They are the lifeblood of all communities; each adorning blemishes that embody their persistence. A power unmatched by daydreams of their fire-eyed companions in the elements of matter. Rivers hold the key to community, to restoration, improvement, life. Restrained by standards, the limits of the river are reached. Confined to the vessel water is stored in, the world denies them their natural beauty in the flowing river of life. Nothing can survive the absence of water. Its roar is its voice, speaking when others cannot be heard.

“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman.” – Melinda French Gates

If a woman is a river, then they all have a voice; and that by definition means that all women are strong. Equally as the river is the key to life, women are the lifeblood of communities, possessing the keys to leadership. Companionship, prosperity, resilience, persistence, reliability, spontaneity. Traditionally women are relied on for cleaning, cooking, and caring. Although this may be changing, women still spontaneously adopt roles in their battling communities along with this, using the strength of the flow from the river to erode and forge new pathways for others. Leading people away from tragedy; communities following the river.

I see Marissa Veitch.

A rural woman, with two young kids. Isolated and living on a farm. Marissa joined Motherland Village in 2022. After having her first child in the height of COVID restrictions, she felt alone and more isolated than ever. Following her inspiring experience with the Motherland Village, she began working for them as the SA ambassador and is currently training to become a group facilitator. She makes video calls to rural women to help them when they can’t help themselves; when they can’t pull themselves from the tumbling river of life. She advocates for women’s emotional well-being and provides them with services that build resilience and improve mental health, inspiring them to go on and help others.

“Life is like the river, sometimes it sweeps you gently along and sometimes the rapids come out of nowhere”.

I see Sabrina Davis.

Originally from Germany, Sabrina always involved herself in the Kangaroo Island community. She founded the award-winning project, ‘Humans of Kangaroo Island’, an idea born after her farm was blackened by fire in 2019-20. Carefully rehabilitating the land she lived on, she rode the rapids from the river of life while sharing the experiences of her community. In capturing the true heart of Kangaroo Island people, she had power to fundraise $80,000, ultimately using this to rebuild the Island’s fire scarred community. Her project is one of storytelling, aiming to make a change in many communities across Australia and the world through inspiration.

“A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” – Jim Watkins

Inspiration is the start of great young leaders. Often inducing a chain reaction, woman after woman, persisting to make change. Inspiring others through their experiences, despite hardships.

If it were not for our rivers humans would have perished, for lack of sustenance. Although freedom, voice, and passion have always been stolen and stored away for later use, she persists. Fighting to be heard, to influence others on their journey as leaders, to disclose their experiences and inspire younger generations to drive for change.

We can’t be what we can’t see. Women in my community inspire me to make change because of their stories, their resilience, their fight, their spirit. Despite the restraints of humanity, women persist to drive for change. People will continue to dry out our rivers; but it will keep raining.