But it got me thinking of all the women, locally and nationally, who work tirelessly on behalf of social justice issues. They are at the coal face of the national conversation about violence, equality, equity, racism and human rights. From Gillian Triggs to Van Badham, from Clementine Ford to Linda Burney, from Celeste Liddle to Jane Caro. To you all I say thankyou for keeping up the fight and for inspiring me to keep talking about family violence in the face of an uncaring Federal Government and an unwilling society, many prepared to continue down the road of blatant misogyny, racism and victim blaming.
Then there are those whose voices are a little quieter, yet their passion for advocacy and their hard work sends ripples through the community. Jane Gilmore springs to mind, who continues to hold media to account for the language they use in their reporting of violence against women. Then there’s Morgan Roach (inner west), one of the most formidable forces in advocacy I’ve ever encountered. You’ve probably never heard of her but those she has helped will always remember her name. I first encountered Jane Salmon (north shore) during the federal election in 2016. Her fight for social justice is palpable, and with her heart on her sleeve she continues to advocate for the men on Nauru and Manus.
I think about Sallianne McClelland, President of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter who spends every moment of her life working to give a safe space for women to escape, recover and rebuild their lives. Even in the face of overwhelming government failure she spearheads projects like the Apron Project where women from all around the world make and donate unique and beautiful aprons to be auctioned as a fundraiser.
Then there are the women who receive no recognition, local or nationally, who spend their days on volunteer shifts at shelters, crisis centres, toiling away in the background or defending women on social media who get trolled incessantly for daring to stand up for a victim. They give their time and energy and enormous love without any bells or whistles. To you all I say thankyou. You are recognised, you are respected, you are relevant.
