Accent of Women

The word Adivasi in Hindi means original inhabitants or Indigenous peoples of India. "Jal, Jangal, Zameen."Water. Forest. Land. a famous Adivasi slogan implies that they are not simply natural resources For Adivasi or Indian indigenous communities, they are ancestors, memory, identity, and life itself. For generations, Indigenous peoples have protected forests, rivers, and biodiversity through relationships built not on ownership, but on care. When they defend their lands, they are also defending the ecosystems that sustain us all. Yet across India, these same communities continue to pay the price of so-called development. Forests are cleared, rivers are diverted, villages disappear from maps, and compensation can never replace a homeland, a sacred grove, or centuries of belonging.Today, we travel to the Ken–Betwa protest with independent journalist Bindu Romi Gurjar or @samachar_by_bindu on instagram, who reports from the heart of a movement led by Adivasi women, elders, and children. Through funeral pyre demonstrations, kitchen shutdown protests, and hunger strikes, they are refusing to let their voices be erased.

Cockroaches thrive in filth and extreme environments. But how did they become the symbol of India’s youth?In this episode, Madhvi speaks with Bindu Romi Gurjar @samachar_by_bindu an independent journalist who has been reporting from the ground on the Cockroach Janata Party movement and other major protests across India. Together, we unpack how the Cockroach Janata Party transformed an insult into one of India’s most viral youth-led movements, why Gen Z is taking to the streets and social media to demand accountability, and what these protests reveal about the changing relationship between young people, politics, and the media.From memes to mass mobilisation, police crackdowns to digital resistance, this conversation offers a firsthand perspective on a generation fighting for jobs, justice, and accountability.Note: This episode was originally recorded in Hindi and has been translated into English.

Join Haritha Arumugam and Computer Science student Swetha Murugesan as they discuss women in technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital innovation, career opportunities, and the importance of encouraging more young women to confidently shape the future of our increasingly connected digital world.

Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Ms. Meenal, a passionate Kindergarten Teacher with 25 years of experience. We explore her journey, classroom moments, teaching philosophy, the joy of shaping young minds, and advice for parents and educators.

In Part 2 of Fashion Beyond Trends, Haritha Arumugam continues the conversation with fashion graduate Jaanavi Arjunan, exploring women in fashion, career opportunities, technology, Indian craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and the future of responsible fashion in an ever-changing global industry.

Join Haritha and fashion graduate Jaanavi Arjunan as they explore the impact of fast fashion, the importance of sustainable and responsible design, India's fashion heritage, global opportunities, technology, and the choices we all make as conscious consumers.

Samantha Shepherd is a Jaru woman with family connections to Halls Creek, Balgo and Wyndham. She grew up in many different towns and remote communities across the Kimberley and Pilbara which left her with a deep love of Country. She has a background in Environmental Engineering but she has primarily worked with Aboriginal communities in ways that serves them best. She works at Kaala Barna, a 100% owned and operated Aboriginal consultancy. They work between Western and Aboriginal spaces to ensure that Aboriginal peoples voices are elevated. She has two daughters and currently live on Nyoongar Boodja (Perth).

Mayase Jere is a human-centred technologist and author with an MBA in Leadership and Innovation. She is a co-founding member of Blacks in Tech Australia, an advocate for Women in Tech, and the creator of The Art of Otherness and Lifehacks from the Baobab, podcasts exploring identity, leadership, and personal growth through African proverbs.Her passion lives at the intersection of technology, culture, and identity, where she uses storytelling to spark connection, challenge narratives, and drive change.

In this episode of Accent of Women, we speak with an international MBBS student currently studying in Moscow about the realities of student life during the ongoing war situation. The conversation explores rising living costs, communication struggles, emotional pressure, homesickness, and resilience while living far away from home during uncertain times. Through personal experiences and reflection, the episode highlights the human side of global conflict and the strength of international students adapting to life abroad.

Dr Amrita Kapur is Secretary General of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF),  the world’s oldest feminist peace organisation, active in more than 40 countries. She leads the league’s global strategy and advocacy, advancing feminist peace, disarmament, and justice, and representing the organisation in high-level international forums.Dr Kapur has over 20 years’ experience with the United Nations and international NGOs in the transitional contexts, bridging peacebuilding, international criminal justice, and human rights law.She is recognised for her institutional gender leadership (UNRWA), gender peacebuilding and facilitation, deep expertise on sexual and gender- based violence, and for embedding gender perspectives into justice reform and peace processes.Her career also spans into the academic institutions. Her publications and policy work have shaped global debates on conflict-related sexual violence, accountability, and women’s leadership in peace and security.

Dr Amrita Kapur is Secretary General of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF),  the world’s oldest feminist peace organisation, active in more than 40 countries. She leads the league’s global strategy and advocacy, advancing feminist peace, disarmament, and justice, and representing the organisation in high-level international forums. Dr Kapur has over 20 years’ experience with the United Nations and international NGOs in the transitional contexts, bridging peacebuilding, international criminal justice, and human rights law. She is recognised for her institutional gender leadership (UNRWA), gender peacebuilding and facilitation, deep expertise on sexual and gender- based violence, and for embedding gender perspectives into justice reform and peace processes. Her career also spans into the academic institutions. Her publications and policy work have shaped global debates on conflict-related sexual violence, accountability, and women’s leadership in peace and security.

This episode explores the realities, challenges, and strength of women in South India, connecting current affairs with lived experiences. It highlights issues of safety, identity, culture, and empowerment while recognising the everyday resilience of women. Through reflection and discussion, the program amplifies voices that are often unheard and celebrates women as agents of change.

In this week's episode, we listen to part two of Fiza's conversation with Dr Sarah Wijesinghe. Sarah is a senior lecturer at Sunway University, Malaysia, with expertise in critical tourism, decolonization, and social equity. The conversation was recorded in an open air cafe in Kuala Lumpur, in the midst of Ramadan. As we shared about our roots - our origins, our childhood memories, and traced our routes that led us to this journey of decolonisation, you can hear the general cacophony of daily life. Having now returned to unceded Indigenous lands here, listening to the sounds of my own homeland has been a soothing balm, and the beautiful tapestry Sarah and I weaved together through this conversation reminds me of what bell hooks wrote in her book ‘All About Love’, that “rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion." While we never really arrived at any grand conclusions, I hope the explorations of possibilities, the journey of tracing how systems affect us will fuel fellow listeners to keep resisting, and to keep finding people to take up space with. Bookstore: Gerak BudayaSong: Manike Mage Hithe by Yohani & SatheeshanMentioned on the show: Dukkana Buy Sarah's book here

In this episode, I share snippets of a conversation I had the privilege of having with Dr Sarah Wijesinghe. Sarah is a senior lecturer at Sunway University, Malaysia, with expertise in critical tourism, decolonization, and social equity. I met Dr Sarah when I was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last month, and attended a Women’s Day book event held by radical, indie bookstore Gerak Budaya. During the panel, Sarah shared about her recent non-fiction memoir, The Illusions of Freedom, which critically examines neoliberal academia and its cultural norms, offering insights into how academic practices influence inclusivity in Asia. Sarah’s work emphasizes the importance of uncovering implicit biases and rethinking cultural frameworks that sustain inequality. This week we listen to the first half of our conversation as we spoke about the joys and struggles of learning the English language as a child of postcolonial countries, and the intertwined nature of language and identity. Bookstore: Gerak BudayaSong: Lo-fi Raya songsBuy Sarah's book here!

