Happy International Women's Day!

A day to truly celebrate WOMEN and all of their goodness. We have come a long way in so many ways and it is important to educate all young women of this fact, to celebrate it and to be proud. I do worry that many young Australian women have taken the gifts that our head strong female predecessors worked hard to give us, for granted. While fashion trends and music videos appear shocking they really have been around the block (pardon the pun) decades before. It is our inner confidence and self respect, or right to equality in the home, work place and in greater society that the young women of today need to take hold of. Our ability to do good and to be heard, despite what we look like, what clothes we wear or how we style our hair.

There are so many women in today's world who are still struggling to be given the chance to seek education or to marry who they choose. Some who are raped, abused and used daily and cannot seek help from their Government let alone their local community members. It is a horrible thought for many of us to even imagine and it is for this reason that a lot of us don't. We know we are lucky and we figure someone else will help those women fight their battles. Someone else will donate money to that charity, someone else will speak up and say STOP!

Top left: Me and Anne Summers (after she gave me some great advice about following dreams)
Top right: My fortune cookie contents, LOVE it! Bottom left: TEDx goodie bag. Bottom right: My
little TEDx buddy Maire...who I declared my head shave to.

On December 1st I had the privilege of attending the local event for TEDxSouthBankWomen at the Brisbane State Library. A day that I longed for and a day that did not disappoint. Many of my friends and family have had the brief run down from this day and many more know that as a result of that day I am now shaving my head to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. What a lot of my family and friends don't know is that after having attended this life changing event I have granted myself a gift of greater self confidence, a louder voice and a stronger social conscience. For example many of us feel uncomfortable when we find ourselves in a conversation that turns racist or sexist or religious. When horrible remarks, jokes or comments are made that offend our values and morals we often bite our tongues or divert the conversation (well not all of us). I personally used to laugh nervously, remain silent and then change the subject completely. This reaction doesn't change the other person's viewpoint but neither does getting into an argument. However factual observations and statements are necessary and I find it can help terminate the conversation whilst also making that person feel 'regretful' for even opening their mouth!

Perhaps is it just a maturity thing that comes with age....OR perhaps not! I always thought I was a late bloomer (my whole life) and this as been proven correct (not because I'm still waiting for my boobs to come in!). A lot of the women who spoke at the TEDx event were under the age of 25. In fact the whole day was only made possible because of the belief and hard work of one 24 year old woman by the name of Laura Stokes.

Here is an article that was recently published in the Sunday Mail crediting the young life of this hugely inspirational woman:

Dare to be DIFFERENT! I think that is the best piece of advice you can give any young person, male or female.

I also want to end this post with a few links to some of the actual footage of the speeches from Dec 1st, 2012. If you can make time to watch them, you could find yourself feeling empowered to use your voice in aid of helping others too. 

Happy International Women's Day!

With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.

Dalai Lama 
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/dalai_lama_2.html#F4ydSXxS1wZmD99q.99 

The Business of sharing by Lauren Anderson:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFEz-kXsSOs

It takes a Village by Justine Bloom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcL-mReH0eA

A list of things I want to talk about - Tendy McFly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTOnC-hQWTU

Something needs to change by Justine Flynn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oeRbwS6NaE

Theres no such thing as being just a wife by Jonothan Duffy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj7S58LFgcA

Anne Summers Speech: 'Sexism & Misogyny
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz47O0phbCs

Dare to be BOLD!

I am taking part in 'SHAVE FOR A CURE 2013' and I will be shaving my head on Saturday March 23rd in Brisbane.

In an attempt to raise as much money as possible for the Leukaemia Foundation I have organised a group art exhibition titled 'Empowerment' to be held at Art & Design Precinct in Brisbane's West End. The show will open with my head shave event and will run until April 4th.

I am currently seeking sponsorship for this event and any interested businesses are invited to contact me for more information. All sponsors will receive extensive advertising in lead up to the show as well as on the night. Any Artists that are interested in donating or entering a work for the exhibition should contact me for an Entry Form.

All other donations will be gratefully received and may be done so online by visiting:
http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/Tamaraarmstrong

My decision to shave my head was born after witnessing my very brave sister-in-law Bri Armstrong in March of this year, doing just that. She selflessly devoted her time and energy to this great cause after a close friend of hers was diagnosed with a Sarcoma. Bri's courageous efforts were very powerful and contagious and after seeing her do this I felt I needed to do something as well. It was not until December 1st that I actually verbalised the decision to shave, when I was fortunate enough to hear Michelle Law speak at the TedxSouthbankWomen Conference at the State Library in Brisbane. Her speech was truly inspiring and reminded me of my desire to shave my head.

Here is the link to the transcript of Michelle's speech from the event 'A bald woman's guide to survival':
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4404420.html

While this day consisted of many empowering speakers (which I am yet to catch you all up on! Next blog entry I promise), it was Michelle's speech in particular that struck a chord. I personally feel it is very important to set an example where ever possible. My art has given me a voice and through Facebook and Blogger I have found a platform to share my ideas and journey. I felt that I had enough power and enough people listening and watching to set an example for young people and women in particular...that beauty truly does come from within. Michelle pointed out in her speech that even after her hair had grown back, she still found something else about her appearance to obsess over.

This rings true for me and many women I know. We are always looking to change something about our appearance, but why don't we look for more ways to change our mindset and the opinions of society in general. For many women (and men) baldness is not a deliberate choice. For some this choice is made by genetics, the onset of alopecia or the side effects of chemotherapy and where are their empowering bald role models?? Too many of us have been led to believe that our exterior is what makes us desirable, beautiful or even acceptable. I am no different to anyone else when it comes to this, but being able to recognise this sad fact should be enough motivation to set out and attempt to create change.










So here it is! I am shaving my head and I absolutely cannot wait to get my bald on.

The reactions to this statement have been varied, most reactions include shock followed by questioning..."What? Really? Why??". Once I make it clear that I am doing it to raise money for Leukaemia some seem to be more accepting. Yet others still seem confused by my decision. Observing this is interesting yet frustrating as well. If I had just decided to shave my head without first announcing it or signing up for 'Shave for a cure' I honestly don't think the reactions would have been positive. Whilst I can't prove this theory I am sure many would see this as an attempt to be outrageous or perhaps even a little crazy. Either way it is happening and if I can inspire, empower or change the views of just a few than I will be happy.

I have already managed to convince one other willing participant to get on board! The lovely Leslie McLauchlan from Lil Vintage. Leslie has also decided to shave her head for various personal reasons, but one incredibly good reason, in memory of a dear friend who was taken far too soon.
Please visit or share her profile page and donate if you can:
http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=465245

If you too have been thinking about joining the Shave for a Cure campaign, I implore you to make 2013 the year! What a New Year's Resolution that would be. Empower yourself and others and raise some much needed funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. Who cares what anyone will think? As Michelle states: "KNOW YOUR WORTH".

It's never too late to become who you might have been. T.S. Elliott. 



Tamara x