The role of rural women driving change in their communities is multifaceted, with so many levels that it can be hard to pick just one to focus on. For me, and I believe for all my peers, it starts with knowing what we are capable of. We are all capable of driving change. It so often feels like, with the weight of a cause like equality, that all we do must be large, and ground shaking. But really, the little waves of change that we can create through a conversation, being an example or encouraging another young person, are just as crucial as those ground shaking changes we see on a bigger scale, especially through media. So, our role starts with holding fast to the knowledge that we are all capable of being drivers of change. We are all capable of supporting the women around us, through conversation or wisdom, we are all capable of listening, so long as we have the courage to try. We need to remember that big things grow from little things, and a fear of what we do not being good enough, or merely enough is flawed. The actions that we see as small can be life changing for someone else, setting them on a new path. When someone shakes the foundations, even the slightest bit, it can be enough set off the dominoes of change.

I was worried that I would not be able to write something adequate in 600 words. Despite all the thinking I had done about my simple point of everyone being capable of some level of change, this was a thought that crept in many times. The truth is we don’t need big words or lots of them to be a part of change. To drive it – tell your friends! Give them permission to stand up as who they are and to tell someone you are not okay with their behaviour.

A common principal when wanting to change a business environment is to change what you personally can change, and influence what you can’t. It is basically saying to alter how you think so you can influence others. Change the way you see what you are capable of. Be a positive influence on others, encouraging them and giving them permission to be unapologetic in their beliefs and experiences, until they can do it for themselves.

Do not let the fear of judgement stop you from standing up for other young women. What is worse, the fear of judgement and not being good enough? Or the millions of women who walk around every day fearing for their safety and dignity? I know which it is for me.
Whilst writing this will not change the lives of hundreds, it may push me down the path to help others. A path I already walk because women like Eleanor McCormack and Maggie Sheehan entered this competition and did it before me. Their example encouraged me to stand in who I am and do this. They shook the foundations, if only a little, to set off the dominos. Perhaps, my doing this will show other young women that change comes in the small waves of a conversation as well as other tsunami level heights. We must have the courage to stand individually so we can stand together.

Our role in driving change has many layers but start with this: know that you are capable. Hold to that knowledge and have the courage to act. I believe in us.