Name: Sarah Lane
Grade: Year 12
Age: 17 Years
School: St Luke’s College
Hometown and State: Karratha, Western Australia
LIFTING US UP – How can women and girls empower each other and their communities in times of uncertainty and change?
Seven months ago the idea of staying home all day in a pair of pyjamas would be a dream come true however, now in the midst of the corona-virus crisis, this has quickly become millions of people’s worst nightmare. Corona virus is just one of the many devastating challenges Australia has faced in 2020 but due to the efforts women and girls have made, the female community within our country is in a position of growth with more female CEOs, doctors and managers than every before. Across the globe female leaders are being recognised for their efforts in controlling the virus including Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, Tsai Ing-Wen of Taiwan and Angela Merkel of Germany. These phenomenal efforts are inspirational and now it is our time, because Australia needs our help. Despite the changes so many women have already made across Australia, it is essential that we continue to empower one another in these confronting times of uncertainty.
Each and every women is a strong individual who holds a unique set of strengths and skills to build and better their community, and it is our job as supportive females to recognise our own skills and use them to complement one another. In unity there is strength, therefore by joining together in supporting each other with acceptance and love we will be on the road to empowerment. It is my belief that if our goal is to build a strong resilient society then it is essential that we start with a healthy foundation, and this begins with our young girls. Our youth is the prime time to start promoting individuality, strength and persistence to sculpt our girls into leaders, teaching them that we should be building each other up rather than tearing one another down to achieve a common goal, I believe Maya Angelou expressed it best when she said, “my mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do some with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.” These are words we should teach our daughters to live by. One way to in-still these vital values is to act as positive role models for others to look up to. To be a role model you do not need to be famous, rich or powerful you just need to be yourself and be confident. When I was younger I would look up to my mum, my sisters, my aunties for their example as the youth of today still do. It is our job to lead by example and do so with pride.
Corona Virus has lead to one of the toughest times our nation has seen in decades, especially considering there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel but now it is our time to take the lead and help our country while in strife. Tiresome experiences can lead to the deterioration of individual’s mental health and it is therefore important to remain cognitively, socially and physically stimulated in one’s everyday life. Some ways to combat this challenge is through the founding of local support groups, weekly zoom calls, social activities and volunteering where possible. Although during these times we may not be able to physically be there, that does not mean our support is not. I am challenging you to make a difference in your community, whether it be your school, your workplace, your suburb or your town. The networking support and community of women has never been more important. This time of change can benefit women everywhere.