International Women's Day: Balance the Scales

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Balance the Scales, is a call to action - a commitment to a world where every woman, regardless of background or identity, is safe, heard and empowered to shape her own life.

To honour this message, we’ve partnered with Educator, Author and Co-Curator of Anthologia, Daniella Libri Elias to share excerpts from Anthologia II. An expansive collection of stories from twenty-two women, Anthologia II centres voices that are often overlooked, creating space for truth, courage and connection in all their complexity.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re giving you the chance to WIN your own copy of Anthologia II. Read on to find out how to enter.

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Excerpts from Anthologia II

The following excerpts from Anthologia invite reflection, recognition and resonance. They are reminders of what it means to listen deeply, amplify women’s voices, and continue the work of balancing the scales.

This gets to be my version, a powerful reclamation of what the path ahead may hold. It is entirely my own. When I tune into my heart, I feel how much I have to give, and how much space there is to take. The many I can show up for in service, and the many creative projects to bring into the world. This creative portal exists within me always, and it is time to start trusting the sacredness of my path because nothing is coincidental, nothing is by accident. No matter where we find ourselves, the twists and turns of the paths ahead, none of that should ever deter us from the value we hold. We are and always have been enough. We have our roles to play in this world. We have space to expand our unique energy and allow it to leave its lasting impression. That imprint is our legacy, and it is already a work in progress. 
- A Vessel Of Creation by Daniella Elias

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While at this event, I overheard someone say, ‘I haven’t got a creative bone in my body.’ I inwardly winced at the pain the familiarity of the phrase evoked in me. The very same had left my own lips innumerable times over decades. What a loss the "I’m not a creative person" limiting belief would prove to be, depriving me of countless opportunities for joy because I was too afraid of looking foolish and not being able to do it, or heaven forbid, not get it right. How sad that I would hold myself back because not trying felt safer than getting it wrong. Though I try to live without regret, I quietly grieve for the rich experiences I avoided in adulthood because this belief defined the boundaries of my life. All those times I said no instead of yes. All those times I didn’t believe in myself for fear of being exposed. I suppose, however, without the lesson I wouldn’t have the learning. It’s OK to be vulnerable.
- The Stories We Tell by Benita Bensch

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You see, something happens when you find your softness, when you speak to yourself the same way you speak to others. Eventually it becomes a habit, a conscious choice, and it feels like your grandmother’s hand resting on your back, a little pat, warm and light.

Cheering you on like you are the race winner, clapping loudly for all the times she was never clapped for, releasing the ‘no’s she held in her ripples, gifting you a connection, gifting you a guidance that’s been there all along, it just needed softness to be felt.
- Dear She by Kellie Hannah

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It is dangerous, what is sold as health. It is dangerous how accessible it is to skip the impact of time. It is healthy to nurture your body, to give it good food, to bend your muscles and run. It is healthy to take time to meditate, and swallow vitamins, and replenish your soul by any means necessary. It is not healthy to navigate your days doing all you can to impede the way your body naturally morphs.
- Want by Courtney Zerafa

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Then the visitors will come with their gifts wrapped in judgement and concerns. I probably shouldn’t say that, but I knew they didn’t care for my company. I would spend days in the lead-up madly cleaning and scrubbing. Ironing tablecloths. Washing teacups until they squeaked. Buying flowers. A bunch for every room. With different perfumes. Hosing down the veranda just before they came, with a finishing splash of eucalyptus oil. All while you watched. Alone. You felt my panic. I’m sure.

I would dress you in a beautiful blue outfit. You had a few I would rotate so there was always something clean and at the ready. One pretty dress. For me.

They will come. On various days and suitability. To them.

They would coo. Why wouldn’t they? You were so perfect, and I so proud of you. Such a cheeky thing, as all babies should be.

I will hope they comment on the clean house, the dress, the flowers, and the slices plated for them.

‘You’re looking thin.’ ‘Your eyes are dark.’ ‘Have you been smoking?’

I will move into the background to make room for them.

Fingertips red raw. In my pockets. No one will mention the dress.
- The Boy by Joanne Willmott

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Lately, I’ve been listening to an audiobook called Signs – stories of people connecting with loved ones who’ve passed in the most unexpected and magical ways. I’ve gasped, cried, felt my skin ripple with goosebumps. And above all, it has given me something I didn’t realise I’d lost.

Hope.

Hope that although we are no longer together here on Earth, there is an invisible string that binds us: and maybe, just maybe, you can hear me when I speak to you.
- Summertime Son by Jacqueline Gaul

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Anthologia II Book Giveaway

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re giving away 20 copies of Anthologia II.

For your chance to WIN, simply:

• 1. Download the Parramatta Square Passport App

• 2. Sign up or log in with your work email address

• 3. Navigate to the ‘International Women’s Day Book Giveaway’ offer, located in the ‘Offers’ tab between 2 – 8 March.

• 4. Tap ‘Enter draw’

Download the Passport App

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PHIVE: International Women's Day Walking Tour

Celebrate International Women's Day with a guided walking tour through Parramatta Square, hosted by City of Parramatta's, PHIVE. Explore the powerful and often surprising stories of women who have helped shape the city we know today.

Date: Tuesday, 3 March
Time: 10am - 12pm

Discover more