Name: Kealey Gibson
Grade: Year 11
Age: 16 Years
School: Nhulunbuy High School
Hometown and State: Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory
LIFTING US UP – How can women and girls empower each other and their communities in times of uncertainty and change?
Be determined, be hopeful, be empowered and be empowering.
2020 has been an exceptionally challenging time for many, with uncertainty as to what the new ‘normal’ will look and feel like and when the new ‘normal’ will be stable. Each and every girl, women, mother, sister, aunty and grandma are facing these uncertain times often in isolation away from their friends and family. Women alone are strong, resilient and resourceful, however when women unite, these qualities strengthen and create a sense of community that is ready to tackle any challenge together. Despite this we are seeing resilient women struggle in the current climate.
Women are facing many impacts daily due to the present pandemic, COVID-19. High rates of job loss and lack of job security is causing financial strain, which has a ripple effect on their families physical and mental wellbeing. Ability to afford childcare has become increasingly difficult and in some cases forcing mothers to leave their employment. The introduction of lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19 in small pockets of Australia and across the globe have fuelled rates of domestic violence, reduced access to vital health services and helplines and increased the risk to frontline workers in the health care setting(Lebus, Amaya, Rathi and Gupta, 2020).
Now more than ever women need other women to support, protect and empower each other. They need fellow women who they can relate to and talk to. Kindness, empowerment and connectiveness are key elements that will aid our fierce women to survive the challenge and uncertainty of this global pandemic. We are all in this together and all have a role to play. We can start by implementing the following suggestions:
- Regular check-ins with your family, friends, work or school mates. There are many formal and informal ways to check-in. Australian is a big place, and those of us that live in rural or remote areas, may not have regular contact with others in person. We can connect through Facetime, Zoom, Snapchat, text messages and phone. This connection can change a person’s day for the better.
- Motivate yourself and others. Times are tough, and your motivation may be low. A simple task such as getting out of bed and sticking to a routine may be hard. Motivating yourself and others can make the days go faster and your time more joyful. This can be as little as making goals for yourself with a small reward at the end, so there is something you are working towards.
- Selfcare, often viewed as selfish but is critical to provide support and strength to the women you are and the ones around you. Take time to make yourself feel good and remind yourself to never lose sight of who you are because of the scariness of this time, through selfcare such as reading a booking, painting your nails, listening to music, a face mask or soaking in a bath.
Empowered women will empower those around them. To conquer the present uncertainty, women need to empower, nurture and show genuine care and empathy to those who they have the ability to influence. As a women, daughter and sister I want to live in a community where women are determined, empowered, hopeful and can rise through adversity with increased strength and resilience. Where the new ‘normal’ is nothing to be afraid of.
This Power Trip is kindly being sponsored by AgriFutures Australia
