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Be So For Real

This week, Lucia and Leo are asking: how do we know what to believe?From misleading headlines and political memes to AI-generated content, misinformation is everywhere. Together, they unpack how it spreads, why we believe it, and whether it affects everyone equally.What we see shapes what we believe, and what we believe shapes how we participate.Listen here...

She Can Vote, But Can She Get Paid?

This week on Equal Agenda, Lucia and Leo explore the history of women’s political rights in Aotearoa and asking whether winning the right to vote was ever the end goal.They unpack what political representation has meant for women, how female leaders are treated by the media, and what the 2025 changes to pay equity could mean for the future.Winning the vote was only the beginning. So, are we really moving forward, or are some things moving backwards?Listen here...

Soo... Are We Voting This Year?

This week, Lucia and Leo are joined by a passionate changemaker, Jah Wheki, from Seed Waikato. They koorero about the mahi Seed Waikato does with young people and politics in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. Jah shares her journey as a young waahine and what shaped her passion for encouraging rangatahi to get involved in their community and civic engagement. Together, they explore different approaches to encourage young people to get involved and vote!Listen hereEnrol to vote by 25 October 2026 here...

Left on Read: Young Women and Voting

In this episode we’re asking a big question: why aren’t young people voting?Lucia and Leo unpack some of the reasons young people, particularly young women, may feel disconnected from voting.  From thinking their vote doesn’t matter, to feeling overwhelmed, distrusting politicians, and navigating misinformation online, they discuss it all.  Listen here...

Politics Made Simple

Welcome to Season 5 of the Equal Agenda podcast! This season, our new hosts Lucia and Leo, will be diving into all thing’s politics in light of Aotearoa New Zealand’s upcoming election.In this episode, Lucia and Leo introduce themselves and provide a summary of the topics they will be covering. They set the scene to discuss why politics shouldn't feel like it's only for experts.Listen and follow as they navigate the layers of politics, voting, women, rights, and attempt to make these ideas u...

Let's Talk Wellbeing: Why Belonging Matters

What helps us feel a sense of belonging? In this episode, we sit down with Rosemary from Western Community Centre to explore the importance of connection to place and a sense of belonging, how it impacts wellbeing, and practical ways young women in the Waikato can build meaningful connections in their community....

Let's Talk Wellbeing: A Reflection on Community Connection

Feeling connected, supported, and part of a community can help us build resilience and feel a greater sense of belonging.In this episode, we speak with Jahvaya Wheki from Seed Waikato about the importance of community connection for women in the Waikato.Together, we explore the unique challenges women can face, how local communities and initiatives can create meaningful connections, and practical ways waahine can build supportive networks that enhance their wellbeing....

Let's Talk Wellbeing: Upskilling for The Future

Vocational skills and job readiness were identified as a top priority need for young women in our Young Waikato Women's Wellbeing Report. In this episode, we speak with Caitlin Wilson, General Manager of the Young Workers Resource Centre. Together, we explore how vocational skills and job readiness support women's wellbeing, the challenges young waahine face entering the workforce, and how we can better equip them to thrive!...

Let's Talk Wellbeing: More Than a Roof - Housing and Women's Wellbeing

Safe and stable environments - including access to safe, secure and affordable housing - were identified as a top priority need for young women in our Young Waikato Women's Wellbeing Report. In this episode, we speak with Joe Wilson, a community development and systems change leader in Aotearoa New Zealand. Together, we explore how housing shapes wellbeing and the changes needed to ensure every waahine has a safe and stable place to call home....

Ka Kite!

Romain and Immy reflect on what they learned and how we can carry these conversations forward. They talk about the power of dialogue, why your voice matters, and the importance of showing up especially through voting."We also take a moment to give our heartfelt thanks to YWCA Waikato and Free FM for providing a platform where these conversations could happen. To everyone who has listened, engaged, and reflected alongside us, thank you. This space has shown us just how powerful conversation can b...

Back to the Future

Romain and Immy investigate the “waves” of feminism and what has been achieved and what has been left out. Challenging the idea that progress follows a single timeline, they reflect on where we are now and where we might be heading and what these shifts mean for gender equity today.Listen here...

Our body, Our Choice

Romain and Immy dissect the relationship between women, medicine, and science. Questioning what “our bodies, our choice” really means in a system that hasn’t always centred women. From the long history of dismissing women’s pain to ongoing gaps in research around conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, they unpack how medical sexism still shapes care today. This episode also looks at women as clinicians, highlighting pay gaps, workplace bias, and the additional pressures women face in th...

Queering the Norm

In this episode, Immy and Romain chat about the relationship between feminism and the LGBTQ+ community, and what it means to challenge society’s ideas of what’s considered "normal." They talk about how LGBTQ+ people have sometimes been welcomed in feminist spaces and sometimes pushed to the side. They also unpack intersectionality and the different challenges LGBTQ+ women can face, including homophobia and transphobia, before discussing how society shapes our understanding of gender and how ...

