21 August 2026

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Thanks to today’s partner Mums Matter

“I just do the bookwork”.

This was a well-worn script for Jess Engleson, despite the reality of her managing her husband’s expanding construction business—CEO, CFO, COO—combined.

In this piece, (that will surely resonate widely) she shares what reframed her thinking and the way she communicated her true value to the naysayers.

Also today, Rita Nasr reflects on a week of headlines that expose the sick and twisted reality of being a woman in this country right now.

In health, and women are drinking more than they ever have before during mid-life. Researchers have coined it the ‘(wine) glass ceiling’. Here’s what to consider if you think your drinking has become unhealthy.

Meanwhile, paediatrician, Dr Sarah Arachchi explores the unique pressures facing doctors right now, and why their burnout may soon trigger a strike.

Finally, from AI-powered cancer detection to technology helping families stay connected through cognitive decline, meet the women turning scientific breakthroughs into ventures with real-world impact. Thanks to CSIRO for supporting this series!

Happy weekend!

Tarla Lambert-Patel
Editor in Chief & Co Founder

The Key Quote

I firstly want to apologise to the AFLW players, our female staff, and the women in our lives, our partners, mothers, sisters, and all women within the community. We take these allegations extremely seriously, and we hope the women involved are getting all the support they deserve.

Callum Mills, Captain of the Sydney Swans following the sexual assault allegations surrounding 5 team members.

On Women's Agenda Today

Footballers, schoolboys and the manosphere: We can do better than well wishes

The allegations show why preventing misogyny matters, but so does standing with survivors when violence has already happened. Read more +

Endometriosis and PMOS can significantly impact mental health: Research

Women with endometriosis and PMOS face a heavier mental health burden, exposing gaps in Australia’s fragmented healthcare system. Read more +

I love my job, but like many other doctors, I’m exhausted. The hospital system must change

Doctors are fighting for better conditions, but women in medicine are paying the price for a system that demands too much. Read more +

Note to the naysayers: I don’t “just do the bookwork.” I run my husband’s business.

Women are quietly running businesses across Australia, yet many still struggle to recognise their own leadership. Read more +

Midlife women are consuming more alcohol than previous generations. It’s the (wine) glass ceiling.

Our interviews with more than 75 Australian women show that cutting back on alcohol is often more complicated than risk messages imply. Read more +

The Key Figure

Seven headlines from a seven-day period displayed in a graphic by anti-violence advocate Sherele Moody this week, perfectly exposed the twisted reality facing women in Australia right now.

The win

Gold Coast women Bianca Criaco will take part in the national electric skateboarding championships this weekend, one of just two women competing in the event in Coffs Harbour.

While it’s a breakthrough for women in the sport, for Criaco the event represents another milestone: with September 1 marking one year of sobriety following struggles with alcohol dependence.

On The Women's Agenda Podcast

Check out our weekly podcast

We talk through our biggest stories of the week! First up, two wins: three women-founded Australian companies nominated for the Prix Galien Awards (medicine's answer to the Nobel), and Tina Arena's grace-filled response to her ex-husband's rape conviction. Then the harder stories: AOC freezing her eggs and Karoline Leavitt stepping down, and how the "can women have it all" question just got supercharged again;

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