Long list of women inspires GIVIT founder Juliette Wright
WHEN asked to name a woman who inspires her, GIVIT founder Juliette Wright struggles to name just one. We put the question to her in the lead-up to International Women’s Day.
Moreton Life
Don't miss out on the headlines from Moreton Life. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WHEN asked to name a woman who inspires her, GIVIT founder Juliette Wright struggles to name just one.
We put the question to the Camp Mountain resident ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8.
First on the list is former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, who Juliette met when she received the Australia’s Local Hero award at the same ceremony in 2015.
Rosie received the honour just months after her son, Luke, was killed by his father following years of domestic violence.
“Rosie was up against (child protection advocate) Hetty Johnson and (adoption campaigner) Deborra-lee Furness – they were superstars. But Rosie was so articulate and clear and in pain,” Juliette recalls.
“I think that she spoke to a nation and a nation heard her. ”
Juliette also lists tennis player Serena Williams, who won a grand slam while pregnant, and tips her hat to the Hollywood actors who risked their reputations to speak out in support of the #metoo campaign in recent months.
“I’ve been inspired by their bravery. They started something that may have a profound impact on our daughters’ lives,” she says.
But it’s not just high-profile women who inspire Juliette, it’s also women she knows who do their best for their families every day, and those who work hard in our community.
She’s a fan of International Women’s Day, which she says is a chance to celebrate women’s achievements and shine a light on the progress that still needs to be made.
“There will be a great buzz around the #metoo campaign this year and it will be interesting to see lots of women’s different perspectives on that,” she says.
“I also just think it’s a time for women to celebrate being women, how diverse we are, how resilient we are.”
Juliette founded GIVIT, an online platform for charities and a generous community to connect, in 2010 after she struggled to find a way to donate her son’s baby clothes to families in need.
She and her team have since facilitated 627,000 donations across Australia and support 1800 charities.
Juliette says GIVIT is a terrific platform for women to help other women in need.
“If you go to the website you’ll be able to see the simple things that impoverished women need right now,” she says.
Women escaping domestic violence, living with a disability and those struggling with the high cost of living are particularly vulnerable.
Juliette says young women and girls need help to navigate life’s challenges and she is trying to teach her own daughter, Sara, 10, how to put the stresses of school and friendships into perspective.
And her answer to the age-old question about the madness of women trying to do everything: “I think we are mad. I think we couldn’t do it unless we’re a little bit mad”.
MEET FOUR INSPIRING WOMEN FROM THE MORETON BAY REGION
SONIA SONIA
Owner of award-winning Kallangur Dental Surgery
What’s your biggest achievement?
Being able to make people smile. It involves working as a dentist in business, employing dedicated and enthusiastic people and helping them grow to achieve their dreams.
Where is your favourite place to eat?
Norths Club in Kallangur. I have been going there for over four years. My first choice for business meeting or family.
What book are you reading?
Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins and How Life Works by Andrew Mathews.
Name a woman who inspires you.
Many. I believe gurus walk among us. Anyone who touches us in a positive way. My mother tops the list. She worked full time and raised four kids.
What’s the biggest challenge facing women today?
Gender inequality in the workplace.
If a woman is returning to the workforce after having kids, she will accept a lower position or lower pay. Why?
We need to learn to say “NO”.
JODIE KENNY
Represented Australia in hockey and mother to son Harrison
What is your biggest achievement?
On the sporting front, my biggest achievement is becoming a dual Olympian and being among five international players nominated for 2015 World Player of the Year. My biggest personal achievement is my son Harrison.
Where is your favourite place to eat?
I am a huge fan of sushi and my favourite restaurant is Sushi Train at North Lakes.
What book are you reading?
I’m currently studying primary education so as much as I would love to chill out with a good novel, I’m stuck into my uni text books!
What’s the biggest challenge facing women? I think an issue that is close to my heart is the pressure women feel to choose career over their decision to start a family. Being an athlete I found my urge to have a baby was suppressed by the thought that I couldn’t have a family and play elite sport.
KATIE NAPRASNIK
She opened her fashion boutique Orange Sherbet at Redcliffe when she was just 17 years old. More than a decade on, the business continues to evolve and Katie is now mum to son Henry.
What is your biggest achievement?
A couple of years ago I would have said running a successful business. But since becoming a mum, my biggest achievement would definitely be bringing my beautiful boy into the world.
Where is your favourite place to eat in the region?
This is a hard one. Redcliffe has so many beautiful restaurants and cafes and I love eating out but I would have to say Flock Eatery on Redcliffe Pde.
What book are you reading?
Lauren Graham’s Talking as Fast as I Can. If you’re a Gilmore Girls fan, this book will make you laugh.
Name a woman who has inspired you?
Roxy Jacencko is a mum of two and runs PR agency Sweaty Betty. I find it inspiring how she juggles both motherhood and running a business all the while not worrying about what other people think.
What advice would you give 12-year-old you?
Don’t worry about what other people think of you.
Cheryl Springer
Co-owner Springers Solar and Pine Rivers Chamber of Commerce president.
What is your biggest achievement?
I have reared five children and now employ four of them in our small successful business which employs 33 in total.
Where is your favourite place to eat in the region?
I love dining at Ocean View Estates.
What book are you reading?
The Good People by Hannah Ken.
Name a woman who has inspired you?
Generally I would answer my mother because obviously she was such a wonderful influence on me and my life. But the answer is Ita Buttrose. From newspapers, magazines to media and television, to OBE and Australian of the Year, she has been in the limelight since she was 20. Her role as chairperson for the National Advisory Committee on AIDS from 1984 stands out.
What’s the biggest challenge facing women? It is still career versus children. There are severe disincentives for women to interrupt their careers to have children.
‘Keep your cat inside’: Controversial python feed prompts grim warning
A picture of a carpet python eating a pet cat north of Brisbane has emerged as a Queensland snake catcher weighs in on the owner’s heartbreaking decision to let the meal continue.
Historic Brisbane markets forced to finish up for second time
A once-vibrant community market that began in 1963 will close for the second time, only four months after staging a comeback.