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Women's Health West
An exhibition of words and pictures celebrating
the activism of women in the west of Melbourne
On Friday 7 March 2008 more than 120 women, children (and some men) attended the launch of Tapestries: stories of everyday activism, Women's Health West's celebration of International Women's Day.
International Women's Day has been celebrated for over a century to mark the cultural, political, social and economic achievements of women. This year is particularly special because it marks the one hundredth anniversary of women in Victoria gaining the vote.
L-R Pat, Wendy, Chahida, Urania, Kiri, Donna, Lillian, & Gail Photo: Scout Kozakiewicz.
Women make vital and significant contributions to our society every day. These contributions are often invisible, regularly unpaid and without them our economy would grind to a halt. While many women may not seek or expect recognition for their efforts, it is essential that as a community we celebrate inspiring women by publicly acknowledging their remarkable achievements.
This exhibition presents the inspirational stories and images of the everyday activism of twelve fantastic women from the west of Melbourne. Each of the women was nominated by other organisations in recognition of their work. The beautiful photographs and stories were developed in collaboration with the women by Scout Kozakiewicz, an internationally-exhibited local artist.
Mzuri dancers Photo: Hatice
The exhibition was on display at South Kingsville Community Centre in May and June this year. Next stop is the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona from 21 July to 8 August, and the Hunt Club Community Arts Centre in Deer Park follows from 17 September to 10 October. In 2009, the exhibition moves to Wyndham Cultural Centre in Werribee from 14 to 28 April.
For information on how to book Tapestries: stories of everyday activism exhibition contact Nicola at Women's Health West on 03 9689 9588 or email nicolah@whwest.org.au.
BETTY
"But you have to deal with it. If you don't have strength or self-esteem you will never get through it."CHAHIDA
"I love new challenges and always look forward to my next challenge."DONNA
"Anyone can strive to be anything in this world. People have got to have dreams. You have to believe in yourself."GAIL AND LILLIAN
"I was starting to feel I was becoming myself and being true to myself."ISOBEL
"Stand up for what you believe in. I never used to but I do now."JOYCE
"Don't dwell on what they say, dwell on what you want to do, what you want to be."KATHERINE
"Katherine's boots symbolise her ability to stand tall and walk forward towards the goals she set for herself."KIRI
"Looking at how to make change in the world and supporting people to make change in their world by creating space, rather than try and push people around."PAT
"I feel that all my life experiences have brought me to where I am and I can actually put some of that knowledge to use in the community, which I find really rewarding."URANIA
"I would say, find out what you are interested in and just get out there and try, try, try!"WENDY
"People are out there, you don't have to be home alone. Enjoy the moments. Life is meant for living."