We celebrate International Women’s Day by recognising our community of crone and how they will be taking action to #breakthebias. We ask our 25 participants, 4 simple questions.
Jennifer Jefferies, Founder of Rising Crone and Jennifer Jefferies
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I see all year is international womens day. I consciously celebrate women and chase down ways to support women to rise higher.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
To give us a go. Let us show us what we are capable of not in a let’s act like men way like I did in business in the 1980’s but to lead with the strength of feminine energy and bring some real change to the world
What advice would your future self give you now?
Always take a stand. You don’t need to be the good little girl. Stand for those who need support and be the woman and inspiration that you wish you had in your younger days to model your life on.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I’m doing it. Traveling the world educating the masses on how to live from a place of prevention, championing Women’s causes and helping children in need.
Imogen lamport, Inside out style
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
Celebrating with my amazing team of women who keep my business going so I can have a positive impact on more women’s lives.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
That women are somehow less smart, strong or competent as men. That women are not bitches when they are assertive and that if a woman ever complains of sexual assault she is to be believed and not belittled or blamed that it was somehow her fault.
What advice would your future self give you now?
You will only regret what you don’t do, not what you do (even if it doesn’t work out as you will have learned something from that experience and personal growth is one of your key values).
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I’m lucky enough to be doing it. I’ve found my passion and calling and I’m so grateful every day that I get to have a positive impact on the lives of women as I help them become more confident so they can shine their light on the world and have a greater impact in their own lives.
Dionne payn, High impact property invesments
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I’m celebrating the launch of my book Ethical Property Investing, by hosting an IWD fundraiser in Byron Bay. The fundraiser is for 2 not for profit organisations who are raising funds for affordable housing for women in the area.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
I would change the way we see ourselves. Often we see ourselves as powerless but we have so much power, particularly when we work together.
What advice would your future self give you now?
Keep going. The tide is turning and you will be on the right side of history.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
Exactly what I am doing now. Inspiring investors to use their power (money) to provide affordable homes, sustainable properties, build resilient communities and inclusive homes for people with disabilities. Not only will they be financially rewarded, but the positive social and environmental impact they can make by choosing to invest in this way is so fulfilling. This is how we leave a lasting legacy for ourselves, our families and the world.
This is how we transform lives and end homelessness, particularly in vulnerable women and children.
Sallyanne hartnell, reflect coaching
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I will be celebrating IWD by attending a virtual event run by One Roof – Women Shaking Up the Status Quo or to be fully honest, catching up on the recording as I will more than likely be working.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
Education & financial empowerment. Giving women globally equal access to education & money would change everything. The combination of access to education & finance gives women power. Women in power create change for themselves & for other women.
I also want to midlife & beyond reclaimed for women, much like reclaiming the crone. Midlife women should be revered & celebrated for their wisdom, not condemned as “too old”
My coaching business is about supporting women to reclaim & liberate themselves as they transition out of relationships that don’t see, hear or hold them fully. To embrace the whole lotta woman she is. To claim her space & call in the relationship she is most worthy of. I want that for ALL women.
What advice would your future self give you now?
My future self would remind me that I’m closer to my dream life than it might seem, closer than it feels, closer than I think and to keep going. It’s all possible.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
If there were no barriers… it would be about creating the change I wrote about above, primarily financial education & empowerment for women globally. A NFP designed to raise women up & empower them to BE the change they want to see in the world. More women as leaders. More women in positions of power, be that corporate or government. Mentorships for young women.
claire nettley
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I’m celebrating by teaching Yoga for my local YMCA as a community engagement activity. Yoga is a practice of self-awareness and empowerment that helps women claim their inner authority so it seems appropriate to share the practice on IWD.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
I wouldn’t try to change society’s views of women, I’d help women change the view they have of themselves and then society will change. Women have been treated as second-class citizens all over the world for too long. My work is to encourage women to claim their inherent power, find their voice, set boundaries, and treat themselves with the utmost love, care, and respect. Women are remarkable and we have so much to offer the world but many women still doubt themselves and play small. When we change this, the world will change.
What advice would your future self give you now?