Human Rights Watch has described India’s newly passed 2026 Transgender Bill as a major setback for human rights, warning that it rolls back hard-won protections for trans people. The law narrows the legal definition of who is recognized as transgender and replaces the right to self-identify with a system that requires medical certification and state approval.Critics say this shift undermines dignity, privacy, and autonomy, while giving authorities greater control over deeply personal aspects of identity and healthcare. It also raises concerns that many trans and non-binary people could be excluded from legal recognition altogether.Human Rights Watch and other advocates argue that, rather than strengthening protections, the bill risks increasing discrimination and barriers to essential services—at a time when the trans community continues to fight for equality and recognition.In this episode, we speak with Raghvi Shukla, a prominent Indian lawyer and transgender rights advocate, also known as the first openly trans lawyer to argue in the Supreme Court, to unpack what this bill means.

On today's episode, we listen to Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman, Senator Lidia Thorpe and Tamil refugee and member of Refugee Womens Action for Visa Equality, Rathy Barthlote, speaking at the 'Unite to Fight Racism Forum' organised by Refugee Action Collective held on 24 February 2026. Senator Lidia Thorpe shares about her own lived experience of racism, as well as the racism endured by her community. She highlights the need to address systemic racism systemically, rather than in piecemeal fashion such as the Special Envoys to Combat Antisemitism. Rathy Barthlote then shares about the struggles she faced in fighting for visa equality for refugees, as well as the wins they have achieved through their concerted campaign. She notes the systemic racism that manifests in policies such as offshore processing, that continues to dehumanise and demonise those who are from 'lesser' countries. Listening to this inspiring women who works in such different spaces yet share the common thread of resistance and anti-racism reminds us that we all have work to do, and can disrupt the systems that diminish our humanity from wherever we stand.

Casey Kickett is a proud Whadjuk, Yued and Ballardong Noongar woman from the South West of Western Australia. Casey is the Co-Owner and Director of the 100% Aboriginal owned business, Koorda's Crew. Casey has a range of formal qualifications, and has combined these with her experience in being a Mum of four and her growing knowing of Noongar Country and Culture to create Koorda's Crew, where she hopes to contribute to creating spaces for the current generation of children to connect deeper with Noongar Country, so they can build on their knowledge as they get older to work with Noongar colleagues and friends on the challenges and opportunities later in life with a better understanding of Noongar worldviews.

In this episode, we’re joined by the founder of Rising Red Lantern, a collective supporting Asian Migrant Sex Workers here in Victoria. The Rising Red Lantern is a direct response to the violence of raids, racism, isolation, state neglect, and the ongoing injustices experienced by Asian migrant sex workers.Through Rising Red Lantern, community members are building power together in a system that was never designed for them — creating spaces to amplify voices, strengthen cultural connection, share political knowledge and skills, and lead resistance driven by those most impacted. Right now, Rising Red Lantern is raising $60,000 to sustain this work over the next year. The fundraiser will support Vixen’s Asian migrant peer frontline responses — where trusted peer workers from within the community provide culturally informed support, resources, and care. The funding will also go toward community events, advocacy campaigns, skill-sharing, and resources for the Victorian Asian migrant sex worker community.This work also honours the lives of Yuqi Luo, Hyun Sook Jeon, and Yuko, whose deaths reflect the broader patterns of injustice, racism, and misogyny that migrant women continue to face. Their lives mattered, their stories matter, and this community continues to organise in their memory.In a world that too often tries to erase migrant voices, Rising Red Lantern is choosing to raise its red lanterns together. If you’d like to support the fundraiser, you can find the donation link below. https://www.vixen.org.au/rising-red-lantern

On today's episode, we listen to speeches from a protest held on 20th October last year, commemorating a year of the Prabowo-Gibran government. Melbourne Bergerak is a collective of Indonesian students, workers, activists and allies standing with the people’s struggle back home and seeing themselves as part of a transnational network of resistance. Bergerak in Bahasa means ‘to move’, or ‘in motion’. We will first listen to Alma from Scrip – the Solidarity Committee for Rakyat Indonesia & Papua and the Socialist Youth Group Indonesia, and she will be outlining the current issues being faced by Indonesians today. This will be followed by a speech by the emcee of the rally, Jeslin, further expanding on why the protest has been called and the work that needs to be done. We will then listen to international student Riza, highlighting the failures of the ruling class and the oligarchs. Finally, we hear from the Melbourne Bergerak choir, sharing a series of resistance songs as well as poetry in Bahasa Indonesia.

This year marks 238 years since since invasion of the continent of so called australia by the arrival of the first fleet in 1788 and 256 years since captain Cook set foot on the shores of the continent. From that time until the present day the genocide and dispossession of the original inhabitants of this continent has been ongoing. From that time until the present, there has been resistance from the First Peoples of this continent who continue to assert their sovereignty and protect their lands and waters, and continue to resist oppression and the systems of capitalism, imperialism, domination and violence against humans and mother earth, while  asserting the true meaning of life .

A discussion between Margaret Kimberley & Nina Farnia about the recent  violence in Iran which was orchestrated as part of a  regime change effort against Iran by the United States & Israel. Nina Farnia is an Assistant Professor at Albany Law School in New York and a member of the Anti-Imperialist Scholars Collective. Margaret Kimberley is the Executive Editor of Black Agenda Radio. Follow Black Agenda Radio at blackagendareport.com

This year marks 3CR's 50th Anniversary, having broadcast consistently since 1976. Today, we interview Marisa Sposaro, who has now been with our community radio station for half its time on air. Marisa is currently the regular host of the Doin Time show, which features issues faced by prisoners in the criminal justice system and migration detention centres Doin Time show broadcasts every Monday 4:00pm to 5:00pmAn open forum, presenting information and discussion around issues faced by prisoners in the criminal justice system and migration detention centres.

The U.S. attack on Venezuela and kidnapping of the president Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores are the culmination of years of imperialist  intervention against the state of Venezulela and its historic Bolivarian revolution. Today on the show we will turn our focus to Venezuela in an interview conducted by Black Agenda Radio’s Margaret Kimberley with Corrinna Mullin  who sheds  light on the  situation, and discusses the importance of anti-imperialist mobilization in solidarity with the Venezuelan people. Follow Black agenda radio at blackagendareport.com

The recent episode is addressed to raising awareness on Family Violence and it's associated trauma by sharing lived experiences AND the ongoing struggle for Palestinian women and children.In the first half, Chris Mallika Bhadra speaks to two of Genwest's team members - Rania and Joal to discuss their experiences and ways to win over Family Violence.In the second half, Dr Benish Chaudhry speaks up at the weekly Sunday Palestine Rally in Naarm Melbourne, on Mother’s Day 2025, this Sunday 11th May.This episode was produced and recorded on the lands of the Kulin Nation.

