What are your plans this October 14-20? Unless you answered attend SXSW Sydney 2024 your response is incorrect! With the annual celebration of tech, film, music education and culture akin to Christmas among Women Love Tech-ers. Hot off the heels of the 2023 version (which saw our own founder and editor Robyn Foyster curate two panel discussions), this year’s conference is gearing up for another groundbreaking event. Especially if the just-revealed first keynote speakers are anything to go by …
And the speakers are…
SXSW Sydney is known for hosting leaders in their field. The kind that embody the spirit of innovation and foster challenging conversations that prompt us to think deeply about the world around us. Which is why we were excited to find out that New York Times best-selling author Johann Hari (known for his insightful books “Magic Pill” and “Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention.”) was among the speakers. But we were really, really really excited to hear that Hari would be joined by human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson. The fierce female member of the legal team defending Julian Assange and WikiLeaks.
Jennifer Robinson: Not just a regular lawyer
Jennifer Robinson’s career is nothing short of inspiring. As a prominent human rights lawyer and a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers in London, she specialises in international law, media law, and human rights. Robinson has played a crucial role in defending Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. And, navigating complex legal battles and advocating for transparency and accountability. Her legal expertise and commitment to justice have made her a powerful advocate on the global stage.
Robinson also has acted in key human rights and climate cases in domestic, regional, and international courts. She has represented journalists and media organisations, and women speaking out about abuse, on publication and media law issues arising from MeToo and violence against women. Additionally, she built a global human rights program to support public interest and movement lawyering. One which invested an estimated $60 million in training young lawyers and supporting strategic litigation. Her recent book, “How Many More Women? Exposing How the Law Silences Women,” explores the legal backlash to the MeToo movement.
Robinson will provide profound insights into the intersection of law, human rights, and media freedom in her keynote at SXSW Sydney. Her work highlights the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that the public has access to vital information.
Listen to Luke Hemsworth (… Plus other women to watch!)
In addition to Hari and Robinson, and a panel moderated by Australian actor Luke Hemsworth (“Better than a Hollywood Movie: The Highs, Lows, Epic Moments, and Colossal Steps Forward in Bringing Back the Tasmanian Tiger”), SXSW Sydney has unveiled a host of other expert speakers who will share their knowledge and experiences. Including some fabulous females. Among them will be: Amy Gallo (workplace expert and best-selling author); Priyanka Khimani (entertainment lawyer ); Peony Hirwani (Senior Editor at Rolling Stone India); Australian race car driver (Molly Taylor) and Karen Nelson-Field (media science researcher).
SXSW Sydney 2024 set to announce more keynote speakers to announce in the coming months. Ensuring the event is an unmissable one. To pick your favourites and start planning your schedule, visit schedule.sxswsydney.com
