‘FEMINISM’ is a label embraced by some of Hobsons Bay’s most inspirational women but eschewed by others.
Altona North lawyer Fatoum Souki, the only Muslim among this year’s 35 recipients of the Hobsons Bay Council Inspirational Women awards, says she doesn’t consider herself a feminist.
“At the end of the day we live in an equal society so both males and females are consciously providing to the community,” she said.
“Do females have a long way to reach the same level as men? Most definitely, as well.
“I’m under no impression that it’s going to be an overnight solution but, look, in the scheme of things, I probably won’t say I’m feminist.”
Rhonda Collins, manager of an Altona organisation for homeless and at-risk youths, believes feminism encompasses equal rights for men and women.
“I think we still have a very, very long way to go.
“I believe true feminism is about inequity. It’s inclusive of men, not stand-alone, just-women.
“It’s about working together as equals and I think we’ve still got a long way to go to get there, but we’re on the way.”
Fiona Ward, awarded for her work with the Hobsons Bay Toy Library, says she’s a proud feminist.
“When equal pay, equal representation and equal rights are achieved for all women across the world, I will stop calling myself a feminist,” she said. “Until that day, I wear the badge with pride.”
Williamstown’s Milly Parker, awarded as a successful business founder and disability advocate, said that, for her, feminism conjured up images of bra burning and hairy armpits and “that’s not me”.
“I guess I am an activist for equal human rights. I guess I’m a humanist.”
Award recipient and Altona MP Jill Hennessy, who raised two young children while completing a masters degree in public and international law, said she supported equality of opportunity for all people.
“For me, being a feminist means working to ensure women have opportunities and support to live the life they choose.”
Jacqueline Travaglia, who won the award for running a successful tourist business, said she actively tried to promote women’s rights. “We’re really proud of the fact we’re able to employ women who can stay at home, work from home for us. I would say we do little things that we can, especially to help mothers. I think they probably have it hardest in terms of balancing a career and family life.”
