It is my honour to be the minister here at CSMC.
Is there a women who has inspired you?
So the story of a woman had a significant impact – albeit indirectly – is that of Susan B Anthony. Susan B. Anthony is perhaps the most widely known US suffragist of her generation and has become an icon of the woman’s suffrage movement. Anthony traveled the country to give speeches, circulate petitions, and organise local women’s rights organisations.
By the summer of 1920, thirty-five US states had ratified the women’s suffrage amendment. Eight had rejected it. One more was needed for it to become law. Just members of the Tennessee state legislature debated on whether or not to ratify the amendment. The state senate voted to ratify, but in the state house of representatives, the vote resulted in a tie. A young Tennessee man was left to cast the tie-breaking vote. On 18 August 18 1920 – thanks to the tireless, nagging work of Anthony – Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment. With Tennessee’s ratification, the 19th Amendment became law, ensuring that the ‘right to vote could not be denied based on sex’.
What are you proud of in your life?
I think – one of the entertaining answers – is I did a lot of walking during lockdown: 1000 miles in six months. And my longest single walk was 50.2 miles. 50.2 miles in one session – I set off about 4am and got home just after 10pm. 50 miles walked in one day is a massive achievement and I am super proud of myself for accomplishing that.
Professionally – everyday is an achievement when I feel I have made a difference in someones life. When I just show up and help people – be it to comfort them when their cat died, or just having a coffee so they aren’t alone. Those small wins are my greatest achievements.
What do see as the biggest change for women over the years?
Womens voices being heard. In society and religion. Even the bible is only half of the story – the women’s side of the story isn’t there; they’ve been silenced.
So its about having women’s voices heard and I challenge myself in male dominated meetings and I challenge myself to ensure my female voice is heard – even if just once – and to be sure that women’s voices are heard and having that courage to be heard and listened to.
Theres a lot of older opinions dying out – some more literally than others. Peoples views of women in power are changing. And its an exciting time to be alive.
What advice would you give to women today?
Even if you’re not sure, say it. Your voice needs to be heard. Always speak up as its the only way we can change things. Our voices, our stories, our thoughts, everything needs to be heard and to have the courage to speak up.
