Celebrating Curvy Women #beboldforchange

We Baby Boomers have seen a lot of changes over the years.  I am noticing that a lot of films at the moment are set in the 60s, (like Hidden Figures and Jasper Jones), and we can see how much society has changed for the better, and admire the fashions from those days.

Women’s lives have changed a lot too, and now we remain young for much longer.  You will have heard people say 60 is the new 40 and 80 is the new 60.  My mother still works and she is 83. 

So we want to work for longer and want to look glamorous too.  The shape of women’s bodies have changed over the years, and now we celebrate curvy Australian women and their beautiful bodies.  Much as I loved Toni Collette’s performance in Jasper Jones, she looked far too skinny!!!  This is an issue I don’t suffer from being a member of the club of 40+ women who are over a size 16.

We often admire a man with a few grey hairs as it gives him gravitas, and we will listen avidly as he is clearly experienced.  Mature women should be admired in the same way for their ability to impart their life experience to others.  We are also probably more likely to be honest about our weaknesses and failures as well as our achievements and strengths.

I was asked to speak recently at the Springboard for Women Program for women in local government.  My role was to be a real life example of what another woman has done, to inspire and encourage the program participants.  One of the issues I mentioned was that men need to be part of the journey to achieve gender equity, and the Male Champions of Change have published some really interesting reports about the advantages of diversity and the dangers of conscious and unconscious bias.

I am continuing to be involved in this year’s campaign for International Women’s Day BeBoldForChange and that includes:

I’ll challenge bias and inequality

• query all-male speaking panels – I refuse to attend conferences with all male speaking panels
• pull people up on exclusive language – I am always explaining the advantages of diversity to people and challenging their language (not awfully popular in the pub but what the heck!)
• challenge stereotypes – as above
• call it out when women are excluded – as above
• monitor the gender pay gap – as I’ve mentioned previously we should have that sorted in 169 years’ time
• point out bias and highlight alternatives – I do this when I come across bias
• call for diverse candidate shortlists – this is enshrined in the way we work
• embrace inclusive leadership - this is enshrined in the way we work
• redefine the status quo – I do constantly challenge every day stereotyping particularly in sport as I am the Vice President of WomensportNSW.

I also take junior female colleagues to major meetings or events and mentor both women and men and sponsor their goals.  I also:

• decide to buy from companies that support women
• choose to work for a progressive employer for women
• support or back a woman-owned business – like swishfasion.com.au

More style tips, can be found here.