Accent of Women

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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 FUTURE FUND HEAD OFFICE (447 COLLINS ST) ON THURSDAY 26 JUNE 2025. Elbit of 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 Elbit Out Of Victoria 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.

Looking at gender based violence in Myanmar

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 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.

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.