisabeth Armitage delivers 35 recommendations following coronial inquest into DFSV deaths in the NTThe Women's Agenda Podcast 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

There’s been a slight decrease - 0.6 per cent - in the total remuneration gender pay gap in Australia, according to new data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. But it’s not all good news. In this episode, Tarla Lambert-Patel and Angela Priestley break down some other parts of the data released by WGEA, and bust some myths along the way.Elsewhere, in the US, the 4B movement is taking off. So, what is it, and could it actually have an impact on society ahead of a second Trump presidency?Plus, Olivia Cleal interviews Victorian Minister for Women, Natalie Hutchins, as the government launches a new initiative to provide free pads and tampons for women and girls in the state.Stories discussed this week:Women will soon be able to test themselves for chlamydia and gonorrhoea at homeOne Generation: Australia’s first business alliance against family and domestic violence launches$28,425 per year: The real impact of the gender pay gap in a cost of living crunchAt age 20, a lifetime of earning less than men begins for womenAustralia’s gender pay gap has dropped, thanks to aged care wage increaseNo sex, dating or marriage: How Trump’s win is leading women to the 4B movementFixing an unspoken problem: Free pads and tampons will soon be available in public places in VictoriaThe honour roll in Victoria making sure women get their share of the spotlightThe Women's Agenda Podcast 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

Yes... we're STILL talking about Donald Trump. This week, the president-elect appointed billionaire Elon Musk to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency. Are we surprised? Nope. Are we concerned? Yep.Also this week, we share the devastating story from Iraq, where girls as young as nine years old could be forced into marriage with adult men, as conservative groups in parliament push for legislation that would lower the age of consent.Plus, we sit down with Sarah Williams, founder of What Were You Wearing, activist for domestic and family violence, and Marie Claire's 2024 Advocate of the Year. She has helped organise vigils that are happening across the country to remember the 81 women killed by violence in 2024. Don't miss it.Stories discussed this week:Greens to put $100 million a year to abortion access in public hospitalsAnne Johnstone becomes first female principal at Cranbrook following overhaul of ‘toxic’ culture at the private schoolTrump picks Elon Musk to head ‘government efficiency’ department‘Your body, my choice’: 4,600% spike in comments promoting gendered violence post-electionIraq set to lower the age of consent to just nine years oldIf you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732. 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 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.In an emergency, call 000.The Women's Agenda Podcast 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 story that’s on everyone’s minds this week. In this episode, Tarla Lambert-Patel and Olivia Cleal discuss the outcome of the US election, with Kamala Harris conceding defeat to Donald Trump. How will it impact women and girls in Australia? In what feels like a hopeless week of news, we haven’t forgotten the bright spots, and some inspiring wins for the week. Stories discussed this week:Gisèle Pélicot ‘honoured’ to wear scarf from Australian women’s organisation as public rape trial continuesFounder Nicole Gibson’s world-first AI technology could help us better understand our emotionsAmerican women deserve to feel their grief ahead of another Trump presidencyThe President Trump reality is painful for women but also a rallying callKamala Harris may have missed out, but here are the newly elected women fighting for changeWhy Trump’s victory demands hard truths and harder conversations with the boys in our livesThe Women's Agenda Podcast 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