Inspiring Voices with Keynote Speaker Marlee Silva
As the vibrant city of Sydney gears up to celebrate International Women's Day, AusIMM invites professionals, friends, and government representatives to join an inspiring lunch event on Friday, 1st March 2024, at the iconic Ivy Ballroom.
This year's keynote speaker, Marlee Silva, a dynamic changemaker and storyteller from the Gamilaroi and Dunghutti tribes of New South Wales, is set to enlighten us all in a powerful address.
Ahead of speaking at Syndey's International Women's Day, she shares some inspiring words on why diversity and inclusion are so important below.
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Feminism is an ideology rooted in the desire to see a world of gender equality. But it is too, an ideology that was born from the pursuit of one particular kind of woman, a white, middle-class woman, and their specific pursuits for the same rights as their white, middle-class male counterparts. In the 'four waves' of feminism since its inception, women have sacrificed and shed blood, sweat and tears as they fearlessly fought for further rights, inspiring the generations that followed them.
Today, while we still face unacceptable inequality, with the growing gender pay gap and devastating rates of domestic violence, for what we do have, we owe those who've come before us. For the rights, but also for the platforms, megaphones and events like IWD we now have to continue that fight to be heard.
However, in 2024, we know that the reach of that megaphone and the volume of those voices of women who come from backgrounds and experiences that do not align with the majority - women of colour, those from the queer community and women and girls from low socio-economic backgrounds - have historically had to fight harder and been more often neglected by those in power.
To embrace the IWD theme of #DrivingPositiveChangeTogether, we must first acknowledge that while the women included in that first image of feminism remain to face a glass ceiling, for minority women, it is often more like a cement one - and only together, as a united front, can we act as a jackhammer and breakthrough to the future we desire.
- Marlee Silva
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Marlee Silva: Changemaker and Storyteller
Marlee's journey began in the non-profit sector, where she demonstrated her commitment to social change. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she became the Co-CEO of AIME Mentoring, an Aboriginal education charity. This role not only allowed her to shadow the organization's CEO but also positioned her as a representative in the media and a keynote speaker. Notably, it provided her with the unique opportunity to study at Stanford University, making her the first Aboriginal woman to attend the Summer Institute of General Management.
A Multifaceted Speaker and Author
Marlee Silva has emerged as a skilled public speaker and presenter, captivating audiences with her insights. She is also the best-selling author of "My Tidda, My Sister: Stories of Strength and Resilience from Australia's First Women." Additionally, Marlee hosts "Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories," a podcast dedicated to showcasing Indigenous role models from diverse backgrounds.
Her media reach expanded with successful appearances on national youth broadcaster Triple J, NITV's January 26th Sunrise Ceremony, and ABC's Q+A. Marlee's commitment to storytelling extends beyond her professional roles, as seen in her powerful advocacy for causes she is passionate about.
Driving Positive Change: Marlee's Vision
Marlee Silva's commitment to driving positive change is reflected in her powerful quotes. In one statement, she emphasises the historical imbalances within feminism, emphasising the need for a united front to break through the cement ceilings faced by minority women. Her words resonate with our theme of this year's International Women's Day: #DrivingPositiveChangeTogether.
In Marlee's own words, "To embrace the IWD theme of #DrivingPositiveChangeTogether, we must first acknowledge that while the women included in that first image of feminism remain to face a glass ceiling, for minority women, it is often more like a cement one - and only together, as a united front, can we act as a jackhammer and breakthrough to the future we desire."
In another quote, Marlee shares insights gained from her work in sports commentary, particularly within the NRLW with Channel 9. She emphasises the transformative power of teamwork and highlights how sports can be a mechanism for changing the culture in Australia.
Marlee articulates her passion, stating, "I have focused my whole career on raising and celebrating women's voices. In everything I do, I am thinking about how my platform and career can work to make things better, particularly for the young First Nations women and girls that will follow me."
"Now working in sport and specifically in the NRLW with Channel 9, the way I understand what we need to do together to build a brighter future for all women, is shaped by the inspiring female athletes I commentate and interview. Their teamwork, their embodiment of women supporting each other - and more broadly, the way that sport is the ultimate mechanism for changing the culture in Australia, a country that prides itself on being a sporting nation - has given me a renewed sense of hope and opened my eyes to a new set of ideas on the way forward."
"In my IWD presentation, I will share these learnings, reflections on the current state of things and hope to ignite a fire in audiences to take action to Drive Positive Change Together."
Joining the Celebration: AusIMM's International Women's Day Lunch
As tickets for this empowering event are swiftly selling out, professionals and enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their spots promptly. Marlee Silva's keynote address promises not only reflections on the current state of gender equality but also an ignition of passion to drive positive change together.