NATIONAL CONGRESS OF WOMEN
Day One — Women Rising. Why Women? Why Now?
Tues 30 November 2021 (online)
Day One — Women Rising. Why Women? Why Now?
Tues 30 November 2021 (online)
What a Day!
Here is what some of the participants said online:
Wow! My heart and soul have expanded, swirling around the Earth to connect with you all and to all women everywhere! Wow!
Fabulous. Huge love and gratitude to you all.
Thanks you so much for your efforts. Wonderful day. I’m excited about the conversations early next year and looking forward to gathering face to face in September.
Great day - thanks so much! Looking forward to taking this much further.
Thank you all - what an inspiring day! I'm very excited for what's to come!
What a wonderful Day. Many thanks for ALL involved. Absolutely one of the most creative online meeting that I've ever had the privilege of participating in! Inspirational!
See the full program
See the guest conversationalist and artist details
Recapture the energy and excitement of the day in this article by WCC member Claire Harris:
Launch of a National Congress of Women brings Australian women together for climate action
Follow these links for an account of the day and links to the recordings
Smoking ceremony
Gathering
Wisdom conversation 1: Why Women? Why Now?
Wisdom conversation 2: Women are angry about climate change too!
Wisdom conversation 3: How can we get there?
Windup and close
Here is what some of the participants said online:
Wow! My heart and soul have expanded, swirling around the Earth to connect with you all and to all women everywhere! Wow!
Fabulous. Huge love and gratitude to you all.
Thanks you so much for your efforts. Wonderful day. I’m excited about the conversations early next year and looking forward to gathering face to face in September.
Great day - thanks so much! Looking forward to taking this much further.
Thank you all - what an inspiring day! I'm very excited for what's to come!
What a wonderful Day. Many thanks for ALL involved. Absolutely one of the most creative online meeting that I've ever had the privilege of participating in! Inspirational!
See the full program
See the guest conversationalist and artist details
Recapture the energy and excitement of the day in this article by WCC member Claire Harris:
Launch of a National Congress of Women brings Australian women together for climate action
Follow these links for an account of the day and links to the recordings
Smoking ceremony
Gathering
Wisdom conversation 1: Why Women? Why Now?
Wisdom conversation 2: Women are angry about climate change too!
Wisdom conversation 3: How can we get there?
Windup and close
Smoking ceremony
Before the event started online local Elder Dr Matilda House joined members of the National Congress hosting team at the Pavilion of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Canberra and conducted a beautiful smoking ceremony and blessing for the day.
Before the event started online local Elder Dr Matilda House joined members of the National Congress hosting team at the Pavilion of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Canberra and conducted a beautiful smoking ceremony and blessing for the day.
Gathering
Access a video of the whole inspiring opening session ('Gathering')
Read on to see the individual artistic presentations.
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To connect us to our purpose for this National Congress of Women, the day opened with a video presentation of 'Dear Earth'
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Introduction
WCC Founder, Dr Janet Salisbury opened the event:
Good morning and welcome! I am Janet Salisbury and I am the Founder of the Women’s Climate Congress.
After so many months of preparation – it is very exciting to be here at last for this first event in our National Congress of Women series!
I would like to acknowledge that we are all meeting on the lands of First Peoples, whose sovereignty has never been ceded. I pay my deep and heartfelt respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
I am on Ngambri-Ngunnawal land here in Canberra. Shortly I will introduce you to a local Elder, Dr Matilda House, who will welcome us to her country. Feel free to write in the chat the country where you are.
First a few words about the Congress.
The Women’s Climate Congress was formed in January 2020 after the Black Summer bushfires. We have a vision to restore climate balance by 2030. In this future, women’s leadership has helped turn the tide of political culture from polarised discord to collaboration and cooperation. Nurture of life and care for the Earth are at the centre of every government decision. By ‘climate balance’ we mean that by 2030 we will be on a path that the scientists agree will keep us within a safe limit of global warming and our young people and children will be able to plan their lives with confidence.
Many of you know that the Women’s Climate Congress, and this National Congress of Women, are inspired by the 1915 International Congress of Women held in The Hague and attended by 1500 women from warring and neutral countries. In the Foreword to the report of that 1915 Congress, British welfare campaigner and, anti-war activist, Emily Hobhouse wrote:
“However silent and unseen, a movement must be wide and deep before it can find expression in a Congress so large and representative as that of which this Report tells the tale.”
