It is undeniable that the world is changing, and gender roles are evolving. Chances are, you have at least one woman in your life that has inspired you to be better.
On this International Women’s Day, we are honoring women who continue to make an impact in their respective fields, despite the hurdles, obstacles, and challenges they face.
There are several stories behind these extraordinary women who are currently changing the way we do things in our country. They will make you believe that anything you set your mind to is possible. These inspiring women are creating great opportunities for themselves and their community, nation and even the world at large.
Let us introduce you to 11 Australian women and their achievements to show you how they are reaching heights and positively influencing the world.
1. Elizabeth Blackburn
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Blackburn
● She is the first Australian woman to win a Nobel Prize in recognition of her achievements in Physiology/Medicine.
● She and Carol Greider co-discovered the enzyme telomerase in the department of
Molecular Biology at the University of California, Berkeley.
● Elizabeth is currently the President of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
2. Ita Buttrose (Journalist, Businesswoman, Best-selling author and Television personality)
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ita_Buttrose
● Her productive career spans six decades.
● At just 23 years of age, she was appointed the woman’s editor of the Telegraph.
● She is most famous as the founding editor of Cleo magazine and as the youngest editor-in-chief of Australian Women’s Weekly.
● Nowadays, she fronts Studio 10 on Network Ten.
3. Fiona Wood (Plastic Surgeon)
Source:https://www.businessnews.com.au/events/Professor-Fiona-Wood
● Professor Fiona is a Perth-based plastic surgeon and burns specialist who pioneered the spray-on skin treatment.
● In the 2002 Bali bombings, she directed a team to save the lives of 28 burn victims.
● Later, Fiona was named a Member of the Order of Australia and in 2005 was named
Australian of the Year.
4. Jess Gallagher (Athlete)
Source: https://www.paralympic.org.au/athlete/jessica-gallagher/
● At 17, she faced a rare genetic disease making her blind.
● Even more determined, she competed in alpine skiing at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010 and won a bronze medal in Slalom.
● She became the first Australian woman to win a Winter Paralympics medal.
● In the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Jess became the first Australian athlete to medal at both a summer and winter games, winning bronze in the 1 Km Time Trial cycling event.
5. Melissa Ambrosini (Motivational speaker and a podcaster)
Source: https://melissaambrosini.com/love/how-to-deal-with-a-break-up/
● She suffered severely from serious health issues at the hand of stress, anxiety, way too much partying and an eating disorder.
● Later, she turned her life around and got her holistic health coaching certification and
also studied yoga, meditation and life coaching.
● Her 2 best-selling books are Mastering Your Mean Girl and Open Wide.
● Her lessons in self-worth, motivation and natural wellbeing are what has earned her
119,000 followers on Instagram.
6. Macinley Butson (Scientist and inventor)
Source: https://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/recipients/macinley-butson/1961/
● She began coming up with inventions when she was 7 years old.
● Secured her place in BBC 100 Women 2020.
● Invented a range of devices including one for improving outcomes for radiotherapy breast-cancer patients and providing safe drinking water for developing communities.
7. Lorna Prendergast (Dementia researcher)
Source: https://greymatters.net.au/how-lorna-mastered-the-art-of-ageing/
● In 2019, she graduated from Melbourne University at the age of 90 with a master’s degree in ageing.
● Made it to the BBC 100 Women 2020 list.
● She has created a deeper understanding of dementia patients’ needs, improving their quality of life and their relationship with carers.
8. Turia Pitt (Athlete, author, motivational speaker)
Source: https://www.kiddomag.com.au/featured/turia-pitt-the-happiness-tonic-we-need-in-2020/
● In 2011, Turia Pitt suffered burns to 65% of her body during an ultramarathon.
● Turia rebuilt her life after over 200 operations, six months in hospital and two years in recovery.
● She has since trekked the Great Wall of China, Inca Trek, and Kokoda and completed
the Ironman World Championship.
9. Fiona Simson (Farmer and President of the National Farmers’ Federation)
Source: https://timeline.awava.org.au/archives/1371
● Her farm runs cattle and cropping with a turnover of more than $5 million a year.
● She believes in collaborations and building relationships with people like member relationships or animal welfare groups and environmental groups.
● She works towards establishing diversity in agricultural leadership program to connect aspiring leaders with mentors to guide them.
10. Michelle Payne (First Australian Female Jockey)
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jun/28/melbourne-cup-winner-michelle-payne-returns-positive-test-for-banned-substance
● In 2015, Michelle Payne became the first female jockey to win the prestigious event on
Prince of Penzance.
● Michelle has ridden over 700 winners, including five Group Ones.
● In 2016, she and her brother strapper Stevie Payne were honored as the Queen and
King of Moomba.
11. Cate Blanchett (Actress)
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cate_Blanchett
● Blanchett has received seven Oscar nominations.
● She is the only Australian to win two acting Academy Awards for The Aviator and Blue
Jasmine.
● She has performed multiple characters and starred in films such as The Curious Case of
Benjamin Button, Elizabeth, Babel and Carol.
We owe these Australian ladies a big thank you for their valuable contribution and influential impact on the world! From scientific researches to farming, they have marked their presence in all of the fields.
On this note, with a heart full of respect, team @MoveMyStuff wishes a very Happy International Women’s Day to all the women out there. We cannot appreciate them enough for the love and care they bestow the world.
It is a beautiful day to show gratitude and acknowledge the incredible women around us, and we take this moment to celebrate and thank every woman as they give this world purpose and pride!
Sources:
● https://www.who.com.au/10-famous-australian-women-why-theyre-famous
● https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/10-inspirational-australian-women-you-should-know/
● https://www.bbc.com/news/world-55042935
