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Women's Health West
Introduction
Tears of Joy, Tears of Frustration
Exhibition for International Women's Day 2006
We all have stories to tell about mothering. Our circumstances might be different; perhaps we have children, or perhaps our family comprises close friends, extended family, neighbours or pets. We may differ in age, cultural and language backgrounds, ability, sexuality, and where and how we live. But no matter what our situation, we can all share in feeling overwhelming love, special connections, heartaches and hope - described by one mother as "my emotional journey".
"Everything looks really pretty on the outside, and you look like superwoman, but on the inside you're really anxious." - Brooke, Melton Young, Pregnant and Parenting Group
In this exhibition, more than fifty women explore their experiences of mothering through pictures and words. These included Indigenous women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young mothers, lesbian/same-sex attracted mothers, women who have experienced mental illness and single mothers.
The exhibition title is based on these women's words: "Tears of Joy, Tears of Frustration - an Emotional Journey through Diverse Experiences of Mothering" - summing up the range of intense and complex feelings women expressed about mothering.
"The butterflies and stars make me happy." - Ozcan, Horizons Women's Group
"The main message is that there is support out there. You are not alone even if you feel alone. There is support. Reach out. Ask for help. Don't suffer on your own." - Melton Young, Pregnant and Parenting Group. Women tell us that sharing their stories of mothering has been both powerful and inspiring . Sharing both our joyful and painful experiences can make us feel less alone - more connected and supported by each other.
"I've put the two parts of my life. The first which is the happiest part of my life, my time with just my husband. The second is about a time of change, and about becoming happy families." - Linda, Spanish-speaking Mothers Group
This exhibition values the differences and the common experiences of mothering in Melton and beyond, and encourages women to reach out to other mothers and to local services for support. Women need social, economic and cultural support to be healthy and happy in their mothering role. All women have the right to live safely and free from violence and fear, to be informed and have real choices, and to fulfill their potential.
"I have made the Macedonian flag. We have our own independence recently. When the women see the flag, they know we are proud to be Macedonian." - Simjanska, Macedonian Women's Group
Mother, Indigenous Parents Playgroup.
We wish to thank all the women involved in the art workshops, including the volunteers and the workers who support these women. Thank you to the project reference group members, and to Women's Health West and the Victorian Multicultural Commission for supporting this project.
This exhibition is dedicated to women's strength, courage, tears and laughter, all of which help us through the amazing emotional journey of mothering.
Joy Free, Researcher, Women's Health West