From the outset of that terrible war the International Women’s Suffrage Alliance made urgent appeals to leave untried no method of Conciliation and Arbitration to avert the threatened unparalleled disaster. They felt that "women had a special note to strike, which they alone could sound".
Emily continued: “and thus it came about that in a quiet Dutch town, peace appeared again upon Earth and became a living force. Nurtured by womanly love and wisdom, she burst her swaddling bands and with wide-spread wings sweeping the world, wrought as by a miracle a subtle change in the universal attitude. Hearts opened. Tongues were unloosed and pens were used again in her service!"
So our aim in this National Congress of Women series of events is to create a movement that is both wide and deep. To once again find the special note that women alone can sound. A note that seeks Conciliation and Arbitration to avert the threatened unparalleled disaster of climate change and that brings a change in the universal attitude – towards peace with the Earth itself and nurture of all life. To open hearts in the service of a safe, sustainable and caring future!
And now it is my privilege to welcome Dr Matilda House to welcome us to her country. Matilda is a Ngambri-Ngunnawal Elder and Chair of the Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council. She has contributed to many other Councils and Committees to seek justice and support for her community. In February 2008, Matilda conducted the first Welcome to Country to be held in the Australian Parliament.
We are very honoured that Matilda is here today to welcome us.
WCC Founder, Dr Janet Salisbury opened the event:
Good morning and welcome! I am Janet Salisbury and I am the Founder of the Women’s Climate Congress.
After so many months of preparation – it is very exciting to be here at last for this first event in our National Congress of Women series!
I would like to acknowledge that we are all meeting on the lands of First Peoples, whose sovereignty has never been ceded. I pay my deep and heartfelt respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
I am on Ngambri-Ngunnawal land here in Canberra. Shortly I will introduce you to a local Elder, Dr Matilda House, who will welcome us to her country. Feel free to write in the chat the country where you are.
First a few words about the Congress.
The Women’s Climate Congress was formed in January 2020 after the Black Summer bushfires. We have a vision to restore climate balance by 2030. In this future, women’s leadership has helped turn the tide of political culture from polarised discord to collaboration and cooperation. Nurture of life and care for the Earth are at the centre of every government decision. By ‘climate balance’ we mean that by 2030 we will be on a path that the scientists agree will keep us within a safe limit of global warming and our young people and children will be able to plan their lives with confidence.
Many of you know that the Women’s Climate Congress, and this National Congress of Women, are inspired by the 1915 International Congress of Women held in The Hague and attended by 1500 women from warring and neutral countries. In the Foreword to the report of that 1915 Congress, British welfare campaigner and, anti-war activist, Emily Hobhouse wrote:
“However silent and unseen, a movement must be wide and deep before it can find expression in a Congress so large and representative as that of which this Report tells the tale.”
From the outset of that terrible war the International Women’s Suffrage Alliance made urgent appeals to leave untried no method of Conciliation and Arbitration to avert the threatened unparalleled disaster. They felt that "women had a special note to strike, which they alone could sound".
Emily continued: “and thus it came about that in a quiet Dutch town, peace appeared again upon Earth and became a living force. Nurtured by womanly love and wisdom, she burst her swaddling bands and with wide-spread wings sweeping the world, wrought as by a miracle a subtle change in the universal attitude. Hearts opened. Tongues were unloosed and pens were used again in her service!"
So our aim in this National Congress of Women series of events is to create a movement that is both wide and deep. To once again find the special note that women alone can sound. A note that seeks Conciliation and Arbitration to avert the threatened unparalleled disaster of climate change and that brings a change in the universal attitude – towards peace with the Earth itself and nurture of all life. To open hearts in the service of a safe, sustainable and caring future!
And now it is my privilege to welcome Dr Matilda House to welcome us to her country. Matilda is a Ngambri-Ngunnawal Elder and Chair of the Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council. She has contributed to many other Councils and Committees to seek justice and support for her community. In February 2008, Matilda conducted the first Welcome to Country to be held in the Australian Parliament.
We are very honoured that Matilda is here today to welcome us.
Welcome to Country
Matilda welcomed us to country - saying that is was an honour and privilege to have the blessing that we have done and be here to celebrate the work of the National Congress of Women who are doing the best they can. Love and appreciate that women have recognised the need and stood up to be counted.
Matilda told us that her great grandfather, known as Black Harry, was part of this country. In Aboriginal culture they don't own land but are part of country that they look after and they have been looking after for 1000s of years.
