Women we love...

To mark International Women's Day in 2024, we're building on last years stories of "women we love", asking everyone at Edison to nominate those who have made an impression...

 

Margot Robbie + Greta Gerwig by Caitlin

Margot Robbie + Greta Gerwig are my pick of 2023-24 and have absolutely come forth and conquered in the last year for women. I admire them for many reasons, artistic abilities included, but in particular, they convinced one of the biggest commercialised companies in the world to let them create a live-action of arguably the world's most famous toy (without G rated restrictions!).

They broke down barriers with honest and thought provoking scriptwriting, - one of the messages that hit home for me was that it's not about what Barbie 'looks like' anymore, it's that anyone is actually a Barbie. State of mind, not state of looks. They highlighted nostalgic connections to Barbie with those who grew up with one and created a safe space for men and women alike to reminisce over beloved childhood toys and memories. Special shout out to the production designer and decorator Sarah Greenwood & Katie Spencer. A bunch of powerhouses.

Lisa Bonney by Amber

This International Women’s Day I’m paying tribute to my eldest sister Lisa. As the the now matriarch of the family, Lisa dedicated her life to the service of others and asks for nothing in return. As the eldest of 5 girls (yes, there were 6 girls in our house growing up!) Lisa took it upon herself to take care of me and my youngest sister - stepping in as our “mother-figure” during periods when our biological mother was chronically ill and unable. She made school lunches, birthday cakes, costumes for school and organised birthday parties. She baby-sits, has always been there during times of crisis and need and attends every event and celebration of mine and the first person to arrive dressed in something fabulous and sparkly. 

Lisa is one of the most stoic, hard working women I know. A dedicated nurse with a passion for improving quality standards and heightened integrity to people at their end of life stage, Lisa has huge capacity for gratitude and care for those in most need. As a fierce woman whose intersectionality has seen her survive and overcome immeasurable loss, trauma, chronic health issues, and acquired disabilities, she still lives life with glass-half-full optimism and unwavering dedication to her family. This photo was taken a few weeks ago at in Melbourne where we enjoyed cocktails and many laughs seeing Groundhog Day the Musical. Happy IWD 2024 Lisa, x

Maryanne Versace by Gabs

A corporate bad-ass, a creative, a U2 fanatic, a force for change and the person I get to call “mum”. Mum’s leadership career as “Head of People” in the retail game has inspired my passion for workplace equality, my work ethic and my sheer determination to keep pushing against unfathomable odds. She has advocated for thousands, changed policies, impacted culture, created a new fashion genre that somehow combines cowboy/70s/punk, had an interior design career, beat cancers ass and met THE Dalai Lama (just to name a few). I mean you name it, this woman’s done it. It’s a privilege learning how to be a tough lady from the toughest.

Tania Aldous by Kellie

Tania and I were colleagues in the late nineties; Designers in different fields. Myself a graphic designer where women are a plenty, in comparison to Tania’s chosen field; Industrial Design. 

Fearlessly, in the year 2000 we parted ways, as she headed to America to start her new role as Senior industrial designer at Whirlpool. Over 20 years later, she is Vice President of Design/UX at Instant Brands, winning awards annually. 

Regularly invited to be keynote speaker and judging design awards, Tania has become a brilliant female leader and inspiration to all those around her.

I admire her tenacity, resilience, courage and passion for design, conquering an industry that is heavily dominated by men, and lacking in female leadership, all whilst rebuilding a new home and a life in a foreign country.

I am truly grateful to have worked alongside her and also for our life long friendship.

The Matildas by Liz

When asked what I wanted to be growing up, my answer was always athlete or artist - very polarising I know! As age (and reality) set in, it became P.E. teacher or graphic designer, and I eventually studied communication design and continued my love of soccer (football for the die-hards) by joining the women's team at my university, which I'm still part of today. So no surprises that I'm 'nominating' The Matildas this IWD.

Of course there have been many inspiring female athletes and teams along the way, but none that quite captured the nation in my eyes like the Matildas. They're a quality team, they have huge spirit, are no-nonsense, and they play the game with such joy it's infectious. I personally felt exhilarated during their world cup campaign, and I love the fact they've inspired a new generation of players and sportswomen.

Little Simz by Lesley

Simbiatu "Simbi" Abisola Abiola Ajikawo AKA Little Simz, is a British rapper, singer and actress born in my home town of Islington to Nigerian parents. She is one of the UK’s most revered musical artists. She was raised on a council estate by her mum and went to the same secondary school as me. In 2022 she won her first Brit Award as well as the Mecury Prize for British Album of the Year and recently took home a MOBO Award in 2024.Her lyrics often touch on topics such as self-empowerment, social justice, and personal growth

“I’m learning new ways to use my voice. Before, I used to feel like I needed to shout all the time and just learning that there’s just different ways to deliver certain things."

She launched her own record label to have full creative control over her music and support other emerging artists. She uses her platform to raise awareness about issues such as racial inequality and gender equality, She is ethnically Yoruba (are a West African ethnic group) Yoruba names are incantations (a series of words said as a magic spell or charm) that the holder often comes to embody. Simbiatu Ajikawo means "brave woman" and to me she is just that.

