Feminist Friendships is in full swing.  A couple of months ago 14 Gender Equality Practitioners from across the South East of Melbourne gathered for the inaugural workshop in which we weaved our stories and intentions to create a deep sense of connection and belonging.

Surrounded by gum leaves scattered in vases around the WHISE Board room, we spoke about what feminism meant to us and the ways in which we want to work together throughout the 10 month program. We set personal and professional goals, we got to know each other through ‘speed dating’ and yes there may even had been some dancing.     Oh the power of strong women coming together with a common goal of Gender Justice.   ‘Radical Self Care’,  ‘Engaging Men and Boys’, ‘Managing Resistance’ and ‘Intersectional Practice’ were just a few topics that we plan to tackle over the program.

We took a collective deep breath in… and out… as we recognised how much we all needed this reflective practice space.  Time to connect with self and others.  Time to critically reflect and problem solve with peers.   A safe space to openly share challenges and successes.

“I feel like I have a direction now. Before, I felt lost in the GE quick sand”, “I feel my growth has begun. I feel like I belong”, and “We are stronger together” are just some of the sentiments shared at the end of our first meeting.

Meeting monthly since then, our group is thriving and we are super excited to see what will unfold.

Feminist Friendships is a Gender Equality Community of Practice led by Krissy Nicholson, Manager Gender Equity and Capability