Richmond forward Sabrina Frederick has urged all women on the sports field and more broadly, the workplace and society to embrace the concept of a ‘sisterhood’ this International Women’s Day and beyond.
Speaking at a Swinburne University of Technology International Women’s Day event on Thursday, Frederick said all women needed to be united in their push for a fairer society.
“Something I have been thinking a lot about is the concept of sisterhood. I think these days opportunities for women are quite limited, but I think it is important we recognise that we are all striving to be the best we can,” she said.
“There is no need for us to put others, especially women down. We need to support each other and continually push each other up.
“Women’s sport now, for example, is a bit of a flavour and everyone is enjoying it, but there are still people belittling athletes to make themselves feel higher. We have to keep celebrating the ones that are out there competing.”
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Each for Equal, a mantra that was discussed by the event’s panel including Emma Gavin (Swinburne Lecturer- Indigenous Studies), Inaz Janif (Muslim schoolteacher) and Karen Bryant (CEO Midsumma), who all represented different minority groups.
Frederick’s advice for them, and if it had of been possible, her 12-year-old self was to not feel the need to follow a perceived set blueprint in life.
“You can have your own values and make a difference in the world just by being who you are,” she said.
“You don’t have to be anyone; you don’t have to be like anyone. Just embrace what you want to be and be you.
“We’re all on a journey and I encourage anyone to seek that context, and to always have that conversation with people and check in with them.”
Frederick described talking about minorities and discrimination in the workplace and the sports field as a “curveball”.
“It’s not something anyone wants to talk about even though it happens. But we need to have these conversations,” she said.
“Everyone has a platform; everyone has a voice. Whether that’s social media or running out onto a sports field or a tennis court we can all impact someone.
“Anyone can make a change or make a difference- there’s so much power in a voice and we collectively as a sisterhood can make a change.”
International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on March 8, it is a day to celebrate and recognise the achievements of all women.
The growing international women’s movement has helped make International Women’s Day a central point for action, to build support for women’s rights and their full participation in the economy, politics, community and in everyday life.
