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How women of faith are changing the culture

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How are women of faith changing today's culture?(Getty: Jennifer Kosig)

It’s International Women’s Day! Join Justine Toh and the panel as they celebrate women’s achievements, fight stereotypes and explore how religious commitment can help – rather than harm – the female cause.

In this episode:

Let's face it: religion doesn't have a reputation for progressing on women's issues. But how fair is this accusation? Could there be a faith factor behind women's rights movements – one that we've forgotten?

The 2019 Islamophobia in Australia report revealed that out of all incidences of abuse, women were victims 72% of the time – and almost all women were wearing a hijab at the the time of abuse. What can be done to counteract negative stereotyping?

Leymah Gbowee recieved the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for her role in ending Liberia's fourteen year civil war, by leading a peace campaign. At one point, she and 200 women formed a human barricade to prevent leaders from leaving a building before they had struck a peace agreement. How have women been promoting peace and reconciliation on a local, and national level?

More Information

Watch historian Tom Holland's full interview on Season 2, episode 5 of The Big Conversation.

Listen to Randa Abdel-Fattah's conversation with ABC's Philip Adams on Late Night Live: Arab-Australian Feminism.

Hear Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee on NPR's To the Best of our Knowledge.

Guests:

Brooke Prentis, CEO of Common Grace, a broad movement of Christians campaigning for justice. Brooke is also a descendent of the Wakka Wakka people, and is the first Aboriginal Christian woman to lead a national Christian organisation in Australia.

Qwayne Guevera, Local engagement leader for Catholic Youth in Parramatta. An ex-lawyer turned community organiser, Qwayne is the co-owner of the Young Lions Cafe in Western Sydney, a hub for community and caffeine.

Dr Derya Iner, Senior lecturer in Sociology and Contemporary studies at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation at Charles Sturt University. Dr Iner is also the lead researcher of the Islamophobia in Australia reports.

Presenter:

Justine Toh

Producers:

Rohan Salmond / Hong Jiang

Broadcast 
Religion, Activism and Lobbying, Christianity, Christianity, Islam
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