Keep doing what you’re doing and being who you’re being. Have faith (and a plan), back yourself, share the load and remember to floss.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I’m already on my way to doing it. I’m doing what I love, sharing what I’ve learned, helping other women, and writing a book.
Obu Ramaraj, Smart money solutions
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I usually like to celebrate IWD with a group of my friends. This year, we are heading to a winery for lunch.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
In my opinion, rather than change the way society views women, women should change the way they view themselves and live their life in an empowered way. The more women live this way, society will automatically change its views on women.
What advice would your future self give you now?
My future self tells me to have faith in myself, that my journey is just the way it is supposed to be; to be bold in aiming for the stars and to have fun along the way.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
f money, skills, time, society and myself didn’t hold me back, I would be doing exactly what I am doing now – empowering women to take control of their lives, especially their financial life.
Libby Trainor Parker
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I’ll be in the middle of my season of Endo Days at Adelaide Fringe – a comedy cabaret about endometriosis – so I will be recovering, preparing and spending time with other women artists who are performing shows in a festival during a pandemic.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
I would change the way women’s health is viewed. We are constantly faced with medical gaslighting, being dismissed and being under-prioritised. Endometriosis is an incurable illness that affects one in nine people who menstruate, and yet we know very little about it. This is one of many illnesses women live with that has been a taboo topic for so many years, so we need to change the way we view it, talk about it and treat it.
What advice would your future self give you now?
At 44 years old, I am happier, more comfortable and more successful than I ever have been and I am taking more risks with my work, creativity and personal life. I think my future self would be really proud of how far I’ve come and what I’m doing now. At 44 I have decided to pursue my dream of being a comedian and cabaret performer, and I’m doing it. It’s a huge risk, but I am loving every second and this has been the right time to take the leap.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
Despite having many obstacles, at this stage in my life, I am doing everything I have always wanted to do. I have a chronic illness, a toddler, teenager, tweenager, and a business to run, and last year I made the decision to try stand-up comedy and push myself in my artistic practice. I have done that and am doing everything I’ve always dreamed of.
Tia Veech, The Oil Hut
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
This year I’m celebrating International Women’s day at the Wollondilly Women in Excellence Awards night. I am a finalist in 2 categories: The Diamond in recognition of the fact that I am strong, I am resilient, I am over 50 and Heart of Community award for my volunteer work.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
Women of all ages are a valuable asset. As we age we come with experience, life experience and we put our hand up for something, it’s not a whim, it’s because we have something to add.
What advice would your future self give you now?
When something doesn’t seem right, dig deeper, continue to dig until you have the answers.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
Develop a program about resilience, positivity, respect and deliver to high schools. The current programs aren’t working and too many children are falling through the cracks.
Juliet Robinson, BIG GOALS
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I am gathering with my teenage daughter and other mothers at my daughter’s school to talk about leadership. I am also having breakfast with an engineering client to talk about self awareness and leadership.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
The often unconscious views that women SHOULD behave in certain ways – nice, calm, quiet, not rocking the boat….
What advice would your future self give you now?
Trust your instincts, believe in yourself and get visible. It’s ok to be an expert and add to discussions without knowing everything.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
Travel, read books, wander through art galleries, discuss ideas with interesting people, sit on the beach, eat, drink and be merry with my friends. And mentor younger people to build their leadership skills and confidence.
Ainslee hooper
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I am celebrating IWD by celebrating the women who have inspired me to start my business and be the best version of me I can be.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
As a disabled woman, I would like to change how society views women with disabilities. We are strong, we are resilient, we are passionate and we want everything any woman wants. We are also 40 years non-disabled women and 9 out of 10 disabled women are victims of violence. If the way in which society viewed women with disabilities changed so that we are included in all conversations pertaining to women, these issues would not be as prevalent.
What advice would your future self give you now?
