WOMEN in the west shared an insight into life as a leader during a forum at Maribyrnong Town Hall last Wednesday.
A panel featured Women’s Health West chief executive Robyn Gregory, Maribyrnong councillor Sarah Carter, African Women’s Sewing Enterprise’s Halima Mohammed, Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition executive officer Melba Marginson and artist Paola Balla.
The panelists discussed the different styles and roles of leadership that women can use to strengthen communities.
Ms Gregory spoke of the responsibility to use educational and other privileges to build a more just society.
Ms Marginson said moving people towards a goal could involve walking behind or leading from the front, but the important thing was to be a voice representing the voiceless.
Ms Mohammed told of how she had starting a sewing group to bring women together and get them talking about their experiences.
Through this, she had helped people get into English classes and further education.
Ms Balla talked of growing up with an Aboriginal and Italian heritage. She said the idea of leadership needed to be re-thought as it could take many different forms. “Love has to be at the heart of leadership.”
Cr Carter said true leadership was about empowering others.
“It is not about the person, it is about what you can cultivate in others. You need passion and an absence of ego.”
The evening also featured local artworks, African dancers and an expo of information about leadership opportunities in the area.
