The Women's Agenda Podcast

2024 has not provided the progress we need to close gaps globally for girls. But 2025 can be different. Today's guest is Susanne Legena, CEO of Plan International Australia, and someone who enjoys – and is particularly good at – taking a ‘big picture’ strategic focus on issues, and finding hope in despair.In this conversation, Susanne outlines some of the critical challenges facing girls and women globally: notably conflict, climate change and hunger. She shares some of the highs and lows for girls internationally in 2024, and what we can all do to see more progress on issues like education, ending child marriage, and ensuring access to healthcare and safety for girls.Susanne’s role sees her travelling extensively and meeting with her counterparts globally while also regularly commenting on gender equity issues, as well as the continuous stream of research and stories that Plan International releases, especially on how girls are faring across our region. We are entering 2025. The halfway mark of the twenties in what has long been considered the 'critical decade'. As Susanne outlines, we have five years until 2030, the year recorded as a key global target for many things, including sustainable development goals and emissions reduction targets. So how much can we get done in five years? More than we think.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to run through some of the best books of 2024 with author Jessie Tu.Jessie is a journalist on Women's Agenda and the author of two fiction books, A Lonely Girl is A Dangerous Thing and her 2024 release, The Honeyeater.She's also a book critic with the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, and someone who reads a lot of books!We share some of our top pics from the year, all written by women across a diverse mix of genres.This is our Summer Series, where we're experimenting with the format of the Women's Agenda Podcast and bringing in discussions with some of the most interesting and intriguing women we know. The Women's Agenda Podcast is produced by Agenda Media, publisher of Women's Agenda. You can sign up for our daily free newsletter here. You can also support our work via our new member platform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US election is around the corner - so, what should we expect? This week, Tarla Lambert-Patel and Angela Priestley discuss whether the candidates really are "just as bad as each other", what the vote will mean for Australia, plus the women in red states who are secretly voting for Kamala Harris.Also this week, we break down the Queensland election and what it means for women's reproductive rights. Plus, an update on Australia's devastating crisis of violence against women (some listeners may find this content distressing - if you do not wish to listen to this segment, you can skip from 6:02-12:16).And wins for this week go to Anna Kendrick, and women entrepreneurs leading the way in "democracy" startups. Find out more!Stories discussed this week:How this female-founded social enterprise is fighting polarisation in Australian politicsThey met at the Women’s March, now their startup’s set to change politicsAnother family mourns. Another horror month of violence against womenShould we be concerned by the pro-life movement in the Queensland parliament? AbsolutelyOver politics? Fine. But Trump and Harris are nowhere near ‘as bad as each other’The women secretly working against their husbands to vote for Kamala HarrisThe 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women have to tread cautiously online - even on LinkedIn, a space that in theory should be safe for everyone to make genuine, professional connections. But allegations against prominent tech founder Richard White - aka “LinkedIn Lecher” - that have emerged this week demonstrate the risk women face on the social media platform.Elsewhere in this week’s episode, Angela Priestley and Tarla Lambert-Patel also discuss the incredible bravery of Gisèle Pélicot, after her recent testimony in court. (A warning to our listeners - this story contains some distressing content, including references to rape and sexual assault. Skip from 10 mins 44 secs to 17 mins 1 sec to avoid this content.)Plus - male journalists are writing more front page news articles than women. But are we surprised?Finally, thank you to everyone who attended the Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards this week! We share some of our highlights here. Thank you for listening!Stories discussed this week:Jen Robinson hates the phrase ‘imposter syndrome’: the reason why is a lesson for allThe exceptional winners of the 2024 Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards‘LinkedIn Lechers’ and why women tread cautiously on LinkedIn ‘A determination to change things’: Gisèle Pélicot testifies in court for the first timeMale journalists continue to author majority of front page news 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another day, another list with a dire lack of women. Campaign Brief’s recent list of top creative directors in Australia featured just one woman on the list of 30. For those who want to raise the issue of merit - don’t even start.In other news, Australia’s birth rate has officially reached its lowest point. This week, Olivia Cleal and Tarla Lambert-Patel ask: is it really “sociopathic”, as JD Vance describes it, to not want to have children in the face of a global climate crisis? Elsewhere, a bill to amend abortion rights in South Australia that has been described as “Trumpian”, “extreme” and “dangerous” was just one vote away from passing in the state’s parliament. We share more.Stories discussed this week:Ruth Chepngetich smashes marathon record by almost two minutesGrace Brown ends her cycling career on a spectacular highAustralia’s birth rate falls to lowest level on record‘Bizarre’: JD Vance dismisses women’s very real fears about having kids in a climate crisisNo one thought it would pass – but a ‘Trumpian’ South Australian bill on abortion almost