This year’s International Women’s Day, themed #BeBoldForChange, saw communities throughout the world, standing and celebrating the cultural, social, political and economic achievements of women.

When Anita Carmody recognised that Australian Women wanted plus size, Australian-Made, stylish, quality garments, she took bold action and made them.

Today that company has grown and is a fashion leader in this country.

Anita and her highly skilled fashion team 90% of who are women are fashion leaders in plus sized clothing today.

Anita saw what was possible and actioned that possibility to craft the Swish garments we all love and wear.

Themed #BeBoldForChange, I believe this year’s International Women’s Day is an incredible opportunity for each of us to be bold and ask, what is possible?

I am the parent of two beautiful daughters and boldness and retaining that boldness amongst children is a trait I have always admired.

When Saskia, my eldest daughter was born, I whispered to her that her name meant 'Brave, bold, strong woman'.
It was all my love and belief wrapped up in hope and I imprinted this message upon her. She grew up accepting it as truth.

The oldest of my daughter’s Saskia, pictured here at 10 years, jumping into a glacial lake between Switzerland and Italy. Today Saskia as a young woman of 23 is bold and fearless.

#BeBoldForChange, what messages and words and actions do we want our daughters to accept as truth?

As a parent of two daughters I am aware of the power and possibility inherent within the words that surround their environments, the words they speak to their friends and most importantly the words they speak to themselves.

My youngest Scarlett now 10 years old, pictured here being a ballerina in the park.

This morning at breakfast, Scarlett on her sketch pad, drew additions to her stick insect like buildings in between mouthfuls and me saying ‘hurry up get ready for school. Draw later.’ She looked up and asked me, ‘mummy what does an architect do? I might be one.

In that moment, I loved her limitless self-belief, her strength of curiosity and remembered how different that question had been answered when I had asked it as a 14-year-old high school student.

I was told, ‘Tech drawing is for boys. Girls have two electives to choose from, home economics – sewing and cooking – and typing.’

I never became an architect but a few months later when we were given work experience in Town – I was the first girl from the school to get placement in an architect’s office – once there I was bold enough to tell the Architect of my ambitions. He moved me out of my school assigned clerical duties and into the Design studio.

I grew up in a family of matriarchs – I was always told I could be and do anything and I was completely encouraged to think outside the box.

In my first year at High School, I was called into the principal’s office for my ‘principal meet and greet interview’– I was not intimidated as to me he radiated Santa Claus warmth and appearance. He asked me what I hoped to achieve at High School. I looked him dead straight and replied, ‘I want to be School Captain in Year 12.’

He raised his fluffy eyebrows and with a smile full of conviction said, ‘my goodness! I think you may just be.’

He passed away before my final senior year and never saw me standing on the school stage accepting my post as School Captain.

I remember him and I remember his words.

I want my daughters to choose anything-is-possible-for-them in this world.

I want my daughters to inherently know and accept that choice is their right.

I believe in the inherent power of words.

At home and in the environments, I move in I can #BeBoldForChange  by speaking conscious words that effect positive change.

What #BeBoldForChange words do you speak to yourself, your daughters and your loved ones?

International Women's Day was on Wednesday 8 March 2017. It is not too late to #BeBoldForChange

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