Part 2: In this episode, we dive into Smoko(link is external): Migrant Stories en Español, a Spanish-language acting school in Melbourne that puts migrant voices at the centre. Co-founders Camila and Manuel share how Smoko Acting School uses testimonial theatre to tell real stories, build community, and celebrate the lived experiences of migrants.Music: La Lá, Selva Negra

An African centred critique of European Cultural thought and behaviour.Dr Marimba Ani talks about the book on the show ‘For The People” hosted by Listervelt Middleton (1994)

In this episode, we dive into Smoko: Migrant Stories en Español, a Spanish-language acting school in Melbourne that puts migrant voices at the centre. Co-founders Camila and Manuel share how Smoko Acting School uses testimonial theatre to tell real stories, build community, and celebrate the lived experiences of migrants.The song you hear at the beginning and end of the show is “Mi Ciudad Es Genial” by the band Santa Madero. This episode was presented and produced by Ximena JimenezPhotos by Rocio Lamana, Oti.

This is part two of Hailstones Fell Without Rain: Melbourne Launch. In this episode, I chat with Natalia Figueroa Barroso about writing in Spanglish, her Charrúa, Yoruba and Uruguayan heritage, and the stories that shape her work.Natalia is a member of Sweatshop Literacy Movement and director of Our North is the South – Latin American Storytelling, a workshop that gives voice to writers who share a connection with South America, whether they were born there or are familiar with its language and culture.We talk about identity, memory, and the power of fiction to explore personal and cultural histories. The music you hear in the intro and outro of this episode is Negra Presuntuosa by Afro-Peruvian singer Susana Baca.This episode was presented and produced by Ximena Jimenez.

A lecture by  Dr Marimba Ani , an anthroplogist and African studies Scholar and Author of Let the Circle be Unbroken and Yurugu : an Afrikan Centred Critique of European Cultural Thought. In this lecture Marimba Ani speaks about the concepts of African womanhood. Morehouse College, 2000.

A treatise on African Spirituality and how it differs from Christianity with Dr. Khanyisile Tshabalala. With thanks to Thee Alfa House : https://www.youtube.com/@theealfahouse

A fragile and hard-won ceasefire has been declared in Gaza, following two years, and in truth, decades of violence, occupation, and resistance.The world has watched in horror as Israeli airstrikes devastated homes, schools, hospitals, and entire neighbourhoods. Thousands have been killed—disproportionately women and children. Entire families erased. And yet, for the people of Gaza, this is not new. The siege has been ongoing for over 17 years. The occupation? Over 75.So when we talk about a ceasefire, we have to ask—what does peace mean in the absence of justice? What does silence mean when the structures of apartheid remain firmly intact?On today's show, we’ll be speaking to Mai Saif, Palestinian activists, and strident organiser in Free Palestine Melbourne and we'll hear Renee Nayef, from Students for Palestine, her speech from the Melbourne October 12 Rally.

A Pan-Africanist Feminist Tribute: Honoring African Women Resisting Imperialism, Settler-Colonialism, Neo-Colonialism, National & Women's Oppression, and Zionism!

Today we bring you the live recording from the Melbourne launch of Hailstones Fell Without Rain, the debut novel by Natalia Figueroa Barroso. Set between Western Sydney and Uruguay, this semi autobiographical story follows three generations of women: Graciela, Chula and Rita, as they grapple with migration, memory, political trauma and the intimate work of family. Natalia’s voice blends raw truth, English, Spanish and Spanglish to show us how identity, resilience and love can both fracture and heal. Here is the launch night with readings, conversations and moments that stayed with all of us.

A Pan-Africanist Feminist Tribute: Honoring African Women Resisting Imperialism, Settler-Colonialism, Neo-Colonialism, National & Women's Oppression, and Zionism!

An intense 12‑day conflict between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13, 2025, after Israel launched air strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing key nuclear scientists and military commanders. On June 27, 2025, the Northeast Los Angeles Alliance for Democracy sponsored an online panel on how U.S. activists can take a principled stand against the violations of human rights by all the powers involved and defend progressive, life-affirming forces inside Iran, the Middle East region, and the U.S.Today’s show features one of the speakers on that panel, Elahe Amani, Chair of Women’s Intercultural Network; board member, based at California State University; and editor of the women’s section of the monthly journal, Peace Mark, a publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran.

On today’s program, two different panel addresses by two very impressive, incredible trade union leaders – one in an official leadership position, the other from the rank n file. The majority of the world’s workers are women, it makes sense that we are the ones leading the struggle for workers’ rights and for social movements for freedom and justice. We’ll hear from Phyo Sandar Soe, Assistant General Secretary of the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar, speaking about the ongoing military occupation there, and the people’s struggle for emancipation. Followed by Maojing Chen, Early Childhood Teacher and Project Officer at the Australian Education Union. She was speaking about the historic gender undervaluation in feminised industries, the ongoing campaign and struggle for women’s equal recognition in work.

In today’s episode, we bring you two powerful speeches from residents of the Flemington and Richmond public housing towers, recorded at the Save Public Housing Rally on Saturday 2 August 2025. While the government claims these towers are old, outdated, and unsafe, residents tell a far more complex and deeply personal story. You’ll also hear from Lara, a resident of the South Yarra towers, who joins us for an interview to share her experiences and perspective. Special thanks to 44FU for helping to connect with Lara. You can find them at 44fu.org. 44FU is a grassroots group led by public housing residents, fighting to protect their homes and communities.This episode was presented and produced by Ximena Jimenez.Content warning: This episode includes experiences of displacement and violence. If this content raises questions or distress for you, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au for support.

A Pan-Africanist Feminist Tribute: Honoring African Women Resisting Imperialism, Settler-Colonialism, Neo-Colonialism, National & Women's Oppression, and Zionism!

Today on the show we will listen to speeches from the Elbit Out Of Victoria Campaign Rally which was held in Naarm/Melbourne CBD at the Future Fund Head Office on Thursday 26 June, 2025.Elbit Out Of Victoria is a campaign building community power to demand the Victorian Government end its contract with co-called Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer.‘Future Fund Divest from Genocide’ is one of the key demands and targets of the campaign focused on building power to resist the investment of public wealth in the global arms trade and increasing militarisation of our communities. Future Fund is the Australian state’s so-called ‘sovereign’ wealth fund, which invests in weapons companies that arm Israel including Elbit Systems.

