We have collated messages from women belonging to different fields and walks of life on how they challenged stereotypes, fought bias and achieved what they set out for.
Highlights
- March 8 is International Women’s Day
- This year’s global theme is #EachforEqual- ‘An equal world is an enabled world
- Indian-origin women recount their challenges and sacrifices
‘Driving out stereotypes’
At 30, Amandeep Kaur is driving out stereotypes that have been attached to the driving industry.
The mother of two isn’t claiming that she is the first woman to get behind the wheel of a bus, but she is hoping to be the first one to drive the charge of leading more women to follow her "unconventional route to self-discovery."
“I first started driving a bus in Adelaide, six years ago. In India, I had never driven even a two-wheeler, forget a bus.
Amandeep Kaur is driving out the stereotypes. Source: Supplied
“So I feel if I can do this, so can other women. All you need is a bit of determination and you’re good to hit the road,” said Ms Kaur who is now settled with her family in Woolgoolga on the Mid North Coast of NSW.
Ms Kaur said she learned driving after coming to Australia in order to be independent but it soon became her passion - something she managed to turn into a profession.
"I was too dependent when it came to be driven around, which prompted me to get a driver’s licence. But I didn’t know at the time that I would ever take it up professionally.
"I tried everything from working at a restaurant to trying my hands at other jobs until I found my passion for driving, which completely changed my life. I now feel proud and in-charge of my life."
Livpreet Kaur at her farm in Kinglake in Victoria. Source: Supplied
‘Sowing seeds of change’
has spent her life on her family-owned farm. At 19 years of age, she now drives a tractor, carries out sowing, harvesting and helps the crew with picking, packing and dispatching.
She represents the new breed of women farmworkers who are capable and are not afraid to dig their heels in the swamp or get their hands dirty in running a farm.
Livpreet says she believes if a woman sets her heart on a task, there is nothing she can’t possibly do.
“To all the women out there, do not sit in the corner. Just grab whatever opportunities come your way. There is nothing that you can’t do if you’re dedicated and ready to work hard.”
Associate Prof. Parwinder Kaur is a genetics and biotechnology expert. Source: Supplied
‘Break it down’
Associate professor Parwinder Kaur is a genetics and biotechnology expert, who leads an innovative research program that aims to translate fundamental science into ready-to-use solutions across the agricultural and medical sectors.
In a short yet meaningful message, Ms Kaur said: “Women should never be afraid to achieve.”
“Never be afraid to learn and explore new dimensions in life. Everything is simple if you break it down,” said Ms Kaur.
Cancer survivor Inderdeep Sandhu. Source: Supplied
‘Self-care is not being selfish'
when she found out in 2018 that she had triple-negative breast cancer. She not only survived cancer but also found a new meaning to her life which she claims is full of hope and joy.
“My doctors had explained to me that I’ll lose my hair. But before that could happen, I took control of the situation. I shaved off my head to stay ahead of cancer and the aftermath of chemotherapy,” said the breast cancer fighter.
“On this special day, I would like to encourage you all to focus on “self-care”
“Self-care” is not being selfish. It is about looking after our physical and mental health to be able to look after or support others who depend on us,” said Ms Sandhu.
“We all have an inner strength right inside us. All we need is to trust it. We should not wait for a crisis to start building our inner strength. Take control of it now. It’s never too late to write your own destiny!"
