HerStory deserves to be heard

WOMEN who have quietly soared to new heights in the leadership space will be celebrated through the City of Greater Geelong’s newest digital project, HerStory.

The initiative – which was proposed and championed by the COGG – aims to inspire the community’s next generation of women and leaders.

With help from a team undertaking the Committee for Geelong’s Leaders for Geelong program, it will also raise awareness about the need for gender equity across all areas of the societal fabric.

Councillor Sarah Mansfield, chair of the city’s inclusive and diverse community portfolio, said the council was “very committed” to lifting the voices and profiles of the region’s women.

“Through HerStory, we can appreciate and publicly recognise the amazing contributions women have and continue to make to our city; from pre-colonisation through to today,” Cr Mansfield said.

Committee for Geelong CEO Jennifer Cromarty said storytelling was an integral way to help understand history and inform the future.

“The Committee for Geelong is always inspired by the projects of the Leaders for Geelong programs,” she said.

“This year we are pleased that a project is exploring the issue of gender equity. HerStory aims to share the untold stories of local women in order to increase gender balance awareness and further guide and influence policy design.”

HerStory features Wadawurrung traditional owner Corrina Eccles, Respect Victoria CEO Tracey Gaudry, Geelong Cats footballer Nina Morison and women’s rights advocate Nancy Donkers.

It will tell the “untold stories” of women who have shown courage, strength and determination to achieve their goals, while also identifying what had prevented women from reaching their full potential in the past.