Today is International Women’s Day, a day of celebrating the achievements of women-folk around the world. We’ve made a list of ten Australian ladies whose achievements and talent are an inspiration to their peers, and prove that Girl Power is much more than just a popular Nineties catchphrase…
EVA ORNER – THE STORYTELLER
Melbourne-born film producer Eva Orner is one of the most acclaimed Australian film producers. In 2008 she won an Academy Award for Best Feature Documentary for the devastating documentary Taxi to the Darkside, about US torture practices in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay. Orner fearlessly tells the stories that deserve to be heard.
SARA PHILLIPS – THE DESIGNER
“Fresh” is a word often used to describe the designs of new kid on the Australian fashion scene Sara Phillips. Her gorgeous modern take on femininity has enamoured us ever since she the debut of her eponymous label, and her Autumn/Winter 2011 collection Unbridled again proves she’s a woman creating clothes that women want to wear.
GENEVIEVE GRIEVES – THE ARTIST
In 2007 Genevieve Grieves won the acclaimed Xstrata Coal Emerging Indigenous Art Award for her remarkable video installation Picturing the Old People, a profound exploration and re-imagining of the history of Aboriginal representation in art. Her work has been exhibited in galleries all over the world and she continues to be one of the most talented female artists working in new media.
MARIEKE HARDY – THE VOICE
Not to be confused with the John Farnham anthem, tireless creative polymath and card carrying literary nerd Marieke Hardy is one of the most omnipresent female voices in Australian pop culture, social commentary, and veganism via her umpteen jaunts as screenwriter, blogger, radio broadcaster, reader, tweeter and columnist.
GEMMA WARD – THE FACE
Actually, she’s not JUST a pretty face – despite being named the number 1 Model Of The Decade by Vogue Paris in 2010. Ward was nominated for both a Film Critics Circle of Australia Award and an Inside Film Award for her beautiful performance in the critically lauded Australian film The Black Balloon and is set to make her stage debut in play The Ugly One, which opens at the Perth State Theatre Centre on March 22.
STEPH GILMORE – THE WORLD CHAMP
There is no question that pro surfer Stephanie Gilmore is one of the best female athletes in the world. She’s been crowned the four-time world champion on the Women’s ASP World Tour in a consecutive stretch (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) and last year signed a five-year endorsement agreement with Quiksilver. At 23 years of age she has more than a decent chance of topping Kelly Slater’s 10 world titles.
JACKI WEAVER – THE VETERAN
Long before she was scoring international recognition for her brilliant performance in Animal Kingdom, 63-year-old actress Jacki Weaver has been admired as one of the finest theatre, film and television actresses in Australia. The winner of three Australian Film Institute awards, Weaver’s next role is treading the floorboards in the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya next to Cate Blanchett.
AMY HOLLINGSWORTH – THE DANCER
Amy Hollingsworth’s dance career almost didn’t happen after she broke her back at age 18 after falling in the dance studio. Fast forward 19 years and hers is one of the most celebrated international careers of any Australian dancer and choreographer. In 2010 she retired to become the Dance Director at Sydney Dance Company, one of the world’s most progressive dance companies.
SIA FURLER – THE EXPAT
In addition to her core occupation as a multi award-winning songwriter and pop singer, Adelaide-born New York-based Sia is also a vocal advocate for equality in the LGBT community and animal rights. She wears her heart, her struggles and her personal beliefs on her sleeve through her lyrics and her twitter account. She also wears rainbow coloured muumuus.
ELIZABETH BRODERICK – THE CHANGE-MAKER
From her background as a corporate warrior to her current role as the Sex Discrimination Commissioner and Commissioner responsible for Age Discrimination in Australia, Elizabeth Broderick has been a driving force in championing issues related to gender equality, women in business, work and life balance, and age discrimination. An innovative leader, mentor and mother of two, Broderick is one of the greatest representatives of all that International Women’s Day stands for.
Whether you’re the proud owner of a vagina or not, do take time today to remember the inspirational women in your life.
For more on International Womens Day visit the website: www.internationalwomensday.com
