What We Learnt from Super IWD Week

The super week is what we at WWA HQ called the week of 4th-9th of March. Of course, you probably heard by now this was International Women’s Day week. We were prepped and ready as we either hosted, spoke at, or sponsored seven events. We recorded ten podcasts and best of all got to hug, chat and be inspired by the most amazing women, from Lithgow to the Hawkesbury, Penrith and Canberra.  Here is a whip around of what moved us, and a reminder of how gratitude is the holy grail. ( in my humble opinion)
The Opera House run an All about women festival every year at this time, and it was my privilege to again host the discussion at the Joan Sutherland Centre on Sunday 4th. We heard from inspiring writers and commentators from the United States on what it was like to witness Donald Trump take the white house. Tracey Spicer shared her solidarity and focused on supporting women’s voices in the media and I fangirled over her even more. (Tracey endorsed an event we had years ago and was divine and generous and kind.) Alongside her via satellite, Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, was a powerhouse and super clear in her intention and purpose of MeToo: To support survivors. Don’t call women victims, we are survivors, and we must not lose this focus on the #MeToo campaign. The way forward is that we must set our sights on providing support, and be listening to the needs of survivors. Tarana earnt her place on the Oscars stage as she was honoured with a handful of fellow female movers and shakers.
We discovered that Revenue NSW celebrates IWD every year and how fantastic to discover their leadership programs and their commitment to champion women to step up in their careers.
A collaboration with Springwood Neighbourhood centre and Susan Templeman MP saw 80 local women come together for the passionate discussion and only major IWD event in the Blue Mountains. We ran out of time so quickly, and it was apparent that we are powerful together, with passionate voices and points of view! On Friday we celebrated with Emma Husar MP and her women of Lindsay Awards. Sassy, intelligent, kick-ass women who are displaying great leadership and touching others with their work or service. WWA congratulates this year’s awards receivers:
Educator • Mandi Clark 
Senior • Barbi Mitchell
Young • Emma Hogan
Junior • Georgia Wood
Carer • Elise Webber
Business • Rebecca Jarrett-Dalton
Sports • Linda Cerone
Volunteer • Mandii Carr
Artist • Celeste Cannell
In Canberra, at Highgate House, I was humbled to meet women who, in a large city are so open to support and help each other and I felt touched and overjoyed to be able to share a small space with them even for just a couple of hours. Back in Richmond, Chrissie was presiding over a morning of service to Year 10 and 11 students. Our community donated their time, and we sat with kids and sewed, cut, and chatted as we helped the charities Days for Girls and Sole Hope.
We were inspired by Sarah Morse and her dedication to ending modern day slavery and April Baker and her daughter Tanisha giving back to the young women with hand massages and scrubs.
Thank you to all the women who gave their time or helped us this week. At the time of writing, I don’t have all of their names, but I would love to share our gratitude for: Christine Kennedy, Toni Quigley, Imelda Eames, Lesley Lewis, Olivia Sperzel, Jacinta Tobin, Susan Templeman, Molly Cameron, Samantha Crisford-Eade, Jo Greneger, Krissie Scudds, Hania Radvan, Ian Zammit, Catherine Fitzpatrick, Sirlina Hope, Clare Stuart, Leanne Plackson, Tanya Osland, Fiona Nixon, Sqdrn Leader Amanda Gosling, Del Gaudry, Romola Hollywood, Jen Ballard, Emma Husar, Lara Greenhill, Lisa LaMaitre, Peta Swarbrick, Emily Hanna, Sallyanne Pisk, Miranda Turner, Cheryl, April Baker, Tanisha Baker, Fiona Nixon, Mel Nassif, Michelle Brown, Sandy Golder, Fiona Kane, Tanya Selby, Sarah Morse, Derryn Hahn, Leona and Lucy from Vintage FM, Kelly Ingram, Christy Chukwok, Michelle Locke, and Michael Boys. We hope like crazy we haven’t left out anyone, and if we have, we apologise in advance!
This Monday morning, My cup overflow with gratitude. For the laughs, smiles, hugs, and vulnerability, honesty and openness that was shared freely last week.
Big Hugs
Andy xx