The Labor government continues to provide economic, diplomatic and military support to Israel’s genocide in Gaza and now Iran. We know that they signed a $917 million dollar deal with Israeli weapons company Elbit systems early last year. We know that the Heat Treatment Australia facility in Campbellfield provides crucial treatment for components of F-35 Joint Strike fighters.  Now, more than ever, we need to put pressure on our own politicians to end all military exports to Israel and cut all diplomatic and economic ties. In Melbourne’s inner city local municipality of Merri-bek, a group of committed Free Palestine activists organised a rally against sitting Labor MP, Peter Khalil, who was recently been promoted as Assistant Minister for Defence. The rally took place on the cold winter’s night of Friday June 13th and today’s episode of Accent of Women brings you some speeches from that rally. The Rally chair is Bella Beiraghi of students for Palestine and the first speaker is Samantha Ratnam from the Australian Greens who challenged Peter Khalil in the once safe Labor seat of Wills, turning it into one of the most marginal seats in the state of Victoria.

On today’s program, we bring you the second part of the first lecture delivered by, regular guest on this show, Frieda Afary, an Iranian academic and librarian from the US, has recently delivered a series of lectures on Humanist Alternatives.One of the pillars of the rise of fascism in the 21st century has been the void in the articulation of a humanist alternative in face of the deepening economic, social political and environmental crises of our time. In order to develop conceptual and practical frameworks for humanist alternatives, and constructive collective action, Afary argues, it is necessary to address and discuss the fundamental transformations needed in economic, social, political, environmental relations on a national and global scale. It is also necessary to be aware of the long history of anti-humanist discourse and to respond to some of those critiques.So this first lecture which starts to explore this general idea of humanist alternatives, is called Labor and Economy.

On today’s program, we explore a little bit of social theory and philosophy. A regular guest on this show, Frieda Afary, an Iranian academic and librarian from the US, has recently delivered a series of lectures on Humanist Alternatives – so this week and next week, I will bring you the first of those lectures.One of the pillars of the rise of fascism in the 21st century has been the void in the articulation of a humanist alternative in face of the deepening economic, social political and environmental crises of our time. In order to develop conceptual and practical frameworks for humanistalternatives, and constructive collective action, Afary argues, it is necessary to address and discuss the fundamental transformations needed in economic, social, political, environmental relations on a national and global scale. It is also necessary to be aware of the long history of anti-humanist discourse and to respond to some of those critiques.So this first lecture which starts to explore this general idea of humanist alternatives, is called Labor and Economy.

On today’s show we speak with Lebanese-born, australian-based filmmaker Samia Mikhail about her poetry which responds to the barbarism of imperialism, while feeling the pain of the oppressed and the  murdered, and expressing the pain and rage of all that is left of humanity as we watch senseless wars created in the Global South by ruling classes of the Global North. How can one write any other poetry when people make money from killing others and stealing their fields? We don’t beg emotions from those who don’t have any. Oh God, how cruel people can be.Samia’s poetry and writing can be found at the following Arabic publications: Ilaaf, Ana AlAaghar, Eihterafaat kinaah,Thakafaat, Kitabaat, Horraas alwatan, Kalimaat bawhh al-rouh, Rasa’el maa kahwat Alsabaah.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Sangeun Kim, Seayoung Park, and Serena Jeong. During their recent visit to Australia for a cross-cultural exchange with fellow Australian women, they reflect on the meaning of leadership, the everyday challenges faced by working women in Korea and Australia, and what solidarity between women across cultures can look like.Tune in to hear their insights, stories of resilience, and how EAWK is creating space for women to lead with purpose—both at home and abroad.Learn more about EAWK at empowerkorea.com/aus

Operation Inglenook is an initiative by the Australian Border Force which claims to focus on identifying exploitation and potential victims of trafficking and modern slavery.This harmful - and unsuccessful - approach unfairly targets the sex industry, leading to invasive workplace raids, canceled visas, detention and deportation. This is very distressing for migrant sex workers, no matter their visa status. Operation Inglenook is a racist, violent campaign targeting Asian-migrant sex workers through workplace and border raids. Today’s speeches are from a rally held on 17 April 2025 and are: Bee from Justice for our sisters, Penny who is a migrant sex worker, and a statement from the The Asian Migrant Sex Worker Advisory Group (AMSWAG).

In 1804, enslaved Haitians successfully overthrew French colonial rule and founded the world's first Black republic. But by 1825, the French returned and demanded Haiti to pay “reparations” for French financial losses, including the value of the lives of the formerly enslaved. With warships off its coast, Haiti was forced to agree to an indemnity debt, which totaled hundreds of millions in today's dollars, a ransom for freedom. Lasting for generations, this so-called independence debt was not just a financial burden hindering Haiti’s development across all sectors, it was a calculated act of economic warfare where foreign funding replaced sovereignty, while the imperial west escalated its predation: repeated military invasions, embargoes, financial coercion, political interference, orchestrated coups, and installed puppet governments and dictators.  From France’s gunboat diplomacy, to US military occupation, to UN missions for “stabilisation” and the brutal suppression of justice movements, Haiti has been a laboratory for imperial control. But through it all, Haitian resistance persists marking Haiti as both a symbol and site of global injustice and revolutionary possibility. In this episode, we will hear from Haiti’s former First Lady, Mildred Aristide, in her powerful speech at the 2025 Samuel Dash Conference on Human Rights, whose call for repair confronts colonialism’s unfinished business.

On this week’s episode, we listen to an interview with Dr Iori Hamada, a Japanese Studies lecturer and researcher based in Melbourne. Driven by a passion for social inclusion, Iori is dedicated to fostering a more equitable society, particularly for disadvantaged groups such as migrants and women. In this conversation, we talk about gender inequality in Japan and how gender and migration intersect in the experiences of the Japanese community in Victoria, Australia.

In this episode, we hear from Eun Jeong, an academic based in Seoul, and Sunlei, an activist working on the ground in Mae Sot, Thailand. Together, they explore the state of women’s rights activism and gender-based violence affecting Myanmar communities—both within Myanmar and among displaced populations in border regions like Mae Sot, Thailand.Through their conversation, we gain insight into the intersecting challenges of political instability, displacement, and gender based violence—and the strength of women organising for change across borders.

This episode is dedicated to raising awareness around 'cybercrime' within our communities. This episode features Ms Saleha Singh and has been presented by Dr Chris Mallika Bhadra on the lands of the Kulin Nation.

On this week’s episode we listen to the story of Fayeza, a 21 year old woman born and living in Afghanistan. Fayeza comes from the Hazara ethnic group of Afghanistan. She was preparing for medical university when the Taliban came back to power and banned education for women. In this conversation we talk about her life journey, her insights into the political situation, and her aspirations.