did‘Toxic, misogynistic, exclusionary’: Campaign Brief criticised for male-dominated list of creative directorsThe 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump’s camp tried to insult Kamala Harris by pointing out that she doesn’t have children, therefore cannot act humbly. Harris took that tired old playbook and threw it right back at them: “A whole lot of women out here are not aspiring to be humble.” This week, Tarla Lambert-Patel and Olivia Cleal discuss Harris’ clapback. We also take a look at the housing crisis in Australia and how it’s impacting young women and gender diverse people. There were also some great wins from the week - don’t miss it! Stories discussed this week:‘For the disenfranchised and the unheard’: Fatima Payman announces new partyOlivia Rodrigo donates all profits from Philippines concert to local women’s charityKamala Harris isn’t ‘humble’ when it comes to change. We need more space for thisSaving on rent, paying with their mental health: The impact of Australia’s housing crisis on young peopleThe 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Online groceries, WhatsApp groups, digital parenting… the burden women carry from digital devices is real - and it’s a hard relate for many parents. This week, Angela Priestley and Tarla Lambert-Patel discuss the “digital double burden” that is hitting women the hardest.Also this week, we take a look at the price gouging allegations against Coles and Woolworths, and how women are bearing the brunt of the impact. Plus: almost one quarter of Australians would prefer a Trump presidency ahead of this year’s US election. Let that sink in.Stories discussed this week:‘It’s time for women’: Claudia Sheinbaum sworn in as Mexico’s first female presidentHow women are paying the price for ‘dodgy’ supermarket practicesAlmost one in four Australians would prefer a Trump presidencyThe ‘digital double burden’ facing women in work and family lifeThe 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this year, Lucy Bradlow and Bronwen Bock made history when they launched their campaign for the seat of Higgins. The catch? They were job-sharing candidates. Now, since the AEC abolished the Higgins electorate, they have relaunched their campaign for a spot in the Senate. This week, Olivia Cleal sits down with the newly formed Better Together Party to hear how it would all work. Check out the interview from 20mins 58 secs onwards.Elsewhere, in this week's episode, Angela Priestley and Olivia Cleal share three great wins from the week, including an investment in women's health, a new female prime minister, and a 99-year-old environmental activist who said: "I'm 99 - let them arrest me."Plus: a Liberal MP in South Australia introduced a private members Bill on changes to abortion. Why did he do it? We share more.Stories discussed this week:Meet Sri Lanka’s new prime minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya  Jill Biden announces $731 million investment into women’s health‘I’m 99. Let them arrest me’: British actor turned environmental activist opposes expansion plans at WimbledonWe should all be concerned about a conservative push for abortion reform in South AustraliaThe 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Olivia Cleal sat down with Labor Senator Jana Stewart, the youngest First Nations woman to be elected to federal parliament, and the first Aboriginal Labor Senator for Victoria. She's advocating for young people, for First Nations people, and for women. Don't miss this interview!Elsewhere this week, Olivia Cleal and Tarla Lambert-Patel discuss how progress in getting more women into CEO positions across Australia is going backwards, plus a stint at a prestigious golf club that seemed to mock and gender inclusive initiative.Stories discuss this week:Kirsha Kaechele is back: Ladies Lounge legal battle heads to the Supreme CourtWhy are there toy babies strapped to statues of men around London?What progress? Just 1 in 8 CEO appointments went to women in past yearA golf club in Victoria wanted more women to join. Some members made a mockery of the initiativeThe 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes - we watched the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump this week. No - we’re not surprised with what we saw. In this episode, Angela Priestley and Tarla Lambert-Patel discuss what went down between the two presidential nominees - including a strange moment where Donald Trump refers to someone named Abdul...And now that Taylor Swift has jumped on board to side with Kamala Harris, will the presidential race from now look any different?Back in Aus, there are talks that the government could ban social media for children. But will it actually work?Disclaimer: We apologise in advance for the audio quality in some parts of this episode!Stories discussed this week:Key lines VP Kamala Harris shared against Trump in historic debate‘Taylor Swift – Childless Cat Lady’: Officially endorses Kamala HarrisBan the socials! But keep the gambling ads and urinating contests that ‘traditional’ media serves kidsThe 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Women’s Health Summit in Sydney on Wednesday! If you missed it, you can check out all our content on site and on socials. In today’s episode, Angela Priestley and Olivia Cleal also share their favourite moments from the day.Also this week, we share some great wins in politics, a concerning report on global gender equality, plus some data on how Australian female C-suite executives feel about AI in the workplace.Stories discussed today:Meet Selena Uibo, the first Indigenous woman in history to lead a major political party in AustraliaPeriods, menopause, endometriosis: It’s time to remove the stigma around menstrual healthHow can we live healthier and happier for longer? Doctors and a world champion shareFemale C-suite executives use AI ‘all the time’, but don’t feel as proficient as men: ReportGender equality progress is failing for 1.1 billion women and girlsThe 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.