An International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate all women and girls and contribute to their futures.
THE PURPOSEFUL WOMEN
As part of our Purposeful Tee Campaign, we invited a number of interesting, passionate women to don the tee and share their story and purpose - inspiring women making a real difference in this world.
Some you may recognise, others are less well know, but all are trailblazers in their fields and walking this earth with a goal to make it a better place.
Each fascinating and emotive interview can be found below.
In coming months we will be interviewing more purposeful women and look forward to sharing these with you too.
MELISSA HISTON
Founder of Got Your Back Sista &
Newcastle Woman of The Year
"It is many a brave and courageous woman who, throughout the years, has raised her voice and campaigned to rectify that power imbalance. We still have a way to go."
LISA TOOLIN
Remote Community Youth Worker
"I believe deeply that every person born of privilege has a choice about what they do with it. What they do with their voice, their power, the inequalities they choose to protest against, the unfair systems they challenge, the type of world they want to help create. This is my purpose, to always use the voice I was given to stick up for what is right, and to contribute what I can to ending inequalities. "
RISHNA GUNNESS
Founder of Children of The Corn &
Chef at A Pot of Courage
"I moved to Australia from Mauritius in 2009 and fell in love with the food scene in Melbourne. This was when I decided to pursue becoming a chef.
My purpose is to push people to try different flavours of food from different parts of the world. "
RACHAEL SEYMOUR
Co-Founder of The Energy Studio &
Cornerstone Learning
"In this time of uncertainty my purpose is simple; to increase the awareness of individuals so that as a collective we can rise.
To help people experience this life with fresh eyes, a balanced perspective and a higher energy vibration. ."
SHIREE PILKINTON
Founder of A Pot of Courage
"I am passionate about identifying others’ potentials and supporting them to pursue their ambitions and innovative ideas.
Through my work I can raise awareness of the intersectional barriers that many people in our community face, and how we can work together to lessen the load and help create a sense of belonging."
NYIBOL DENG
A Pot of Courage Inc and A Tuk Business Owner
"One woman who encouraged me with my education has now become part of my family. I have learned from her that friendship can be more.
You can actually become ‘family'. Women in my community have had an amazing impact on me, and helped me in my journey.
I have learned from them how to be strong in everything that I have faced in life.."
DR ELIZABETH HARTNELL-YOUNG
Educator, Activist & Co-Founder of Honour A Woman
"A few years ago, I was so annoyed at the lack of women in the Order of Australia, our highest honours, I co-founded Honour a Woman, with Carol Kiernan and Ruth McGowan OAM.
In a year when 14 men and only one woman received the top honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia, we started a social movement aimed at equal representation. "
JODIE COOPER
Artist & Interior Designer
"I'm pretty happy with my path, but if I could pass on any words of wisdom, they would be to live a life that has no regret.
Trust your gut and forge ahead as dreams do come true."
MARG DOWNEY
Actor & Comedian
"Ten years ago I helped found a Theatre Company called The Kin Collective. It has become like a second family.
The actresses involved - Michala Banas, Laura Maitland and Ally Fowler are all intelligent, talented and funny and have had a very positive impact on my life.
We all agree you can’t sit around waiting for the phone to ring. You have to learn to initiate your own projects.."
NAT VINCETICH
Hair/Make Up Artist & Stylist
"I believe that my Darhma is to make others feel good about themselves, teach them to embrace their beauty inside and out and follow their heart's desires."
EMMA STUART
Artist & Illustrator
"I love illustrating children’s books, I get sent a manuscript and a brief and then I have the privilege of bringing someone’s dream to life.
Those of you with little ones understand the power and magic of story time and I still can’t believe I get to be an integral part of that !!"
LILLY WRIGHT
Kitchen/Cafe Coordinator at A Pot of Courage
"My hope for the next generation is that they recognise the importance of their own voice and power.
I hope that they keep in mind that it is not the leader in front of you, but the leader within you, that presents the greatest amount of power and change within our society.."