Zena Cumpston is a Barkandji woman with Afghan, English and Irish heritage.Zena works as an artist, writer, consultant and curator. She is passionate about plants and seeks out projects that empower community and Country. Zena is a member of the Birrarung Council and the curator of First Nations Projects at InPLace Artist Residencies. In 2024 Zena co-wrote the Yuruwan ‘Growing on Country’ resource, a unique space to consider food sovereignty and cultural landscapes, fostering fertile conditions for social and environmental justice and change. She is the co-author of the highly popular book ‘Plants; past, present, future’ (First Knowledges series) and is a widely published essayist and regular public speaker.

Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte is in the custody of the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands after being arrested in Manila on Tuesday 11 March, on crimes against humanity charges linked to his deadly "war on drugs".Mr Duterte was detained by Philippine police and flown to The Hague in the Netherlands on an arrest warrant. Police say that during his arrest, Mr Duterte threatened officers, refused to be fingerprinted and his associates and family blocked his arrest for 12 hours.On Accent of Women today, we look at Duterte’s deadly war on drugs and what this arrest means, but in further news, the workers at the semiconductor manufacturer, Nexperia, had a victory last week as well, following 4 days of strike action. My guest today is Rochelle Porras from EILER – The Ecumenical Institute for Labour Education and Research

Ana Gamero, originally from Peru and now living in Australia for 17 years, made the bold transition from construction to welding while undertaking an Engineering Fabrication Apprenticeship. In this conversation, she shares her journey in the trades, the invaluable support from her colleagues, and the guidance of Courteney Munn, Project Manager at AMWU, who helped her navigate the challenges she faced. Through the union, Ana discovered a powerful sense of community and support.The song in the intro is Marinera Norteña - La Trujillana. The song at the end is La Flor de la Canela, by Chabuca Granda and interpreted by Eva Ayllon en vivo en Buenos Aires, Argentina. Both songs are gems of Peruvian musical heritage. Special thanks to Ana Gamero for the interview.This episode was presented by Ximena Jimenez and produced on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, in what is now known as Melbourne. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and acknowledge their ongoing connection to land, waters, and culture.

This episode is dedicated to raising awareness around 'mental health' within South-Asian diaspora and communities. This episode features Ms Tania Biswas and has been presented by Dr Chris Mallika Bhadra on the lands of the Kulin Nation.

Racerage is a queer, Blak radical rapper; mixing dark electronic hip-hop with defiant punk energy. They collaborate with other BIPOC, queer and trans artists, to create political protest rap ... hip hop as truth telling. Racerage dropped their debut record Black Medusa in 2021; the soundtrack to a shared decolonised, queer, accessible future;On this episode of Accent of Women, we hear about their journey as a multiply marginalised artist in the local music industry, coming to culture, and their experiences with grassroots activism and harm reduction advocacy in Naarm-Melbourne.

Excerpts from 29 January Webinar, hosted by APAN: Beyond the Ceasefire: Next steps to liberation and justice- Pt 2On this week's show we play excerpts from the recording of a webinar hosted by the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network which takes a critical look at the ceasefire agreement and unpacks what it means for the movement for Palestinian justice. It contextualises the movement within the broader struggle for Palestinian rights, and discusses the reality of the ceasefire for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.The speakers featured on the podcast are:Dr Lana Tatour: a Palestinian woman whose family was displaced in the 1948 Nakba, and an academic on Settler colonialism, race, and decolonization in PalestineSamah Sabawi: a Gazan Palestinian author, playwright and scholarSongsMawtini -Mohammed YoussefMystic of the Middle East- Serge Quadrado

Excerpts from 29 January Webinar, hosted by APAN: Beyond the Ceasefire: Next steps to liberation and justice- Pt 1On this week's show we play excerpts from the recording of a webinar hosted by the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network which takes a critical look at the ceasefire agreement and unpacks what it means for the movement for Palestinian justice. It contextualises the movement within the broader struggle for Palestinian rights, and discusses the reality of the ceasefire for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.The speakers featured on the podcast are:Dr Lana Tatour: a Palestinian woman whose family was displaced in the 1948 Nakba, and an academic on Settler colonialism, race, and decolonization in PalestineSamah Sabawi: a Gazan Palestinian author, playwright and scholar

August 2024 was a tragic month for the South-Asian diaspora as a young female medical doctor was abused and consequently lost her life at RG Kar Hospital, Kolkata, India.This episode is dedicated to women and worker safety in our workplaces and in public premises.

Today’s story is about the intersection between music, sexiness and politics. We’ll talk about how it is living on a visa as a creative and how music can build up a sense of radical home. Special thanks to Luara, the founder of Inbraza, for her invaluable contributions. The phonk music featured at the end of this episode is from the album Músicas Pra Descer Até O Chão, Vol. 1 by Mike, O Prodigio, and Kay.Love what you heard? Follow INBRAZA on Instagram and help us make some noise!This episode was presented by Ximena Jimenez and produced on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, in what is now known as Melbourne. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and acknowledge their ongoing connection to land, waters, and culture.

Back in September 2023, I broadcast a three part series called Incarcerated Women and the California Bushfires.In the current bushfires raging across California, there are more than 900 incarcerated people among the more than 7,500 personnel, fighting those fires. I thought it was a great time to revisit this really important conversation.Today I am only going to replay Part 1, but you can go to our podcast page to listen back on the other two episodes.*********************************************This conversation between activist scholars Sarah Haley and Romarilyn Ralston takes as a point of departure the firefighting labor of people imprisoned in California’s women’s prisons. The discussion considers the specific contradictions of that forced labor and meanders to cover the carceral state’s relationship to disappearance, precarity, interiority, intimacy, possibility, performance, and violence.

Mithaka Country is 55,425 square kilometres of beautiful red sand dunes  west of Windorah and east of Birdsville, in the heart of Queensland’s Channel Country. The three major rivers that feed Lake Eyre – Cooper Creek, Eyre Creek, and the Diamantina River.Today, my guest is Trudy Gorringe, a Mithaka woman, who I had the good fortune of meeting, while I was in Windorah travelling around. Trudy and I talked about a range of topics associated with native title and First Nation’s control of traditional lands. You’ll notice quite a bit of background wind and noise. That’s because we did this interview on the sprawling lands of the Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation.

Most supporters of Palestine tend to view the issue in nationalist terms, as a struggle with the Palestinians and the broader Arab world on one side, and the Israeli state and its western allies on the other. Yet any serious look at the situation today, or at the history of the 20th century for that matter, shows that the Arab states have done nothing to seriously challenge Zionism or its Western backers. On Accent of Women today, we conclude our broadcast of a talk by Socialist and activist, Bella Beiraghi that explores some of this history, and explains why Arab elites are not simply unreliable allies, but are actually complicit in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.

This week's Accent of Women hands the airwaves over to women from diverse backgrounds living with disabilities. This week's special is produced by Marisa Sposaro - a woman with a vision impairment and who is a braille user.

