Hannah Diviney had me at storytelling.
From the moment she spoke, the entire room—and those joining remotely—were captivated by her unapologetic nature and raw honesty. She didn’t just speak; she commanded attention, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths.
“Storytelling has always made sense because it’s just helped me to see the world. It’s helped me to escape certain parts of the world. Because, let’s be honest, as anyone in a marginalized body will know, being marginalized and being identified as different, especially when you’re a kid, can be brutal.”
Hannah’s words set the tone for an International Women’s Day discussion centered on the theme: For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. It was a call to action—one that urged us to break down systemic barriers and fight for equal rights, power, and opportunities for all.
Actions Have Consequences
It felt fitting that, on that very morning, radio host Marty Sheargold was asked not to show up for his regular breakfast gig after making misogynistic and disrespectful remarks about the Matildas. Hannah spoke passionately about accountability. Actions have consequences. It’s a lesson I teach my two toddlers every day, and yet, in the world of media and sport, we see time and time again that it’s a lesson many still refuse to learn.
As Sheargold faced repercussions for his words, my talented team worked with the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) to announce that Australia will host the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. The irony was not lost on us. Marty’s comments—“Oh god, the Asian Cup”… “You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls”—were yet another example of the deeply ingrained sexism that female athletes continue to endure. When his colleague mentioned the SheBelieves Cup, Marty interrupted: “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men.”
And there it was. Again.
Owning the Narrative
The AFC knew these comments were wrong. We knew they were wrong. Not just because 11.5 million people tuned in to watch the Matildas’ semi-final against England—the most-watched TV program in Australian history—but because these remarks reflect a culture that has dismissed and disrespected women in sport for far too long.
But this time, there was no silence. No avoidance. No playing it safe.
Instead of shying away, the AFC took a stand. Like us, they are immensely proud of our women’s national football team and the profound impact they’ve had on Australian sport and society. So, we referenced Marty’s comments directly and called upon the industry to rally behind this moment in history. And they did. The press came. The industry showed up. The narrative was reclaimed.
Forging Paths
Hannah Diviney is no stranger to forging paths into spaces where people don’t necessarily want her—or any of us—to be. More often than not, she’s had to be the first. Her advice?
“I think you’ve just got to take a deep breath and do it. Because well, if it’s not me, then who?”
As our discussion wrapped up, Jacqui Mooney, Content Director of Body & Soul, reminded us of something Hannah wrote just days before:
“Defiant is one of my favourite words. It conjures claw marks and underdogs, getting back up after a big hit and just. keep. swimming. But it can also be quiet and steady. In the joy we use as resistance. In our appreciation of small wonders when the world is burning. In letting ourselves feel and be exactly as we are. Defiant is hard and soft at the same time. Good days, bad days and all the ones in between. It’s a word the world needs now more than ever. It’s protest and revolution, art, connection and self-care. It’s everything all at once.”
There’s nothing more powerful than owning your story—and refusing to let someone else tell it for you. Hannah’s words, and the actions of so many others, remind us that defiance isn’t just about resistance. It’s about showing up, speaking out, and demanding better.
And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.