IWD - The Need for First Nations Elders Voices

Breaking gender bias is the theme for IWD 2022. 

Imagine a gender-equal world. A world is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. 

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. 

IWD Celebrate women's achievements and a call to raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. 

First Nations Voices are rarely sought after for important societal conversations, particularly those of First Nations elder women.  

In this 1 hour webinar, we will explore these topics through the lens of our First Nations elders and explore some of the pressing issues that impact them as women, elders, and as First Nations peoples.  

Meet our speakers: 

MC: Faith Agugu founder of Silver Sirens

Faith is a Sydney-based Psychotherapist who founded Silver Sirens in 2018 after a number of women in 'midlife crisis' were referred to her. She realised that her cultural lens on ageing differed greatly from those of many of her western sisters and she felt called to change the negative narrative some of these women had internalised about ageing.

Faith creates engaging and uplifting conversations that honour each women's individuality.

Councilor Waskam Emelda Davis

 Emelda is a Social justice advocate, Media, Events Management and Community Development expert having worked for over three decades across state, federal, and grassroots communities. 

As a proud woman of colour, Emelda is grateful for the opportunity to represent 'Women for Election Australia' as a symbol of equal opportunity and access to the pathways and learnings to encourage women to engage across all areas of government and important decision making especially for marginalised communities. 

In her current position as founder and chair of Australian South Sea Islanders (Port Jackson), national representative since 2012 our board is representative of 70% women inclusive of youth representation as founding members. 

Emelda's achievements include: 

• 2020 Parliament of NSW, Legislative Assembly Community Recognition Statement
• 2020 Premiers Multicultural Community Medals (Settlement Services International NSW Human Rights Medal)
• 2020 Masters of Arts (FASS) Children of the Sugar Slaves 'Black & Resilient'
• 2017 Rotary Inspirational Women's Award
• 2017 Inspirational Wall Medal, Ultimo - Public School Sydney NSW
• 2016 NSW Women of the Year (Sydney Local)
• 2015 NSW Council for Pacific Communities Award
• 2015 ASSI National Assoc. constitution consult and adoption (Tweed)
• 2013 Parliament of NSW Recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders
• 2012-2015 'Wantok' ASSI National Conferences (7)

Aunty Barbara Simms

Aunty Barbara Simms is a well-known La Perouse Aboriginal elder, born and raised on the beaches of Lapa. A Bidjigal and Wadi Wadi woman, Aunty Barb is an active member of her community.

As an Aged care coordinator and a respected elder in her community, Aunty Barb is passionate about raising community awareness around cancer. 2015 was the 7th time she will hold her annual Breast Cancer Morning Tea at Yarra Bay Sailing Club, to which she welcomes both women and men from Aboriginal communities across the state. 

Barb’s events are a successful community-led program and a great example of how we can start an internal discussion about cancer and smash the myth that it is a death sentence.

Aunty Kathy Farrawell

Aunty Kathryn Dodd Farrawell

is an accomplished and award-winning artist and provides a strong connection to her culture through her artworks as she creates her beautiful murals in gardens and indoor spaces.

A proud Kaanju-Birri woman, Aunty Kathy is a mentor and tutor for children who might be facing challenges, through the Glebe Treehouse project and the Glebe Youth Service, Sydney. She is an amazing Sydney woman and a stalwart of the Glebe community.