Most supporters of Palestine tend to view the issue in nationalist terms, as a struggle with the Palestinians and the broader Arab world on one side, and the Israeli state and its western allies on the other. Yet any serious look at the situation today, or at the history of the 20th century for that matter, shows that the Arab states have done nothing to seriously challenge Zionism or its Western backers. On Accent of Women today, and concluding the week after next week, I broadcast a talk by Socialist and activist, Bella Beiraghi that explores some of this history, and explains why Arab elites are not simply unreliable allies, but are actually complicit in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.

A former Bondi nanny and cleaner accused by Chile of being a torturer and kidnapper for Pinochet’s military dictatorship in the 1970s has launched a last-ditch legal appeal to avoid extradition. Adriana Rivas, 70, has been in prison in Australia since 2019, when she was arrested on an extradition request from Chile – seeking her for trial on seven counts of aggravated kidnapping relating to the disappearance, and presumed murder, of seven members of Chile’s communist party who disappeared in 1976.Today's guest is Pilar Aguielera, co-founder of the National Campaign for truth and justice in Chile.

Cynthia Honihui, Solomon Islands Lawyer and President for the Pacific Islands Fighting Climate Change, presented the 4th annual Talbot Oration on World Environment Day, 5 June at the Australia Institute. Here’s the talk where Cynthia discusses her participation in the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion Campaign for climate justice and human rights, and next steps for climate justice in the ICJ.

In recent years right-wing populists/extremists and right-wing Catholic as well as conservative actors have been building new alliances in several European countries around the notion of ‘gender-theory’ or ‘gender-ideology’.  These groups construct ‘gender’ as a totalitarian ideology, which aims to create a new, ‘gender-less’ human, thereby attacking the institution of the family and European societies as a whole. This reading of ‘gender’, which has been developed by the Vatican from the 1990s onwards, is instrumental to forming coalitions across the right-wing political spectrum.  Edma Ajonavic, Stefanie Mayer, and Birgit Sauer deliver a speech called, ‘Gender’ as Symbolic Glue for Right-Wing Actors in Europe’ at the 2nd International Marxist Feminist Conference in Vienna in 2016.

There are two significant anniversaries in the Middle Eastern/West Asian region of the world worth commemorating on Accent of Women. Two years on September 16, Jina Mahsa Amini was killed by the Morality Police in Iran, sparking the Woman Life Freedom movement there. A year earlier, in August 2021, the Taliban was ushered back into power as the whole world looked on, when the United States eventually withdrew its troops.So today’s guests are Frieda Afary, Iranian American feminist activist, and Sahar Saba, from the Revolutionary Association of the women of Afghanistan.

Prominent union leader, Chhim Sithar, who led a high-profile strike at a Phnom Penh hotel and casino called Naga World, was released from prison on Monday 19 September. She has promised to continue leading workers who are demanding better wages and working conditions. The dispute at the NagaWorld Hotel and Entertainment Complex, one of the world’s most profitable gambling centers, began in 2021 when the company laid off more than 1,300 employees, about half of them union members.The strike has drawn a violent crackdown from police and continues to this day. Cambodian authorities have claimed that the strike is illegal and the product of alleged foreign donations. But of course, the workers disagree.My guest today is Chhim Sithar, the President of the Khmer Employees of NagaWorld.

The JVP has just been elected in Sri Lanka, supposedly signalling a new Marxist era in Sri Lankan politics. But the JVP has a mixed history and politics – particularly its policies on minorities. On today’s program, we speak with academic, Samanthi Gunawardana to try to understand these developments in Sri Lankan politics.

On today’s Accent of Women, we look at the campaign to close Unit 18, a child detention wing inside the maximum-security Casuarina Prison near Perth in Western Australia. The campaign escalated in the wake of the tragic death of Yamatji child Cleveland Dodd in 2023 after he self-harmed while incarcerated in the facility. Earlier this month, it was revealed that another child detained at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre, also near Perth, had died by suicide. 3CR’s Priya Kunjan interviews Roxy Moore, Noongar lawyer, community organiser, activist and campaigner, and Stephanie McGuire, Ballardong and Whadjuk Noongar community organiser and activist. For listeners, I want to issue a CONTENT WARNING for today’s show. Today’s show mentions SUICIDE, SELF HARM, DISCUSSION OF ABORIGINAL DEATHS IN CUSTODY.

The Israeli government continues to impose strict restrictions on the movement of aid into Gaza. The complex bureaucratic process and changing Standard Operating Procedures result in food and medical supplies nearing expiration before entry. Meat and vegetables are frequently denied at key crossings. Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world for an aid worker – almost 300 have been killed since October 7, with many claiming some of these deaths occurred as a result of direct targeting.Hampering the provision of aid is a part of the genocidal campaign of Israel against not just Gaza but all Palestinians. And despite this, aid workers continue to fight to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians.My guest today is Bushra Khalidi, the Occupied Territory Lead for Oxfam International, based in Ramallah.

Revolutionary Palestinian, Leila Khaled. Special thanks to Peoples Dispatch for that audio.

Mass protests broke out in Bangladesh in early July over a controversial quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in the 1971 war. But the issue over which people protested quickly expanded to include broader demands around freedom of speech and democracy. As the protests expanded, so too did the repression and in about 5 weeks of protests, as of August 2, there were about 215 deaths and more than 20,000 others injured, accompanied by more than 11,000 arrests in various parts of the country. My guest today is Taslima Akhter, President of Bangladesh Garment Workers Solidarity, and a participant and activists in this protest movement.

A wave of protests is sweeping through Kenya, since June 18. Triggered by controversial proposed tax hikes, the movement has evolved into a wider campaign for more accountable governance in the country. Some demand the entire government’s resignation. While the protesters have overwhelmingly been peaceful, they have been met with fierce police repression and brutality, including the deployment of tear gas, mass arrests of activists, and an inordinate number of disappearances, plus, over 50 people dead, My guest today is Nita Okoko, Kenyan socialist and feminist activist.

Asylum seekers and refugee boat arrivals that entered Australian waters before 1 January 2014 were subject to a different set of visa processing rules that limited their ability to seek a more permanent visa status. This group of about 30,000 people is known as the Legacy Caseload.A blanket ban was applied to individuals in this group, preventing them from having a refugee protection visa application processed unless the Immigration Minister exercised personal discretion to override the ban (known as "lifting the bar"). But in December 2022, Andrew Giles declared that 19,000 permanent residencies would be granted, leaving approximately 12,000 refugees in limbo.A group of these refugees has set up a permanent tent embassy firstly outside of Clare O'Neil's electoral office, and now, outside of the office of Home Affairs in Melbourne. I spoke with three of these Temporary Protection Visa holders, Narges, Aida and Afifa.

Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association (PANZMA) was established in 2020 by a group of healthcare professionals across Australia and New Zealand, who care about fulfilling the unmet need of providing comprehensive health care in Palestine. My guest today is Dr. Bushra Othman, an Australian Palestinian surgeon who has just recently returned from a PANZMA medical mission in Gaza.PANZMA desperately needs donations to survive and to continue supporting people devastated by war in Gaza. Go to their website and donate today: PANZMA.org

With France’s political system making it to mainstream international media, owing to the near success of Le Pen’s fascist party, National Rally, this week’s Accent of Women focuses on fascism and islamophobia in France.Author, political activist and writer of French-Algerian origin HOURIA BOUTELDJA presents her critique of contemporary leftist thought and activism, undertaken from an anti-colonial perspective. She draws on her direct political experience as the founder and former leader of the Parti des Indigènes de la République movement in France, as well as her longstanding interest in the study of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, summarized in her most recent book, “Whites, Jews and Us: Toward a Politics of Revolutionary Love”.This speech is called Why White Antifascism Is not Enough to Fight Islamophobia?

On today’s Accent of Women, a different perspective on the War on Gaza and the October 7 attacks. Combatants for Peace is a grassroots movement of Israelis and Palestinians, working together to end the occupation and bring peace, equality and freedom to the are we call Palestine but others call Israel. Committed to joint nonviolence since their inception, Combatants for Peace uses civil resistance, education and other creative means of activism to transform systems of oppression and build a free and peaceful future from the ground up.  Launched in 2006, Combatants for Peace is the only movement worldwide that was founded by former fighters on both sides of an active conflict. As a result, they were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017 and 2018.Iris Gur is an activist from Combatants for Peace. She is Israeli, and she starts here by discussing how she was first politicised, and how she came to join the peace movement.

Two years on from the Supreme Court’s ruling in the United States that overturned the historic decision on abortion rights in the famous case called Roe v Wade, and abortions are predictably the most inaccessible they’ve been. The National Mobilzation for Reproductive Justice has been spearheading a campaign to get unions behind the fight for reproductive justice against the far right's relentless onslaught. To mark the 2nd anniversary of the Supreme Court decision on June 24, National Mobilzation for Reproductive Justice will hold a press conference in Washington DC, outside AFL-CIO headquarters, to deliver an open letter signed by 600 unions, union groups and members to the AFL-CIO, which calls on the AFL-CIO to convene a national union conference to strategise for a national fightback for reproductive rights. Today's guest is Nancy Reiko Kato, Japanese American feminist, socialist and organiser with National Mobilzation for Reproductive Justice.

On today’s show, we feature Maiy Aziz from Everybody’s Home, a national campaign to fix the housing crisis. Everybody’s Home was launched in 2018 by a coalition of housing, homelessness and welfare organisations to achieve the change needed so everybody has a safe and decent place to live.But first up, a reminder that there’s still a Genocide in Gaza. Rihab Charida - a Palestinian Film Maker speaking at a recent Belmore Park, Sydney event for Palestine.

On today’s show, we head down to one of the Stop the Ports Rallies held across Australia by Trade Unionists for Palestine to highlight the need for Australia to cease aiding and abetting the war on Palestine. In Melbourne, Victoria, trade unionists and community members gathered first at station pier then marched along the foreshore to Sandridge Beach, with the cranes of webb dock clearly in sight. The purpose of the co-ordinated nationwide action was to highlight again that maritime trade is strategic in the war on Gaza, and that workers everywhere, do indeed have the power to grind everything to a halt.Today’s guests are Reem Yunis and Mai Saif.

On the 29 April this year, our comrades in Bangladesh organised an international meeting called From Local to Global: Struggle and Solidarity. The purpose of the meeting was to talk about international organising and solidarity, in the context of major international workers events such as International Workers Memorial Day, International Working Women’s Day and of course May Day.The speakers today are Dina Siddiqi,  Linda Gomaa, Nafisa Nipun Tanjeem.

Today’s Accent of Women commemorates May Day – International Workers Day on 1 May every year. The Second International designated International Workers’ Day be 1 May every year, in 1889. The date was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket Affair, a violent confrontation between police and labour protesters in Chicago on May 4, 1886, that became a symbol of the international struggle for workers’ rights. The strike at Haymarket in 1886 was about a national campaign to secure an eight-hour workday. May Day is a day of protest and action, right across the world, and this year Palestine was a major theme everywhere. On today’s Accent of Women, I bring you four speeches delivered at the May Day rally in Melbourne, Victoria – on a very frosty autumn evening.

It’s 11 years since the collapse of Rana Plaza, a building in Dhaka, Bangladesh that housed some 5 garment factories. More than 1100 workers died on 24 April 2013 but this was no accident. Workers and in fact, just about every body, knew that the building was unstable. It was built on a pond, without the correct construction permits, extra floors were added to the building illegally, and the heavy equipment associated with the garment industry all meant that the building couldn’t hold the weight of its contents.But also, on the day of the collapse, cracks had appeared in the walls of the building, and the other tenants  – banks, small shops, they all closed for the day. But the garment workers were not afforded this basic safety measure. They were forced to work that day on threat of losing an entire months wages. They staged massive protests outside the building, but were eventually forced inside because of the unrelenting poverty that they are subjected to.So Rana Plaza was no accident – it was, it is, Industrial murder. 11 years on, these workers are fighting for an across the board wage increase. Their year long campaign has had some gains. Joining me today to discuss the wage case and the anniversary of Rana Plaza, I am joined by Taslima Akhter.

On this week’s show, we return take a closer look at a number of campaigns that have emerged in Australia in the wake of the genocide in Gaza. Specifically, anti-weapons manufacturing campaigns and demilitarisation campaigns.My guests today are Palestinian/Syrian woman Nathalie Farrah from Disrupt Wars and the Get Elbit Industries out of Australia campaign. And Palestinian activist, Dana Alshaer from Melbourne University Students for Palestine Action Group.

A recent military escalation in West Papua is the latest episode in a long history of repression and dispossession since the island came under Indonesian control. But the authorities in Jakarta still haven’t been able to stabilize their rule over West Papua.On today’s show, Accent of Women looks at the Resistance of the West Papuan people. 3CR’s Priya Kunjan spoke with leading Human Rights Activist in Indonesia, Vanessa Koman.

On this week’s show, we’re gonna chat about an exciting new book that’s being released in a couple of weeks’ time, called, “An Unexpected Life”, it documents the stories of 11 Canberra based women who are migrants to Australia, their journeys to this country, their successes and failures and loves and regrets. And interwoven across these 11 women’s stories, is that of the author herself,Vesna Cvjeticanin. I had the privilege and pleasure of chatting with Vesna about her book.

The Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill proposes amendments to the Migration Act to deal with situations where non-citizens subject to removal are not cooperating with government authorities, or where their own government refuses to take them back. It is widely understood to be a response to the High Court’s ruling in November 2023 that found indefinite immigration detention to be unlawful.It’s also considered an attempt to pre-empt further litigation scheduled in the High Court. The case of an Iranian man refusing to cooperate in his deportation is due before the court next month. However, the amendments introduced in the bill go far beyond addressing this issue. They have wide-ranging impacts for how non-citizens are treated in Australia, and indeed for Australia’s relationship with governments around the world.My guest today is refugee, and refugee activist, Lavanya Thavaraja.

