Women in Media conference day one: How do you see yourself?

From our bodies to our intellect and skills, women are often their own harshest critics. Today’s Women in Media conference reminded me that not backing myself simply isn’t an option.

For me, amongst all the brilliant women’s comments and insights at today’s 2023 Women in Media conference a common thread emerged: don’t wait for someone to open doors for you.

Sure, it’s nice when you have support, and women - and those that face other intersectional disadvantages even more so - still have to fight so much harder to get where we want to be. But we really need to be our own champions if we want to move forward.

Ita Buttrose AC - one of Australian media’s most influential women - said that the number of women considering leaving their positions in the industry (about ?) was a wake up call to us all and a reminder not to give up.

So many women who work in or adjacent to the media - like me - do it because they feel passionate about driving change. “Life is too short to do something that you don’t love” - wise words from Ita indeed.

Throughout the day, intersectionality and how we think about ourselves continued to be common threads.

From the heartbreaking loss of native language of Aunty Joan Bell to the incredible story of body positivity by Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt, women at WiM were genuinely vulnerable and open about what they had experienced throughout their lives. And all of them shared an incredible strength and resilience which one cannot help but deeply admire.?

Today, Taryn reminded women in the room to leave aside all the negative self-talk about our bodies. And in a way, most presenters today said similar things: Back yourself. Let go of the negative self talk.

So, as I hit the pillow tonight, I try to silence my inner critic (who is currently criticising this piece of writing), set my eyes firmly on the next mountain to climb, and try and take to heart some of the advice by Karen Eck in today’s ‘Power of visibility’ session: surround yourself with people who have your best interest at heart.

Thank you to Women in Media ACT for affording me the opportunity to attend this conference. Thank you for backing me.

Finally, a shoutout to Anna Macdonald from the Mandarin, who finally explained the branding of Mumbrella to me, and what the rubbery part at the end of pens is used for. I learnt a lot today.