Hosts: Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes, Will Masara
Guest: Gina Martin, gender equality activist, writer, and changemaker
🔥 Episode Summary
In Episode 68, the Podclass team is joined by the remarkable Gina Martin, whose activism changed UK law after a personal experience of gender-based violence. In this honest, empowering, and deeply practical conversation, Amanda, Skye and Will unpack what equality really means in 2025, and how educators and young people alike can drive everyday change.
From calling out injustice in the classroom to nurturing courageous conversations with young people, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating education, leadership, and identity in today’s world.
🗣️ Key Discussion Segments
“Activism isn’t a label, it’s how you live”
Gina Martin shares how her personal journey from art director to activist began after experiencing upskirting at a festival. Her fight to change UK law highlighted the power of everyday people making systemic change through courage, research, and action.
“Most activists wouldn’t even call themselves that. For many, using that word could get them in trouble with the state.” – Gina
Culture vs System: Why we need both to change
The group unpacks the dual need for cultural and systems change – from legislation to school norms – and how educators can lead both from the front.
“If we change how someone feels or a choice they make, even in one moment, that’s culture change – and that’s powerful.” – Gina
Equality, Language & Learning Spaces
Gina reflects on how she adapts her activism when working with young people, helping them unpack gender stereotypes and inequality without jargon. The team explores how to turn triggering classroom moments into teachable opportunities.
“Young people don’t need us to ‘give them’ a voice. They already have one. The job is to listen, and to meet them where they are.” – Gina
💡 Practical Strategies for Educators
1. Turn reaction into reflection
Notice your physical responses to challenging comments. Before shutting things down, breathe, regulate, and get curious.
2. Embrace imperfection
Don’t wait to be perfectly trained before acting. Start small, stay open, and learn in real time – clumsy action is better than no action.
3. Shift from “me” to “we”
Team up with colleagues to ask questions about school culture, language, and practice. Collective curiosity fuels meaningful change.
4. Teach beyond the terms
Ditch jargon and meet young people in their language. Start with stories, stereotypes, and lived experience – let the rest follow.
🎧 Listen & Learn More
This episode reminds us that educators are cultural leaders – not just curriculum deliverers. Tune in to hear how hope, curiosity, and community can transform your classroom into a site of equality, empowerment, and action.
🌐 Podclass Website: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
📲 Follow on Instagram: @podclass.aus
🔗 Learn more about YEP & YLAA:
YEP – Youth Engagement Project
YLAA – Young Leaders Academy Australia