Accent of Women

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 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!

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.

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

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 .

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.

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

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 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.

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!