On March 4, our team attended an International Women's Day Lunch in Sydney, hosted by Business Chicks. The theme for the Day was #eachforequal.
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We listened to three of the most incredible stories I have ever head. The adversity that these women went through in their lives is almost beyond comprehension.
First up was Fiori Giovanni, who was 12 when her marriage was arranged, 14 when she was recruited to the Eritrean army and 15 when she escaped the war and left her family to start a new life in Belgium. A recurring focus in Fiori's speech was the three R's of resilience; Reframe your thoughts, Refocus and Revive into action. Fiori is now a business coach and author.
Rebecca Poulson was the next speaker, a family violence survivor, advocate and activist. Her niece, nephew and father were murdered by her sister's partner. Rebecca is now an author and has been credited by the NSW Premier as directly changing domestic violence laws across the state.
Finally, Susan Alberti AC revealed her incredible story. Susan has achieved an incredible amount after losing her husband in a truck accident and daughter due to complications with Type 1 diabetes. Over her lifetime, Susan had three main dreams; 1. To see her beloved Bulldogs AFL team win a premiership, 2. For women to play AFL and the only remaining 3. To find a cure for type 1 diabetes.
These stories, particularly during testing times of COVID-19, reminded me that women, Australians and humanity are tough in the face of adversity. It was a truly humbling and inspiring event.
