(To my readers: I’m sorry this post was suppose to be out yesterday, but I’ve been ill and for some reason, I didn’t post it which means there will be two posts tonight).
I wish you (men and women) a wonderful time to celebrate all women on our planet.
Tomorrow, I hope to post a small story and some pictures to honour some powerful women in my life. Pictured is one such woman who is still an influence; my mother Freda Kauc. She is pictured here with me at University of Queensland in St Lucia, when I received my Masters in Museum Studies.
To celebrate us, the women of the world today (March 8th), I share words of a great poet, Maya Angelou. I would like to pay tribute to the phenomenal women (pictured below) that raised me, and whose blood flow in my vein.
From left to right, Mama De-ec, Tinang and Mama (Freda). My aunt, grandma and mum. Guess who is in the bilum…
Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me. Maya Angelou
To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, (March 8th), Indigenous TV (NITV) has put together a list of 20 trailblazing Indigenous women who have changed Australia. I was delighted to find this article and pictures on the SBS News site.
Truganini, last of Tasmania’s tribal inhabitants, 1812 – 1876 on (right) and Bessy Clark.
Truganini was a defiant, strong and enduring individual even to her last breath. She is a symbol of the survival of the Tasmanian Aboriginals and her life epitomises the story of European invasion.
As a young girl, she was taught her culture but when Aboriginal life was disrupted by European invasion this changed her forever. Despite witnessing the most horrific crimes against humanity, Truganini believed the only way to fight against white invaders was to learn their ways in order to gain empathy.
To read about the 19 other amazing women, please click below: SBS News
According to a Sydney Morning Herald article published in March on International Women’s Day, one woman dies every week from domestic violence in Australia in 2014. In NSW, 24 women were killed last year in domestic-related incidents. Of all homicides in NSW, 42 per cent are domestic. One woman is hospitalised every three hours across the country.
Access Economics has estimated about 1.6 million Australian women have experienced domestic violence in some form.
That’s just the official toll. Less than half the abuse is reported.
As NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione says: “These are mothers, your daughters, your sisters, wives, girlfriends, these are the people who work at the desk next to you at work. These are real people and they are horrifying numbers.”
Behind the veneer of social respectability across all demographics, women are suffering from physical, psychological, manipulative and controlling behaviour by culprits. It emanates from a mindset that blames the victim and tolerates disrespect for those who are of another gender, background, lifestyle or simply powerless.
Children are being assaulted, traumatised and used as weapons.
Change will require challenging the culture of saying nothing.
For so long the fear of social ostracism or economic desolation prompted women in particular not to report their dire situations. Witnesses felt it was a private matter or feared retribution.
There must be must be more protection of whistleblowers who lift the veil of secrecy.
True, more women today are economically independent and most know there are services out there to help if partners become abusive. Some take the risk of speaking out and refuse to be demeaned. But fewer still make the flight to safety or use the support of courts and the police to remain in their own homes.
Most live in fear of being tracked down by their abuser. Men have to help us fight this fight.
One such group is the White Ribbon. Last week, November 25th was the White Ribbon Day in Australia. White Ribbon is Australia’s only national, male led Campaign to end men’s violence against women. Already, there are over 150,000 people in and supporting the cause of White Ribbon Australia.
Vision
All women live in safety, free from all forms of men’s violence.
Mission
Making women’s safety a man’s issue too.
The campaign works through primary prevention initiatives involving awareness raising and education, and programs with youth, schools, workplaces and across the broader community.
Globally, White Ribbon is the world’s largest male-led movement to end men’s violence against women. Originating in Canada in 1991, White Ribbon is now active in more than 60 countries.
White Ribbon began in Australia in 2003 as part of UNIFEM (now UN Women), formally becoming a Foundation in 2007.
White Ribbon Australia observes the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day, annually on November 25. White Ribbon Day signals the start of the 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence against Women, which ends on Human Rights Day (December 10).
However the campaign runs all year and is evident across the community through, for example, advertising and marketing campaigns such as Uncover Secrets, social media, community events
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