Name: Isabel Blundell
Community/State: Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory
School: Nhulunbuy High School
Age/Grade: 16 Years, Year 11
Bio: Click here.
Isabel’s Power Trip is kindly being sponsored by AgriFutures Australia!
“Life is a roadtrip with twists and turns. How can we support one another to navigate the road to gender equality?”
Nhämirri nhe!
My name is Isabel Blundell. I am 16 years old and reside in Nhulunbuy, a small town in remote East Arnhem Land, alongside the traditional Indigenous custodians of the area, the Yolngu people. A single track of loose gravel and red dust links us to “”civilisation””.
‘The track’ reminds me of the challenges many women will face throughout their lives. Like this road, which is testing and relentless, most of the trip is spent avoiding the countless potholes – the pay gap, violence, harassment and discrimination. We must address one pothole at a time through education and awareness via the media and in our schools- we must all be aware of these hurdles, these potholes.
We have a rule on ‘our track’; you don’t drive past a stationary car without stopping to check. If assistance is required, you provide it, even if it means calling for extra help. It is vitally important that we involve our Indigenous partners in striving towards gender equality, that we become that extra help. Domestic violence, higher mortality rates, and disempowerment in regard to decision making demand attention. We must support one another, through empowerment and two-way learning. It is vital that we move forward together. No one is left behind.
It is crucial that women encourage and spur on other women to drive change. Role models with diligence and patience who can inspire transformation in their communities, workplaces, and schools are required. We can assist girls in recognising their leadership potential and encourage them to lift up their mighty voices in order to see more women in politics and leading in businesses. Males too, should be aware of the gender inequality issues, they must be taught to respect and listen to what these women are advocating for.
Women are already capable, strong, and intelligent. They are also full of empathy, sensitivity and compassion- characteristics which are incredibly valuable to any environment and can be utilised and nurtured in the workplace, at school, in politics, and everyday life. Women need opportunities to use these important characteristics and I believe one if the most effective ways do this is to empower them to utilise their gifts, to advocate, and to embrace and encourage others for their unique attributes. The best way to do this is through education and creating a change-fuelled environment.
The road to gender equality is in fact full of twists, turns, and potholes but through education and empowerment, women can stand up and drive this change.