The Women's Agenda Podcast

We take on three stories that got us talking: why the birthrate is declining in metropolitan cities, the UK's brilliant idea to lower the voting age, and how everyone's talking about the Epstein Files. Everyone, except Trump. This is the weekly wrap, with Women's Agenda co founders Angela Priestley and Tarla Lambert-Patel. The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, publisher of Women's Agenda.

Journalist Cheng Lei joins the podcast to discuss her memoir based on her time in prison in China: Cheng Lei: A Memoir of Freedom. Cheng Lei is a news anchor with Sky News, who previously worked in Singapore and China, including as the anchor of China’s government-run, English-language Global Business TV show.  She was arrested at her office in 2020 on claims she'd supplied state secrets. She was taken back to her home in Beijing, where her apartment was searched, she was blindfolded and driven to a secret location where the interrogations began. Knowing she’d done nothing wrong, Cheng thought she’d be released within a couple of days. She was held for more than three years, including time spent in isolation and while being watched 24/7. Cheng was released on October 11, 2023. She was reunited with her two children in Melbourne. She is candid and frank in this conversation, and also opens up about some of the things she continues to experience today in Australia, including feelings of being "shadow cancelled" and a sense that her very existence can be awkward for some. She also discusses some of the massive life changes she’s experienced – from arriving in Australia at age 10 from China, to her release from prison and the different environments she’s lived and worked in. 

Confidentiality and NDAs are frequently used by employers to silence those who’ve been sexually harassed at work. But why should victim-survivors have to stay quiet? The Australian Human Rights Commission has called for changes to the Sex Discrimination Act to restrict the use of confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements in workplace harassment cases, among other recommendations. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody joins the conversation to share more on the recommendations, the opportunity for education in schools and why some groups are more vulnerable to harassment than others. You can find more from the the AHRC's Speaking From Experience report here. The AHRC has also released a series of free resources to support workers and employers in understanding their rights and responsibilities under the new Positive Duty at Work. The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, publisher of Women's Agenda.

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.

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!