Delving Into the Manosphere

Romain and Immy dive into the unsettling world of incel culture and the “manosphere,” exploring how online spaces can turn loneliness and insecurity into misogyny and control. They look at figures like Andrew Tate to unpack how men are encouraged to dominate and police women’s bodies, framing their behaviour as strength or masculinity.Listen here...

You're Doing Feminism Wrong

Is there a right way to be a feminist? Immy and Romain unpack a question that sparks debate everywhere. While there may not be one single way to define feminism, there are certainly ways it can go wrong. From the stigma attached to the label to the real-world consequences of claiming it, they explore how feminism is shaped, challenged, and sometimes distorted. The conversation dives into why TERF ideologies are harmful, and the tension between empowering women versus controlling them. Whether y...

Incredible Indigenous Insights

Romain and Immy sit down with Kayla Manuirirangi and Agatha Gibbons for an open and powerful kōrero on Indigenous perspectives. They explore the differences between mainstream feminism and Indigenous frameworks, such as Mana Wāhine, grounding the conversation in culture, identity, and lived experience. Rather than leading the discussion, Romain and Immy give the floor to Kayla and Agatha, who generously share their insights as Indigenous women. Their voices highlight the diversity, strength, a...

Play Like a Girl

In this episode Romain and Immy are joined by Tash Wakelin, a passionate female cricketer (Northern Brave, Northern Districts Cricket) for an honest conversation about women in sport today. Unpacking the extra hurdles women face in earning equal recognition, we unpack the realities behind the headlines. We also dive into social attitudes that still hold girls back, and the ongoing funding gap between men’s and women’s sport. Tash brings a voice to the discussion about inclusion, equity, and...

WAR What Is It Good For?

Despite popular belief, women have been caught up in war across history, from the world wars to more recent conflicts, while often being left out of the story. Romain and Immy look at how war has been packaged as a “man’s job,” from all‑male conscription to the way politics and armies are still seen as masculine spaces. And they unpack how, during wartime, women are pushed into roles like factory workers, caregivers, and emotional support systems for soldiers. It’s a lively, honest cha...

Whakawhanaungatanga

Nau mai, haere mai to Season 4 of Equal Agenda! We’re so happy to be back with another beautiful season full of conversation, aroha, and learning. Meet our new hosts, Romain and Immy as they share what equality means to them, the experiences and upbringing that have shaped their journeys, and the ideas they’re passionate to explore this season. With fresh perspectives and heartfelt kōrero, Season 4 continues the mission of Equal Agenda sparking connection, curiosity, and real change through...

And That's a Wrap!

And that’s a wrap on Season 3 of the Equal Agenda podcast!In this episode, Charlie and Mia reflect on the topics they explored, what they learned, and what stayed with them the most. A big thank you to all our listeners for tuning in and being part of these essential conversations about gender equality, and to Free FM for giving us the platform to make it all possible!Listen here...

Feminism Has a Western Accent

Charlie and Mia are joined by special guest Matariki to explore how mainstream feminism has largely been shaped by Western histories, values, and priorities — and what that means for gender movements around the world.Together, they discuss whose voices have been amplified, whose have been overlooked, and how global perspectives can challenge and enrich feminist conversations. The episode also explores feminism through a Maaori worldview, highlighting how Indigenous perspectives can reshape how...

Transcending the Binary

Gender equality isn’t just about feminism. It’s about equality for all gender identities. Real impact happens when the conversation is truly inclusive. In this episode, Charlie and Mia dive into what’s happening in the trans community — the challenges, the wins, and the current debates around puberty blockers and participation in male/female sports leagues.Listen here...

Blessed or Bound?

Can religion and gender equality coexist or are they fundamentally at odds? So much of the world around us stems from religion, making it impossible to ignore when examining social issues. In this episode, Charlie and Mia unpack the messy, complex, and constantly evolving relationship between religion and gender equality.Disclaimer: Some people may find this episode offensive or confronting and reflects Charlie and Mia’s perspectives, which lean toward atheism. Listen here...

Buy! Buy! Buy!

More is more… right? We’re constantly being told what to buy, what we need, and what will make us look or feel better.The rapid cycle of micro-trends creates constant pressure to keep up, while unrealistic beauty standards and targeted marketing make women especially vulnerable.Join Charlie and Mia as they explore gendered marketing, materialistic culture, social media influence, and the forces driving our need to buy.Listen here...

Gendered Double Standards

From dating to motherhood, careers to appearance, women are expected to do it all, flawlessly, all the time. And honestly? We’re TIRED. Join Charlie, Mia and guest Bryanna as they unpack and question the unrealistic standards and pressures placed on women simply because of their gender.Listen here...