She said that it meant a lot to her and her family to welcome us here today - as they will always maintain how they can make make a difference and this event is about making a difference. For those who say that climate change does not exist or will not take the actions needed - this myth that they are living in will soon become part of their great grandchildren who will ask Why? Why did you let this happen?
So I'm here to welcome you all to this land of my ancestors and wish you a wonderful day at this conference.
Janet thanked Matilda and noted that in a recent chat over a cup of tea, Matilda had talked to herself and Glenda Cloughley about how the site of the Australian Parliament House, known as Kurrajong Hill in local First Nations culture, was a women's site. Indeed, we have heard from other local First Nations people that the whole corridor from Mt Ainslie to Parliament House was associated with women's business.
Matilda welcomed us to country - saying that is was an honour and privilege to have the blessing that we have done and be here to celebrate the work of the National Congress of Women who are doing the best they can. Love and appreciate that women have recognised the need and stood up to be counted.
Matilda told us that her great grandfather, known as Black Harry, was part of this country. In Aboriginal culture they don't own land but are part of country that they look after and they have been looking after for 1000s of years.
She said that it meant a lot to her and her family to welcome us here today - as they will always maintain how they can make make a difference and this event is about making a difference. For those who say that climate change does not exist or will not take the actions needed - this myth that they are living in will soon become part of their great grandchildren who will ask Why? Why did you let this happen?
So I'm here to welcome you all to this land of my ancestors and wish you a wonderful day at this conference.
Janet thanked Matilda and noted that in a recent chat over a cup of tea, Matilda had talked to herself and Glenda Cloughley about how the site of the Australian Parliament House, known as Kurrajong Hill in local First Nations culture, was a women's site. Indeed, we have heard from other local First Nations people that the whole corridor from Mt Ainslie to Parliament House was associated with women's business.
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The Singing Hill
The final presentation in this opening session was 'The Singing Hill' - A 30-year old story that linked Matilda’s welcome to country with all of us settler women in a visionary story about the land beneath Australia’s Parliament House on Ngambri -Ngunnawal country. It is told by Dr Glenda Cloughley with the help of former Senator Jo Vallentine, Johanna McBride and A Chorus of Women with visuals by Sally Blake and including 'The Singing Hill' poem by Dorothy Cameron. If you love the artwork of 'The Singing Hill', you can now purchase high-quality prints of 2 of the images from the video and another of Sally's artworks. All proceeds will help the career of a young artist. Details are here |
Wisdom conversation 1
Why Women? Why Now?
Access the recordings here
Read a report of this conversation here
Moderated by WCC Founder, Janet Salisbury, this session with guests, Dr Helen Haines MP, Licia Heath, Professor Penny Sackett and Dr Anne Poelina took us straight to the heart of our theme for the day Why Women? Why Now ? and tackled the question of why this is a time for women to come together to assume greater leadership and balance in decision-making and governance.
WCC member Barbara Baikie facilitated the Q&A.
We were very sorry that Cristina Talacko was no able to join us at the last minute because of unforeseen family caring responsibilities.
WCC member Barbara Baikie facilitated the Q&A.
We were very sorry that Cristina Talacko was no able to join us at the last minute because of unforeseen family caring responsibilities.
Break out groups
WCC member Lyn Stephen hosted a break out session for the participants online.
Listen to Lyn's intro to the breakout rooms
And the feedback from participants
WCC member Lyn Stephen hosted a break out session for the participants online.
Listen to Lyn's intro to the breakout rooms
And the feedback from participants
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Artistic presentation
The morning concluded with an artistic presentation in which dancer, Courtney Allen challenged us to face the sadness and loss experienced as a result of the summer bushfires of 2019-20. Owl calls out for a mate amongst the silence and devastation of the burnt forest Choreography is by Courtney and Elizabeth Cameron Dalman. After the dance Courtney shares some personal reflections. |
Wisdom conversation 2
‘Women are angry about climate change too’
Access the recordings here (click here to access password)
Read a report of this conversation here
With Introduction by WCC Founder, Janet Salisbury, and moderated by Angela Priestly (Co-owner of Women's Agenda), this session also included student activist Aoibhinn Crimmins; sociology and social policy researcher and author Professor Danielle Celermajer; and artist Janet Laurence.
The theme of this conversation was a nod to a recent series of items on the 7.30 report called ‘Women are Angry’, which included episodes on:
Women are angry about ..... economic security, unpaid labour, domestic violence, and sexual harassment in the workplace.
We think that women are angry about climate change too!
