Friday, October 30, 2026
Thanks to today’s partner Cultivate Sponsorship
For nearly a decade, tabloids have worked hard to paint Meghan Markle as malignant.
We’ve heard all about her alleged bullying, brattiness, manipulation, social climbing, sexual escapades and, of course, her supposed betrayal of her own family.
The heartbroken father. The ungrateful daughter.
Now, allegations that Thomas Markle possessed child sexual abuse material are being investigated by authorities in the Philippines, which he denies. But maybe it’s time to consider whether Meghan had good reason to walk away and why so few seemed interested in asking the question?
Also today, Erin Patterson’s appeal has fallen on deaf ears, with the notorious mushroom killer now facing life in prison without parole.
Brazil’s election offers a lesson for progressive movements everywhere, and that is that women aren’t a niche voting bloc, they’re the majority, and they helped turn the tide against the far right. Angela Priestley looks at how women, a shorter working week and an extraordinary WhatsApp mobilisation helped Lula defeat the Bolsonaro campaign.
Finally, a group of female MPs have formed a cross-party support network, after the alleged attack on Indi MP Helen Haines showed how much they need one.
The Network of Women in Parliament (NOW) was announced on Thursday by Minister for Women Katy Gallagher, shadow minister Melissa McIntosh, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young and independent MP for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie at Parliament house.
Enjoy your weekend!
Tarla Lambert-Patel
Editor in Chief & Co-Founder
The Key Quote
Helen Haines has always demonstrated the importance of kindness, compassion and genuine connection across political divides. She is the spirit of what Network of Women in Parliament is all about.
Katy Gallagher
Finance Minister, Katy Gallagher on the formation of the Network of Women in Parliament, a cross-party initiative to support women in politics.
On Women's Agenda Today
Women, WhatsApp, a shorter work week. How Brazil beat the right
Women held the line against the rightwing Bolsonaro dynasty for a third straight election. Along with a powerful WhatsApp mobilisation and progressive policies, these are the lessons for movements globally. Read more +
Women in Parliament form cross-party network in wake of Haines attack
Female MPs have launched a cross-party support network to strengthen connections and address abuse targeting women in politics. Read more +
The tabloids made Thomas Markle the victim and Meghan the villain. They never bothered asking why she walked away.
Maybe it’s time we asked why we were so quick to drink the Thomas Markle Kool-Aid rather than believe a mother’s motive? Read more +
Erin Patterson loses appeal, and her parole
Erin Patterson will die in prison after her sentence was upgraded to life without parole during her attempted appeal. Read more +
ICYMI: Dolores Huerta, civil rights organiser who gave farm workers “Sí se puede,” dies at 96
Dolores Huerta, the labour leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers, spent six decades fighting for farm workers’ rights and women’s equality. Read more +
The Key Figure
33-years
This was Erin Patterson’s initial verdict. Her appeal which occurred this morning, extended this to life behind bars without parole.
The win
Women played a key role In lula’s historic election win
Women, accounting for 53 per cent of registered voters in Brazil, have been more resistant to Bolsonaro-aligned candidates and were a key determinant in Lula’s historic win.
On The Women's Agenda Podcast
Check out our weekly podcast
We unpack the week that was, inspired by the grace and dignity of Dr Helen Haines, her husband Phil Haines and Governor-General Sam Mostyn. Plus, our conversation with Dr Kayla Steele, a Clinical Psychologist for UNSW at the Black Dog Institute, and why "overwhelm" describes much of the mood of women in Australia. Kayla discusses the value of movement, connection, and friendship on mental health, and also why the Black Dog Institute and UNSW are studying the impact of IVF on mental health.
Trending On Women's Agenda
———