On this week’s show, we return our gaze to Gaza and the genocide of the Palestinian people there. It’s been almost 6 months since Israel launched its genocidal campaign of bombardment against the people of Gaza, ostensibly in response to Hamas’ attack on Nir Oz Kibbutz on the 7 October. The war has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, with some 1.2 million people now displaced in Rafah, with no where to go. All negotiations for a ceasefire have failed.First up, Rasha Abbas, the founder of Palestine Australia Relief and Action – this newly formed charity is supporting Palestinian refugees arriving in Australia. Then later in the show, Dana Alshaer, from UniMelb students for Palestine who are campaigning against the interests of weapons manufacturing companies in Australia’s higher education system. Companies such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and Boeing – are amongst the 5 largest weapons manufacturing companies in the world, and they fund research and PhDs at a range of universities including Melbourne University.  Donate to PARA if you're able to: https://para.org.au/

23,000 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander children in out of home care.Grandmothers Against Removals is an organisation – actually started by Lidia Thorpe – that aims to end the removal of Aboriginal children, or at the very least, place them with family members.GMAR Victoria was established in recognition of the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home-care. They’re all volunteers. They’re all Aboriginal grandmothers. GMAR’s volunteers understand first hand the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal families and seeks to mitigate these in order to keep families together.I had the opportunity to speak with one of the lead volunteers, Aunty Rieo Ellis. https://www.mycause.com.au/charity/62924/GrandmothersAgainstRemovalsGMARVICTORIA

On this week’s show, our last piece of coverage from the ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations) meeting in Melbourne on 4, 5 & 6 of March, and today we continue our focus on Myanmar.Since the violent military coup on February 1, 2021, the people of Myanmar have staunchly rejected military rule, demonstrating resilience through the widespread Civil Disobedience Movement.  Over the past three years, the country has continued to reject military governance and has mobilised an effective alternative - the civilian government, known as the National Unity Government (NUG), which continues to consolidate its rightful claim to leadership.Today’s guest is Debbie Stothard, the founding member of the Alternative ASEAN on Burma was in Melbourne for the Myanmar People’s Summit, which was held alongside and in opposition to the ASEAN Special Summit.

Since the violent military coup on February 1, 2021, the people of Myanmar have staunchly rejected military rule, demonstrating resilience through the widespread Civil Disobedience Movement.  Over the past three years, the country has continued to reject military governance and has mobilised an effective alternative - the civilian government, known as the National Unity Government (NUG), which continues to consolidate its rightful claim to leadership.In opposition to, and alongside the ASEAN summit, the Myanmar People's Summit, convened by civil society, took place on March 4, 2024, at the United Workers Union offices in Melbourne. This summit represents a unified stance in support of a civilian and democratic government in Myanmar and aims to amplify the strongest support for civilian rule to ASEAN leaders attending the ASEAN Special Summit in Melbourne, hosted by the Australian Prime Minister.A special thank you to Tasneem Roc at APHEDA for providing the audio for this week's show, and if you'd like to get involved in any solidarity work with Myanmar, contact Tasneem on troc@apheda.org.au.

The Albanese Government has invited Ferdinand Bong Bong Marcos Junior to address the Australian Parliament on Thursday the 29th February. Bong Bong Marcos Junior is the son of former brutal dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Snr, who was deposed in 1986. The apple does not fall far from the tree, and Marcos Junior is shaping up to be quite the dictator himself. Marcos’ visit coincides with the ASEAN summit, scheduled to take place in Melbourne on the 4, 5 & 6 of March.Progressive Filipinos in Australia are mobilising against Marcos Junior and protesting against his visit and speaking engagements.  Guest: Alexia Fuentes from Anakbayan Melbourne. https://www.instagram.com/anakbayanmelbourne/

It’s been 130 days of war and genocide in Palestine. The world watches on and there is no ceasefire in sight. Israel continues to play the victim. Netanyahu is now promising to bombard Rafah – where they have sent over 1.5 million Palestinians to escape from bombardments in the north.Ahmad Tibi, a Knesset member, and Palestinian citizen of Israel, is urging the international community to “stop this war”. He has said that anyone who intends to invade Rafah intends to commit a war crime’ At least 67 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air and sea attacks on Rafah early on Monday 12 February, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.On Accent of Women today, we continue our coverage of the massive demonstrations country wide calling on the Australian government to refund UNRWA; to call for a ceasefire; to stop arming Israel, and to stop supporting genocide.

January 26.  Australia Day.  It marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, in New South Wales, the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at that site by Governor Arthur Phillip, the invasion of Australia and the start of genocide against the original owners of this land.  January 26 is a day of mourning and a day of struggle, marked by big, loud, powerful Invasion Day rallies right across the country. In Melbourne, over 100,000 people marched in solidarity with First Nations People and on today’s Accent of Women, I bring you some of the voices from that rally.

It’s been more than a year since the U.S. Supreme Court wiped out half a century of federally protected abortion rights. Since then, the speed and breadth of far-right attacks on reproductive justice has been breathtaking. So has the resistance on the ground.Nga Bui, coordinator of the Mobilisation for Reproductive Justice in New York City, joins me today to speak about the war on women, trans folks and queers, people of colour, Indigenous, disabled, working class and poor. If you’re based in Melbourne and you’d like to get along and hear Nga speak further on this topic, the details are: Saturday, 6 January at 4.00 pmThorne Harbour Health, 200 Hoddle St, AbbotsfordContact rw.aus@radicalwomen.org

As we enter the 10th week of bombardment in Gaza, and over 17,000 people there have now been slain. It becomes clearer and clearer that these atrocities have very little to do with avenging the 240 hostages taken, and it always was about pushing Palestinians out of the tiny Gaza strip and occupying it. Hamas is only active in Gaza, but the killings and repression are unabated in the West Bank.So today, we return to our coverage of the movement in support and solidarity with the Palestinians – millions upon millions of people worldwide are protesting, are resisting are saying, not in our name, to the genocide unfolding in Palestine.On today’s program, Accent of Women brings you speeches from the Sydney rally, held on Sunday 3 December. First up Reem Burrows.

One of Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed alliances launched a coordinated attack, on 27 October, attacking a dozen military outposts in northern Shan State, along the country’s eastern border with China.Code-named Operation 1027, the plan is to assert and defend territory against Myanmar military incursions, eradicate “oppressive military dictatorship”, and combat online fraud along the border, according to a statement from its organisers, the Three Brotherhood Alliance.My guest today is the Debbie Stothard. Debbie is an active promoter of human rights in Burma and the Asean region. In1996, she founded the Alternative Asean Network on Burma. During her 32 year career, she has worked as a journalist, community education consultant, governmental advisor and trainer in Malaysia, Australia and Thailand.