Women's Agenda Daily — Thursday, 1 October 2026

Women’s place in the space sector has been questioned for decades.

But there’s evidence showing the potential advantages of having all-female space crews.

Today, we’re thrilled to be sharing this extract from Dr Elise Stephenson’s new book on gender, power and the space race. She outlines why in space, women may actually have an edge, and there are many parallels to other industry sectors.

Another weekend, another massive grand final. New frontline data from Berry Street Yooralla shows that over the past two years, they have recorded an average 56% increase in victim-survivors seeking help in the week immediately following a grand final. It’s a pattern that extends well beyond this service with police anticipating upticks and an increase in reports happening around other major men’s sporting events.

The productivity gains in scaling women-led businesses are huge! But so too is the gap in participation and progression for women. It’s a ‘scaling cliff’ that must be addressed. Here’s the latest.

Our recent research found that many women have a career plan in place, but where’s the career map? Madeline Hislop explores the issue, thanks to our partnership with Cultivate.

And ICYMI: here’s how a Sydney community fought back against a $1.2 billion data centre development and what they’re doing next.

Mentoring gives you advice, sponsorship gives you advocacy. In our 2026 national survey, 63 per cent of women said their employer doesn't offer adequate mentoring or sponsorship. Our partner, Cultivate, built Australia's first research-backed sponsorship program. They pair high-potential women and First Nations talent with senior leaders who can open doors. Check out more here.

Angela Priestley

Founding Editor & Publisher

Andy Burnham

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his first Labour conference speech as Prime Minister to announce a review of the UK’s relationship with Europe, and added that he believed that rejoining the EU should be on the table. Senior Downing Street officials have been reaching out to thinktanks and pollsters as they look to test public support for this reunion.

The amount of votes casted in this year’s ‘Fat Bear Week’ competition. Backpack, a 20-year-old quiet giant known for sitting in solitude for long periods on his rock on the Brooks River, won by barely 5,000 votes in the public tournament celebrating the brown bears’ ability to eat as many fish as possible, rangers in Alaska’s Katmai national park announced.

Health professionals starting their careers will receive up to $128 more a week to help with soaring household bills as the first stage of a landmark pay equity win begins today

For eligible new graduates paid under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, the first increase means up to $90 extra a week for those with a bachelor’s degree and $128 for those with a master’s degree. The increases to minimum award wages are the product of the Fair Work Commission's gender undervaluation review, in which members successfully advocated for recognition and correction of the historical undervaluation of a predominantly female workforce.