Friday, October 9, 2026
Thanks to today’s partner Genea
Trigger warning: today’s edition discusses details of the allegations surrounding Sam Wood. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
The details of the allegations against Sam Wood have emerged, and they are deeply disturbing.
His wife, Snezana Wood, was allegedly the victim. Emergency services were reportedly called by Snezana’s daughter, who witnessed her stepfather allegedly assaulting her mother, pushing her, strangling her and slamming her head against the floor.
Wood has been refused bail.
Today, Rita Nasr looks at the media’s tendency--even with all we know--to focus on the fallout for Wood and his business empire rather than his alleged victims.
Can we please start having the right conversation?
In other news on site today, some more positive stories:
First, we share some gains (ahead of International Day of the Girl) of genuine innovation and impact across environment, climate, tech and care. It’s girls globally who are leading us forward.
Nicola Forrest has donated $500 million to her charity focused on women and children.
And we celebrate two of the groundbreaking recipients of the 2026 Mental Health Prize. Dr Elizabeth McEntyre and Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM have spent their careers challenging gaps in Australia’s mental health system, advocating for approaches that recognise the people, communities and experiences often overlooked.
Enjoy the weekend!
Tarla Lambert-Patel
Editor in Chief & Co-Founder
The Key Quote
He ought to be given the chance to engage with mental health professionals to try to salvage something of his professional reputation and career, which is taking a hell of a beating at the moment.
Mathew Cuskelly
Lawyer Mathew Cuskelly chose these words while arguing in court that his client, Sam Wood, "may be entitled to the self defence argument".
On Women's Agenda Today
International Day of the Girl 2026: Meet the girls changing the world, from Gaza to Tuvalu
Girls are leading on climate, technology and rights, but millions still face child marriage and are denied control over their futures. Read more +
Sam Wood’s career is not the biggest casualty of his alleged violence
Sam Wood’s arrest is a reminder that domestic violence has no single face, and a polished public image is no guarantee of safety. Read more +
The women challenging Australia’s mental health system: Meet two recipients of the 2026 Australian Mental Health Prize
Dr Elizabeth McEntyre and Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM have spent their careers challenging gaps in Australia’s mental health system. Read more +
Billionaire Nicola Forrest donates more than $500 million to her charity focused on women and children
Billionaire Nicola Forrest has donated more than $500 million to the charity she founded to redistribute her wealth, Coaxial Foundation. Read more +
ICYMI: Fixing motherhood loneliness is about more than finding a ‘village’: These policy shifts could help
The isolation new mums experience shouldn’t be viewed as an individual problem. A number of policy shifts could help. Read more +
The Key Figure
$500 million
The amount of funds donated by Australian billionaire Nicola Forrest to the charity she founded to redistribute her wealth, Coaxial Foundation. The charity supports organisations focused on women and children.
The win
Matildas start Ellie Carpenter wins major football award
Ellie Carpenter has won the prestigious Professional Footballers Australia women's player of the year award.
On The Women's Agenda Podcast
Check out our weekly podcast
Dr Elise Stephenson joins Women's Agenda to unpack the gendered risks of AI, and why they're so urgent right now. Speaking with Angela Priestley, the conversation moves from how AI reinforces existing inequality (rather than inventing brand-new problems) to the most immediate real-world risks for women and gender-diverse people in workplaces today.
Trending On Women's Agenda
———