Sage insights and compelling disclosures riveted the audience at the International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Astra Hotel on Tuesday, which had a theme of Break the Bias.
The tales of strength and courage were reminiscent of ‘Women Who Run with the Wolves,’ a 1992 novel of the wild woman archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés.’
“If we stand for something, we’re ‘unhinged,’” said Angie Wilson from Staying Home Leaving Violence.
“If we get angry, it’s that we’re ‘irrational and just damn crazy.’
“It delegitimises women.”
Lori Emmett detailed the YWCA’s opportunities for women, not advertised but by word of mouth.
“We have helped fund young women to space camp in America,” she said.
“And to participate in UN meetings, not just attend.
“Or to go to a sports event at the next town, which can have just as much impact.”
Maryanne Trinder spoke about proposed emergency housing by Impact Broken Hill, which will also teach the tenants skills in finance, cooking and barista and café work so that mothers can provide for their children.
“We have met with Mark Coulton and he is keen to back this project,” she said.
Police Inspector, Yvette Smith, was instrumental in organising breastfeeding rooms at work and women’s uniforms.
“A unisex shirt is actually a man’s shirt,” she said.
Having shirts and cargo pants that actually fit women’s bodies also represents that they can be themselves.
“Speak your own truth,” Yvette advised women.
“If you always say ‘I’m ok,’ people won’t know what you need.”
Equality also includes such things as paternity leave, as well as maternity leave, according to Yvette.
“Unless we include men, we can’t break the bias,” she said.