Keep going. You spent the first 40 years of your life playing the role of the disabled person society expected you to play and you bought into those lies. You’ve now released those shackles and although it can seem like some conversations are pointless, this doesn’t mean you should give up. Every conversation and small impact matters.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
Continue doing what I’m doing with my business, helping more businesses identify ways to provide inclusive experiences for consumers. I’ve recently started competing in Strongwoman and as a disabled woman, it’s empowering. Everyone deserves to feel empowered and we can all do something about it.
justine martin
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I have co-authored a book for Business in Heels and that is our official launch date. We have an online festival to celebrate both the book and IWD. I am also being interviewed at 8.20am on fliker TV and later that day for a podcast ‘in love with me’. That evening I will join a group called the creating success inner circle. I will probably buy myself something special to celebrate that day eg pandora charm.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
If you could change the way society views women what would you change? I would change the way we are viewed as the weaker dumber sex!!!!!!! We are and should be viewed as equal!
What advice would your future self give you now?
Stay the course, walk your line and have your head held high!
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I would love to help as many people as I possibly could overcome the adversities they are facing.
Carol Lea Grimshaw
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I’m celebrating IWD2022 by announcing The Dear Sir(s) Project’s first education programme for lawyers that day.
The Dear Sir(s) Project is a volunteer research group directed toward creating equality for all across society starting with the professions who have responsibility for teaching the next generation of professionals how to interact with each other, and how to interact with their customers/clients. Especially significant for lawyers because we are officers of the Court and law, reflect the ethics and morals of society through the laws, and are required to teach society the limits of behaviour.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
I would teach respect for all from youth. That includes removing the propertisation and othering of women, so that women can step fully into their power and experience life without restraint except as required by law, and as they personally adopt.
Those teachings will eradicate domestic violence because power, harm and control are antithetical to respect.
What advice would your future self give you now?
… keep going. You’ve spent a long time living in ways to make others happy: the future you design will benefit many, and that will make you happy”.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I would apply money to paid teams instead of creating volunteer teams for social projects like The Dear Sir(s) Project and the Electronic Wills and Online Witnessing Committee. I would become a better orator and network in a more integrated manner at a higher level. A social media and public relations team is one team that I would hire for all of my ventures. Travel would feature prominently in my work life as I became an in demand speaker who could choose to lecture pro bono whenever the cause required. My teams would continue to work and communicate flexibly with me during that period. And I would establish a foundation for the progression of survivors of domestic violence to ensure they can achieve the fullest of their potential with the maximum of supports.
Dr Josephine Muir, Noisy guts
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I’m a guest panellist on a health & wellness podcast.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
I want Australia to get behind female founders. Female founders EMPLOY more women and, when funded, are more successful than their counterparts. But… we lack the capital and old boys networks to give us a hand up. And we’re certainly not likely to get a hand out.
Round 2 of the Fed Govt’s Boosting Female Founder Initiative supported 38 female-founded startups to the tune of $11.6M.
The reason the successful startups are SO incredible is that, despite the odds, they received funding. The success rate of this grant has dropped from 2.3% in Round 1 to just 1.52% in Round 2 – making it the toughest and most competitive grant money going.
We desperately need to increase the funding pool for female founders! And that begins with changing the perceptions of female founded startups!
What advice would your future self give you now?
Fail faster.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I’m a recent fangirl of SBS’ A girls guide to hunting, fishing and wild cooking. In another life, I’d like to buy a farm in Tasmania and live sustainably for a year. Without WiFi!
Samantha Michelle Carter
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
By starting conversations with all that I come across, of the importance of Women and the importance of celebration. Its about acknowledging who we are and why we are still here!! ( I do it everyday. Does that count? LOL)
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
I would begin with educating and mostly re educating our men!! Then I would target government, big pharma, corporate greed etc. Its a big job and I would need help. Its why I wrote the attached workbook. I’m starting with older women who have lost their way because they have lost their power.
What advice would your future self give you now?
You are important so stand up for yourself, right here right now because if you don’t you will most certainly loose your power.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I would be a Astro physicist and on my way to Mars!!
Allyson Brown
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I’m celebrating IWD with fellow women from across the world in the Women Rocking Business training sessions for women wanting to create a profitable speaking business!
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
If I could change the way society views women, I would ensure we are seen as equals to men, giving us the same opportunities, same pay rates and to even the scales!
What advice would your future self give you now?
From my own experience with overcoming autoimmunity and restoring my quality of life, just by changing my diet, I am training to become a motivational speaker to educate, encourage and empower others to take back control of their health too. Although fearful of stepping into a role of such responsibility, my future self would smile at me, shake my hand and tell me “It’s worth it!”