Alli Black by Miles

My Mum of 25 years who is a consistent source of kindness and generosity. Aside from being an absolute warrior she's also an incredible teacher who has taught me how to properly navigate life. Unflinchingly herself whilst always having time for others, the best and most fun Mum ever. 

Flora Sandes by Matt

Flora Sandes was the only British woman to serve as a soldier during the First World War – in the Serbian Army. Born in Nether Poppleton, North Yorkshire, in 1876, when war broke out in 1914 she volunteered as a nurse and joined a Red Cross unit to Serbia. Having only just managed to survive a deadly typhus epidemic in the early part of the war, she was then forced to flee with thousands of civilians over the mountains to Montenegro and Albania. The casualties from this (cold, hunger, and disease) were tremendous and as a British nurse, Flora was given the option to be evacuated back to England – but she refused. She chose to stay and volunteered to become a soldier.

Known among the soldiers as an English Joan of Arc, she was a constant reminder that the Allies had not abandoned Serbia to its fate and she was awarded the Kara George star, the highest and most prestigious award in Serbia by the the future King of Yugoslavia.

Amber & Beth by Mike

Amber continues to just push boundaries in all facets of life achieving heights in both professional and personal life that most could only dream of.  Beth is quickly evolving in a similar way.  The total mini me to Amber.  And just when you think they are done, they team up and have a crack at the next thing. Continuing to powering on. They leave positive impressions wherever they go, showing equal parts empathy and motivational energy to help those around them.  I am pretty lucky to have 2 such dynamic women (one adult, and one fast becoming an adult) in my life every day.

Nina Vidale by Niki

Nina is the Event Director for the Life In Style exhibition (Sydney and Melb) & the Beauty Expo, she has been with her company for over 20 years, and has worked tirelessly to make her way to the top, she is now also the head of Inclusion and Diversity at her company; a job she excels at. I am in awe of her acceptance of others, her knowledge and strong determination to help and educate people to be more inclusive. Nina inspires me to be a more accepting human every day and I am proud to have her as one of my besties.

Artists of "Mun-Dirra" by Steph

Behind the centrepiece of the NGV’s Triennial 2024 “Mun-Dirra” are thirteen extraordinary women, two years of hard work and 35,000 intricate threads.

The work is a collaboration between 13 different indigenous women: Freda Ali, Freda Ali Wayartja, Maureen Ali, Cecille Baker, Michelle Baker, Bonnie Burarngarra, Gabriella Garrimara, Doreen Jinggarrabarra, Lorna Jin-gubarrangunyja, Indra Prudence, Jennifer Prudence, Zoe Prudence and Anthea Stewart.Breathtaking in both beauty and scale, the work showcases the art and tremendous knowledge of the master women weavers of Australia’s first peoples.In an age where immediacy and instant gratification are the daily expectation, this work sits in complete contrast. It honours not only their incredible crafted traditions but is also a testament to their culture and the dedication to passing on knowledge  from one generation to the next.

In a way it is as much about celebrating these women, as all the women who have come before them.

Tara Robertson by Sophie

My Mum is my favourite woman on the planet. Not only is she a warm, loving and calming presence but an absolute hoot to hang around! I can’t imagine a moment where she hasn’t been there for me when I needed her — from texting reassuring messages over the phone or just giving a good old hug.

And the best thing about her, you ask? She’s constantly teaching me that the best thing I can do is to be kind. That my sensitivity is my strength. And that compassion is the key to creating a loving world. I’m crying writing this paragraph.

It’s always been you, Mum. Love you to the moon and back.

George & Isla Wren by Steve

This IWD i’m again celebrating the amazing evolution of the two most important women in my life. Georgia and Isla. Listening to the self awareness, pride, empathy, conviction and care that these young women possess, fills me with pride in my role as their dad, and the future they will inhabit. I’d say our latest generations are on the right track, through the hard work of those that have come before them in forging new mindsets and the pursuit of equality and individualism.

Micaela Miljian Savoldelli by Veronica

Micaela Miljian Savoldelli is an Italian by birth, Parisian by adoption, author and entrepreneur. She is the pen of the social profile @likemiljian. 

In 2017, she and her life partner decided to quit everything and buy a one-way ticket to travel across the world with two children, who became three along the way. Since the pandemic, she and her family are based in Bali. Here she wrote her first book and found her ethical and sustainable clothing line IKAJANE inspired by women and travel.

I find her attitude and the way she is raising her now 4 kids extremely inspiring and I see in her a great example of how you can happily combine your family life and your career without sacrificing your ambitions.

Anne Druyan by Cal

You only have to look up at the stars to be reminded of the impact Anne Druyan has had on the way we perceive the universe.
A profoundly significant figure in the realms of science, culture, and communication. As a co-author, collaborator, and creative force alongside her late husband Carl Sagan, she played an instrumental role in shaping the iconic "Cosmos" series, which has brought a sense of wonder and curiosity for space to another generation. Her ability to bridge the gap between science and the masses through relatable writing and passionate advocacy has inspired countless individuals to engage with and appreciate the wonders of the universe – this boy included. 

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Since 2018, we have chosen to support the community service of Fitted for Work, making monetary donations to the cause each International Women's Day. Fitted for Work is a non-for-profit employment organisation helping women build skills and develop confidence to achieve meaningful work.
 
To learn about the great work they are doing visit fittedforwork.org