Hana Assafiri OAM is a true champion of women and a visionary driving societal change. She speaks candidly about growing up between Lebanon and Australia, her arranged marriage at 15, and the systemic failures women face when seeking freedom from violence. She shares how acts of kindness from strangers shaped her path, how she transformed personal trauma into purpose, and why she founded the iconic Moroccan Soup Bar, a sanctuary where food, community, and women’s empowerment intersect.

We explore:

- Life and freedom beyond survival

- Acts of kindness that change the trajectory of a life

- Why safe spaces and community support matter

- How men must step up as allies in addressing gender-based violence

Who is Hana Assafiri?

Hana Assafiri OAM is a renowned entrepreneur, activist, and author. Best known as the founder of Melbourne’s iconic Moroccan Soup Bar, Hana has spent over 25 years creating spaces that blend food, culture, and community justice. Hana is a leading voice on gender equity, intersectionality, and social change.

Find Hana at:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hana-assafiri-oam-293560173/

Moroccan Soup Bar https://www.moroccansoupbar.com.au/

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

⭐If this conversation lit a spark please share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Filming: Chocolate Studios - www.chocolatestudios.com.au

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Di Gillett joins Maz O’Connor to talk about midlife reinvention, women’s empowerment, and financial independence after 50. From selling everything and moving to Bali, to backing herself in business and redefining retirement, Maz shares her unfiltered story of courage, conviction, and personal growth. If you’re a woman navigating midlife change, looking to prioritise wellness, independence and purpose, this conversation will show you how reinvention really begins.

We explore:

- Why midlife reinvention is about conviction, not crisis

- Courage as the quiet voice that shapes big decisions

- Building financial independence as the foundation for women’s empowerment

- The role of wellness and intentional living in powering reinvention.

📖 Read the full transcript of this conversation here: 👉 https://powerofwomen.com.au/maz-oconnor-di-gillett-talking-reinventing-life-in-midlife-with-courage-and-purpose/

Who is Maz O’Connor?

Maz O’Connor has spent over 30 years in the wellness industry and is now embracing her powerful “third act.” A solo mum turned entrepreneur, she has built businesses, supported women globally through affiliate and network marketing, and recently made the bold move to Bali to launch a new wellbeing venture.

Find Maz at:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mazoconnor/?hl=en

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

⭐If this conversation lit a spark, follow the Power Of Women Podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube.

➜ Don’t keep it to yourself … share the episode & help spread stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

➜ Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lele’s story is one of survival, identity, and fierce determination.

This conversation is a testament to resilience, motherhood and the power of music.

We explore how music has Lele’s weapon of resistance and a vessel for preserving her culture.

In this moving episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Di reveals the story behind Lele’s story From her family’s escape from West Papua to becoming Australia’s first prominent West Papuan artist to perform at major events, she shares the realities of living in exile, the deep cultural connection passed down by her late father — legendary musician Agustinus Rumwaropen.

Who is Voice of Lele?

Lele is a Melbourne-based West Papuan singer-songwriter, activist, mother of four and wife to First Nations artist Mitch Tambo. Born in exile, her family were the first West Papuan refugees to settle in Australia in 1988. Drawing on her heritage and personal experiences, her music blends Island Pop with traditional influences, serving as both cultural celebration and political statement.

Find Lele at:

Website: https://www.voiceoflele.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voiceoflele

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

Be the first to catch inspiring interviews, empowering stories, and thought-provoking conversations.

✔ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeuAx74qUBrHxaQPEnxRpTw?sub_confirmation=1

✔ Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hUXLl9Oc8xSSmR652wP3c?si=554c1a25f0e848a8

✔ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-of-women-podcast/id1735659590

⭐If this conversation lit a spark …..

➜ Don’t keep it to yourself … share the episode and help spread the stories that prove women are never to be underestimated.

➜ Your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify keeps these stories alive.

Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen - https://vinilo.com.au/

Filming: Chocolate Studios - www.chocolatestudios.com.au

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.