The 2024 Festival theme The [un]Silencing of Older Women recognises the need to understand the unique ways older women experience ageism - and combat the subsequent rises in poverty, homelessness, abuse, violence and murder. It explored the ways some families, communities, services and policies contribute to the silencing of older women; and how we can all be part of the solutions. It identified how a gender lens can enhance elder abuse strategies and a life span approach can help to prevent family violence.

Congress

Thankyou to our presenters for their powerful stories and strategies. Please see videos and written narratives below from:
  • Aunty Dixie Link-Gordon, Aunty in Residence Full Stop Australia
  • Work for change, Anshul
  • The costs of financial hardship, Ms Emme
  • The Babushka Effect, Penny Bingham (here)
  • Speaking the unspeakable, Robyn Westgate, Curtin University (here).

Inequalities and older women 

Dr Catherine Barrett and Professor Kate Burridge presented on inequalities and representations of older women in popular culture. 
  • Video (here)
  • Link to the article (here)
  • Link to Citizen research (coming soon)

A Life Stages Approach 

Yumi Lee, Jess Hill and Associate Professor Laura Tarzia presented on a Life Stages approach to Family Violence. 
  • Watch the video with Jess Hill (here) and Laura Tarzia (here)
  • Read the Life Stages document (here) or below and media release (here)

Building a world where #OlderWomenCount

Robyn Smith, Sarah Codling and Dilnaz Billimoria presented on #TheBiscuitTin project. Watch their presentation below and click the link for more information about #TheBiscuitTin here

A Gender Lens for Elder Abuse

Thankyou to Debra Nicholl, CEO of Elder Rights Advocacy and Geoff Rowe, CEO of ADA Australia for launching the Gender Lens for responding to Elder Abuse. Big thanks also to Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM for his reflections on a Gender Lens. 
  • Watch Debra and Geoff's launch video, here
  • Watch Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM video (coming soon)
  • Read the draft Gender Lens document here
  • Provide feedback on the draft here

Resources from the concurrent sessions

So many people have asked for information on the amazing resources presented during the concurrent sessions. Please share your resources with us here ​
  • Anna Gilbard's report on Elder Abuse Stats in Qld here 
  • Manika Conning's Podcast for There's a Rainbow in My Family here 
  • Sharon Stone, Pathways to Employment for Older Women, OWN NSW here
  • Deb Barndon, Hear our Voices Project, OWN NSW here 
  • Meg Humphrey's Digital Age Inclusion resource here
  • Christine Hall, Recipes for Connection, OWN NSW here

Joyful Rage 

Dr Deborah Wood presented on Joyful Rage and older women. Watch her presentation below and her Older Women Dancing video - and read her article on invisibility from The Guardian.

Partners

​Embolden2024 is an initiative of Celebrate Ageing Ltd. We are delighted to announce or first Principal Partners Elder Rights Advocacy, the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Older Women's Network of NSW and ADA Australia.​