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
If money/time etc were no object, I would travel the world with my husband, whilst running my online business program to continue to help improve the lives of others. That way, everybody wins!
Joanne Gambale
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I am 44 and a personal wardrobe stylist (with a difference; I only deal in sustainable fashion, which usually means secondhand via my business Slogue) and I’m hosting a workshop to teach women how to dress for their personality rather than their age; and/or how to seek and embrace visibility as older women.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
I’d like for women to be seen as expressive embodiments of their thoughts, their diversity, their ideas, their sense of humour, rather than as objects of finite sexuality and short-lived ‘beauty’.
What advice would your future self give you now?
You feel the same way as you did aged 23 yet with more wisdom, so use your wisdom to teach other women to value themselves no matter their age.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I would do exactly what I’m doing with Slogue but I would hire IT people, social media experts, a sales team, and scale it up with more stylists to help me spread the word to more women about buying from the circular ecomony/secondhand/sustainable and also expressing themselves through clothing and style, and growing their confidence and self-love without needing the approval of men.
Meera Watts
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I am celebrating this International Women’s Day, by empowering and encouraging women to be themselves and reach for success on their own account.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
If I could change one thing, it would be the perception that powerful and successful women are rigid and unfeeling, this prejudice needs to stop. Such biases block young girls from following their dreams and they miss out on so many opportunities.
What advice would your future self give you now?
The advice would be to believe in me and treasure myself along with my lovely family.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
To move forward with determination and grow my business with quality and hard work.
Cassandra Hill
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
This year I will celebrate International Women’s Day hosting an event with Everytale on staying healthy on the road to success for women. Society has given women the responsibility to take care of everyone except themselves.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
It’s time for radical self-care to become the new normal. In embracing radical self-care women aren’t just going to the spa they are engaging in activities on a daily basis to renew their mind, body, and soul.
What advice would your future self give you now?
The future Cassandra would let me know that when greatness is being created it take time. Be patient and enjoy the journey.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
Believe it or not as a Christian Holistic Wellness Influencer I am fulfilling my vision and wouldn’t want to do anything else.
Lynn Power, Masami
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
How are you celebrating International Women’s Day? By acknowledging women who inspire — other female founders doing amazing things.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
If you could change the way society views women what would you change? To see the strength and value older women possess — that once we are no longer conventionally beautiful (young), we are not invisible.
What advice would your future self give you now?
What advice would your future self give you now? It’s ok to let go sometimes, you need to take care of yourself.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
If money, skills, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life? What I’m doing now! I left a successful 30 year advertising career to take control of my life and launch my own businesses. I wouldn’t go back for anything.
Rasheda Williams, Empowered flower girl
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
As a mentor/ youth empowerment enthusiast and founder of Empowered Flower Girl, I will be participating in a few virtual UN sponsored events posting inspirational video messages to encourage girls to embrace their leadership abilities.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
I would change society’s reaction (more than anything) to powerful women. Throughout history, women who are powerful were seen as threatening or intimidating. But women are amazing – we are creators. And anyone who creates has power. We should embrace, uplift and support empowered women.
What advice would your future self give you now?
My future self is saying to me now, don’t give up. Even when it seems like you’re fighting a fight that you can’t win, know that there is a lesson to be learned in the battle.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I would really want to do more of what I’m doing on a grander scale. I launched a course/coaching program – Girl World Peace Academy – and I am helping women who want to make a difference and a living empowering youth and communities. I want to be able to do this in other parts of the world.
dr. froswa’ booker-drew, soulstice consultancy
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I’m actually preparing a presentation for the staff at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for later that month. My celebration will developing a presentation that is inspiring, informational and impactful!
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
If I could change the way society views women, I would change the way they see aging. Society tends to discard women as they get older. They do not see the beauty, wisdom and gifts that women have in the same way that men are viewed as they age.
What advice would your future self give you now?
I would tell my future self to be prepared for change. Even with a plan, be willing to accept that you will constantly grow and evolve.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I would love to create a movement of women who understand their power, recognize the importance of their story, and use their gifts to change the world.
