Bougainville’s Theonila Roka Matbob on taking down a mining giant and winning the Goldman Prize

Theonila Roka Matbob grew up surrounded by the toxic legacy of Panguna mine in central Bougainville.  Now a politician and human rights advocate, she refused to accept the damage left behind. Mobilising her community, Theonila took on mining giant Rio Tinto – and won.   Her campaign has earned her global recognition, including the the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize. In this episode of Sistas Let’s Talk, Natasha Meten speaks with Theonila about growing up in the shadow of the mine, her fight for environmental justice and what justice means for her people.