Jessie DennisJessie Dennis

Jessie Dennis is the kaiwhakahaere/manager of the Women's Self Defence Network – Wahine Toa and the co-founder of Fem Force, a group campaigning to take abortion out of the Crimes Act this year.

It’s crunch time: Five reasons to hit the streets for abortion rights

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On Tuesday, people from all across New Zealand will gather to demand the Abortion Legislation Bill be passed and that abortion be removed from the Crimes Act. Jessie Anne Dennis from Fem Force – Feminist Action Aotearoa explains why you should get involved. At the end of this week, the Abortion Legislation Bill will exit … Read more

The climate crisis is a feminist issue

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Climate change will affect us all, but it already affects women and other marginalised genders differently. The United States is in the midst of a battle over reproductive freedom. Seizing on the conservative political fervour of the moment, politicians are attempting to strip back women’s rights to abortion, contraception and other reproductive health care. Women’s … Read more

Silence about Scott Kuggeleijn reinforces a culture of sexual violence

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When cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn took to the pitch for the Black Caps last Friday there was no mention of his two trials for raping a woman in 2016, for which he was ultimately found not guilty. Asks Jessie Dennis, is silence really the best NZ Cricket can do? Content warning: details of sexual violence. On … Read more

Words are cheap. Now Ardern must take real action to save the Manus Island refugees

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Over the weekend PM Jacinda Ardern reiterated the government’s offer to take 150 asylum seekers imprisoned on Manus Island. But we can’t stop there, writes Jessie Dennis. Now it’s time to swap compassionate words for life-saving action. The situation for refugees on Manus Island is a humanitarian crisis. The New Zealand government’s response to this … Read more

30 ways campaigners changed Aotearoa for the better, despite nine years of National

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As we wait for the government announcement today, let’s reflect on the power of the individual to effect change, whatever the political party in power, writes peace activist Jessie Anne Dennis. Recently, a friend told me that part of what fuels her to be an activist is that she’s not a content person. Everything can … Read more

The weapons expo is a marketplace for misery

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This week’s NZ Defence Industry Association Forum is a chance for the weapons industry to woo politicians and entice officials to spend more on the military. But are fancier killing machines really the best use of our taxpayer dollars, asks peace activist Jessie Dennis. This year’s election campaign captivated people across the country. Whether hoping … Read more