I’ve always had an opinion. I’ve always thought and felt deeply about things. Even through shyness I have found my voice when it counted. You know that strange feeling when you’re compelled to speak, to challenge; that heart racing, dry mouth moment?
Injustice galls me: meanness, exclusion, making others feel small. My parents taught me compassion and respect. As the daughter of social workers I grew up with a strong sense that I was fortunate. A burning sense that there was shameful inequality in this world.
I was brought up to care and to think and to act. Even through teenage trials and self doubt I held onto this sense of integrity. As a young woman, making my way in the world I hoped I might make a little difference. I pursued jobs that connected me with community. Roles that gave back – engaged the disenfranchised, unlocked creative learning, empowered people to take a positive, next step.
Globally, these are changing, volatile, times. I’ll never forget, January 21st 2017, watching thousands upon thousands of women taking part in the ‘Women’s March.’ As I watched pink-clad activists come together I was struck by the show of solidarity. The power we have when we unite, is limitless.
With a toupee wearing tyrant across the pond and a failing government at home – who knows where it’ll all end? I can’t help but feel that we are at a tipping point, with so much at stake. I worry about the threat of rolling back, hard-fought rights. I fear for the disregard we have for the planet. A drive to change things spurs me, for my son, for those that come after him.
So, I shall not sit on the sidelines. I shall argue for change and represent the causes that seek to do good. I shall use my voice and my vote, honouring the women that fought for this right.
I can be cautious, I can be shy but now is the time to be bold. My mum has always said I have a lion in side of me. I am mainly calm – but when I roar I roar!
Boudica's Roar 