Nicky Mackie, People Assets
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I will be sharing my day with fellow like minded women celebrating and empowering women sponsored by my amazing client Cygnett
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
Remove the stigma that our passion is an emotional weakness and that being a women is never a barrier.
What advice would your future self give you now?
Channel your passions to reflect your values, never accept your gender or circumstances as an acceptable doubt of your competencies. When the traditionalists question your focus on your parenting or partnership commitment you are showing by your career focus, be confident enough to say the same way you are, I am focusing on teaching the values of equity not gender.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
Exactly what I do now, sharing my skills and insight to help people be their best, making the impossible be their new possible.
MELISSA MACGOWAN, MENOCOLLECTIVE
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
By attending two events instead of running them! One is in my local area on Boon wurrung/ Bunurong land on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. The focus is on connection, supporting local and women/children escaping domestic violence. The other is an online NZ based panel discussing leaders and women need to activate, integrate and validate women in leadership.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
That Menopause is revered, discussed and supported so women, families and workplaces can thrive. Menopause is all our business.What advice would your future self give you now?
You left the security of a high paid corporate job after struggling with menopause. You learned so much and you quit to help other women manage symptoms and navigate work, life and menopause with more ease. You are brave and it is scary because you are breaking taboos. Keep leaping into the discomfort and talking because you can impact the lives of women which is good for all of us. In five years you will think you are hot right now. Keep practicing receiving and make time for pleasure and joy – always.If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
Travel, write, speak, move and be in connection with awesome humans.Rachel Brittliff, DEREK’S PLACE
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
I’ll be talking to my son and daughter about the importance of inclusion for all people in our society. I’ve also signed up to listen to several talks from the All About Women series at the Opera House!
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
I’d change the fact that we are viewed as women rather than individuals. I think the world would be a far better place if we stopped trying to fit everyone into categories and acknowledged that everyone has a unique place and a unique offering for the world.What advice would your future self give you now?
Interesting question. I know the advice I would give my past self. That would be that you don’t have to do it all, especially not before you are 40! Perhaps my future self will be saying – slow down, you don’t have to do it all before you are 50.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold you back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I recently had this conversation with a friend (on the back of a Powerball ticket purchase). The only thing that would change for me is that I would quit my day job and ramp up the work that I am doing for my charity – Derek’s Place.DEB HARMAN, ULTIMATE LIFE SHIFT
How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day?
To start the day, I will celebrate me. I will acknowledge what I have done with my life, I celebrate my awesomeness and achievements. I will then run a zoom call in the evening to encourage the women in my community to do the same thing. Each of us is unique and has something special to share with the world. I want women to acknowledge who they are and to acknowledge that what they do is valuable. We all have different roles and they are all important to the running of our society.
If you could change the way society views women what would you change?
Women are feminine beings and in order to achieve success and feel whole we need to come from our inner feminine when we interact with others. There is a belief in the workplace that to get on we need to behave like men. Women have so much more to contribute and will do so when they behave in a manner that is true to themselves and not in a way that we are expected to conform with the masculine energy that is so prevalent in our workplaces today. Society needs to learn the value of feminine power and acknowledge that when women are encouraged to work from this they will make valuable contributions to society. We need to make space for women to be who they are and acknowledge that they are equally as important as men in our society.
What advice would your future self give you now?
Whatever you are thinking of doing – do it. You have received the idea because you have the skills and ability to get it done, the universe only gives us what we are capable of doing. Don’t be afraid of the work required just focus and get it done.
We all miss opportunities because we feel overwhelmed or that we are not good enough, take every opportunity that is given to you and make it work on your terms.
If money, skill, time, society and yourself didn’t hold back, what would you really want to do with your life?
I would enhance the work that I currently do with women, spending more time travelling and working with women via seminars.
I would also create a not for profit organisation to support women who find themselves single, without support and wanting to make a better life for themselves and their children. This would include working with them to get suitable housing, education and training that they require. Also teaching them skills to become more self sufficient such as planting vegies in the garden, cooking good wholesome meals for the family without a massive food budget and other skills that will support their journey through life.
I want these women to understand that their circumstances do not define them and that they can move on a build a great life for themselves and their children.