This International Women's Day we celebrate all the strong, proud and deadly women who shape our lives, strengthen our communities and fight for our rights through highlighting a few amazing women who work at VACCA and those who have made us who we are.
This year's theme each for equal aligns with UN Women's new multigenerational campaign, Generation Equality.
Aunty Mollie Dyer
Aunty Mollie Dyer, a proud Yorta Yorta woman, was the founder of VACCA in 1977.
Passionate about the rights of Aboriginal children, Aunty Mollie believed that "our kids are the most viable enterprise we can be engaged in". Her determination to break the cycle of racism was also paramount: "as long as I have breath in my body I'll speak out against those forces trampling us, whether those forces be black or white."
Today we acknowledge Aunty Mollie Dyer and all of the staunch women who continue to advocate for our community and lead us towards social change.
Allira, Kinship Finding Team
Allira is a proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman who works in our Kinship Finding Team.
“International Women’s Day is a great day to celebrate all the amazing work women have done within community and across the world. It shows that women are just as equal as men and that we can do everything that men can do."
"It makes me think about the women who have inspired me, who have done great things. One of those women is my Grandma. I grew up hearing stories about her and everything she did for community and for her family. Her name is Charlotte Charles and when I hear her name I feel so strong. I think of everything that she accomplished, and I think that if she did it, I can do it as well!"
"My message for all the women out there today is don’t let anybody tell you what you can or can’t do! Show people that you can do anything you put your heart and mind to. Women are amazing and so strong.”
Chie, Cultural Therapeutic Ways Team
Chie is a proud Yawuru woman who works in our Cultural Therapeutic Ways team.
When reflecting on the women she admires, Chie said: “I’ve grown up being raised by strong, staunch Aboriginal women.”
“One of my cousins, who I pretty much see as my big sister – she’s one of the main people I look up to and aspire to be. She came from a tough upbringing and it’s so nice to see that she’s put herself through studies and completed her Masters and MBA, she’s now a mama to my 2 beautiful nieces, married and has a beautiful home. It makes me feel like I can do it too.”
“When you grow up in community and you have everything against you, knowing you have people around you who have made it – especially women, it’s really inspiring. It’s definitely the women in my family who inspire me the most and drive me to succeed for a better life.”
"My message to women this International Women's Day is to keep doing what you’re doing! It’s so important that we as women continue to support each other, check in with each other, and just spread love and joy."
