Joanie Roy

Joanie Roy

35

From Tasmania

Currently lives in Melbourne

1. This is who I am in the world….

I’m a seeker, constantly evolving; introverted by nature, with a vibrant inner world. In the outside world, I’m a dispute resolution lawyer and yogi surrounded by my family, friends and other nourishing circles. Appreciator of art, movement, music, documentaries, books and deep conversations; amongst other things, currently exploring the Tagalog language and gardening.

2. This is the story that I want rewritten for women…..

I would love narratives where the focus isn't on appearance (“what did she wear?” “fat” “thin” “too emotional” “too loud/bossy” “too quiet”) and there is space for diversity, stories, ideas and contributions.

I would love a world where we see more women’s voices in leadership, more women CEOs and board members, more women politicians, more women prime ministers.

That we don’t have to feel limited and can go by our imaginations and aspirations; that it is us that can make an impact and we often do - that the world needs to hear from us.

The journey to motherhood is a profound and transformative experience, a lifelong privilege and responsibility. I would love women’s decision about when and whether to start a family, or not and maternal ambivalence, to be approached with more empathy and less judgement, that we honour that each woman has her own journey and choice.

I would like it to be easier and incentivising for men to take time off work, to give other options for couples on how to manage the life load when it comes to raising families, and create possibilities for women who want to continue to pursue their career and/or passions.

I would love further conversations and action from workplaces/government/industry/communities on how to address the superannuation / salary gap between the genders and find a way to bridge that gap for women.

I would love girls and women to know sooner about their bodies and have informed choices and control over their reproductive rights, including that contraception is a couple’s decision, not just for the woman to choose pills that can (adversely) affect her hormones, to have information and be able to make her own decision about her body (not dictated by men who haven't accessed perspectives directly from women's experiences).

I want the world to be a safer place for women and girls.

I would love momentum where we celebrate, support and uplift our fellow women of our First Nation, of colour, of disability and from the LGBTIQA+ communities.

These are a lot of big concepts that invite deep reflection and to act from a place where women and girls are just as valuable and worthy to sit at the table, to be seen and contribute.

3. This is the story that I next want to write for myself….

Whatever the next chapter or experience would be: I would like to be even braver, bolder, strong, open – hone my inner resources, cherish, uplift and be cherished and uplifted by my circles, create more things and immerse myself in them, to have presence, clarity, laughter and fulfilment.