The theme of this conversation was a nod to a recent series of items on the 7.30 report called ‘Women are Angry’, which included episodes on:
Women are angry about ..... economic security, unpaid labour, domestic violence, and sexual harassment in the workplace.
We think that women are angry about climate change too!
Artistic presentation
Requiem — a film by Janet Laurance with music by William Barton that we played on the day is not available for distribution for copyright reasons.
See details of this film on the Day One Contributors page
View Bushire Requiem — a different video by Janet describing an event Janet put on to lament the 2019-20 bushfires.
See Janet's website for more information and examples of her art
Requiem — a film by Janet Laurance with music by William Barton that we played on the day is not available for distribution for copyright reasons.
See details of this film on the Day One Contributors page
View Bushire Requiem — a different video by Janet describing an event Janet put on to lament the 2019-20 bushfires.
See Janet's website for more information and examples of her art
Wisdom conversation 3
How can we get there?
Access the recordings here
Read a report of this conversation here
How can we get there?
Access the recordings here
Read a report of this conversation here
Moderated by Professor Kim Rubenstein (Co-CEO 50/50 by 2030 Foundation), this conversation included First Nations leader Dr Mary Graham, 1 Million Women founder Natalie Isaacs, and Beyond Zero Emission's Chief Strategy Officer Sanaya Khisty .
In introducing the session Janet Salisbury referred back to the overarching theme of the National Congress:
How can ‘Women Rising’, change the national conversation on climate action and related environmental issues to stabilise the future for younger generations?
The 2 previous sessions have explored why this is a time that calls for women’s voices and leadership, and what women feel about the unfolding climate emergency and their ability to contribute to the decisions being made within our political systems.
This session considered what steps can we take right now to make the changes needed towards gender collaborative, earth-centred approaches to climate and environmental action. What can we do together as women – to weave the threads together across our various sectors and activities to make the change to our governance systems that we collectively long for?
In introducing the session Janet Salisbury referred back to the overarching theme of the National Congress:
How can ‘Women Rising’, change the national conversation on climate action and related environmental issues to stabilise the future for younger generations?
The 2 previous sessions have explored why this is a time that calls for women’s voices and leadership, and what women feel about the unfolding climate emergency and their ability to contribute to the decisions being made within our political systems.
This session considered what steps can we take right now to make the changes needed towards gender collaborative, earth-centred approaches to climate and environmental action. What can we do together as women – to weave the threads together across our various sectors and activities to make the change to our governance systems that we collectively long for?
Break out groups
Lyn Stephen hosted a break out session for the participants online. '
Listen to Lyn's intro to the breakout rooms and feedback from participants
Lyn Stephen hosted a break out session for the participants online. '
Listen to Lyn's intro to the breakout rooms and feedback from participants
Wind up and artistic close
Janet Salisbury pulled together some of the threads from the day.
Access recordings here
To celebrate 'Women Rising', the day ended with an uplifting anthem from women for climate action and hope.
You're the Voice
Created by 1 Million Women
A great pick me up and motivator — play it and sing/dance along!
1 Million Women #1MTHEVOICE
(and if you love it, consider a donation to 1 Million Women!)
Janet Salisbury pulled together some of the threads from the day.
Access recordings here
To celebrate 'Women Rising', the day ended with an uplifting anthem from women for climate action and hope.
You're the Voice
Created by 1 Million Women
A great pick me up and motivator — play it and sing/dance along!
1 Million Women #1MTHEVOICE
(and if you love it, consider a donation to 1 Million Women!)
Thank yous ....
Thank you to the National Congress of Women hosting team for putting this event together:
Janet Salisbury, Lyn Stephens, Barbara Baikie, Kirsten Anker, Barbara O'Dwyer, Sarah Stitt, Sally Blake, Jane Geltch
With help from ...
Admins extraordinaire: Joanne Ede, Laurann Yen, Honey Nelson
Video and visuals coordination: Johanna McBride
IT on the day: Paul Yeoh
Venue set up: Hazel Francis, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
Thank you to the National Congress of Women hosting team for putting this event together:
Janet Salisbury, Lyn Stephens, Barbara Baikie, Kirsten Anker, Barbara O'Dwyer, Sarah Stitt, Sally Blake, Jane Geltch
With help from ...
Admins extraordinaire: Joanne Ede, Laurann Yen, Honey Nelson
Video and visuals coordination: Johanna McBride
IT on the day: Paul Yeoh
Venue set up: Hazel Francis, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture