Author Archives: Emily Facoory

We all know how dangerous it can be walking home after dark as a woman and being by yourself. It’s unfortunate that we are living in a time where we have to be on our guard just because of other people’s despicable behaviour. But even now regardless of whether it’s day or night harassment is still happening. To make walking home that little bit safer, we’ve found two apps that help women to suss out the area they are walking in and to allow them to get safely from point A to point B.

The Free To Be App is one such example, being rolled out across five cities, it’s an interactive map that enables women and girls to pinpoint ‘danger spots.’ The app allows women to put a pin on an area that makes them feel safe and a pin on the spots where they feel uncomfortable.

The company behind the app, Plan International Australia’s head of advocacy Hayley Cull says it’s hard to say whether street harassment is getting worse for young women in Australia, it certainly isn’t getting any better.

“One of the impacts of how prevalent it is, girls are feeling desensitised to what’s happening, they are starting to feel as though this is just normal and there is no point in reporting it,” Ms Cull told AAP.

More than 90 per cent of women surveyed felt unsafe taking public transport at night, and nearly half said they also felt uncomfortable taking public transport alone during the day.

“We expected to hear about instances of street harassment in seedy lane ways at night when it’s dark and they’re alone,” Ms Cull said.

“What has been surprising is how common it is in broad daylight and areas where girls are just trying to get home from school or getting the train to work in the morning and are facing things like being groped or being leered at or being shouted at.”

Another groundbreaking app is the Companion app, where you can notify your loved ones of your journey home, such as where you started and the app automatically sends an update when your journey has ended. The app also includes live location tracking, letting your loved ones watch you while you travel to your destination.

Published on April 23 on She Society

Catherine Keenan has always had a love for reading and writing, with them ultimately shaping her view of the world.

With a Doctorate in English Literature from Oxford University she’s used her knowledge to help students improve their writing skills by creating the Sydney Story Factory.

The idea for the writing factory came about after she heard about a writing centre in San Francisco called 826 Valencia, where students are taught to harness their writing skills.

“I was a journalist at the Sydney Morning Herald at the time; I was an arts writer and had a very good friend there, Tim Dick. We found out more about this writing centre and began to think what a great idea it was and wondered whether we needed something like that in Sydney,” Catherine said.

“So we started talking to people, people in education, to kids, to parents and to teachers. To see what was around and whether this might be necessary, and the feedback we got was overwhelming, and that it really could make a difference.”

Though Catherine’s had heaps of standout moments throughout her career including being named the 2016 Local Hero for her role as a youth educator in the Australia Day Awards, she counts the kids achievements as momentous.

“There was one just this week, where we’ve been working with some young people at Chifley College at their Shelby campus at Mount Druitt. The high school students have been working as volunteer tutors for the kids at the Willmot Primary School,” Catherine said.

“We’ve also been doing a writing program with the Shelby kids, helping them work towards a substantial piece of writing. At the end of the program, we print out their writing and put a beautiful cover on it and give it back to them, sharing, celebrating and reading them out to each other.”

The kids ended up loving the program so much that they made a video to thank the Sydney Story Factory.

“I think it just shows that it really makes a difference to kids when they can articulate their world in the way that they want,” Catherine said.

“Where they can talk about the stories that matter to them and they can show the world what they think and who they are.”

Catherine said it makes a huge difference to their confidence and to their writing skills, and that it all feeds back into their ability to engage with their education, to be the best version of themselves.

“Last year we worked with about 3500 kids all across Sydney and Western Sydney, we’ve worked with lots of indigenous kids, newly arrived kids and kids with really low socioeconomic backgrounds,” Catherine said.

“All of those stories matter and all of those children matter. Whether it’s when a child writes half a page; but it might be the first time they’ve ever written that much or it might be the first time that their writing has been celebrated.”

While Catherine can’t pick a single literary hero, having thousands to choose from. She did say that Dave Eggers who set up the writing centre in San Francisco is one of them, along with some of the students at the Sydney Story Factory.

Catherine believes that there is a great value in not being stopped by what you don’t know, in just doing things even if you feel like you can’t do it. She said how important it is to ask for help from people, also saying that she doesn’t undervalue naivety as a force for change.

Catherine’s plans for expansion have already started with a second Sydney Story Factory opening in either May or June this year in Parramatta.

“We are very excited about that, because it means we can do a lot more programs in Western Sydney and we want to work more deeply in different communities across Western Sydney,” Catherine said.

Published on April 18, 2018 on She Society

They say it’s never too late to pick up a new sport or hobby, but what about if you’re aiming for Commonwealth or Olympic success or even just at competition level and you’re well past your prime?

These incredible athletes who found their sports later in life, prove that age is only a number.

Cliff Young

Definition of a true Aussie legend, Cliff Young was known for his unexpected win of the Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon in 1983 at 61 years of age. The potato farmer rocked up in overalls and work boots determined to win. He ran at a slow pace, trailing behind the pack at the end of the first day. But while the other competitors stopped to sleep, Cliff kept on running for 5 days straight eventually winning the race.

Katrin Garfoot

Katrin won a gold medal on Tuesday in the individual time trial for road cycling after being introduced to the sport a little late into the game. Her husband suggested she give racing a crack and in October 2011 she bought a three-day racing licence and decided to try it. At 30 years old, she said that she had no idea what the future would hold.

Priscilla Welch

Priscilla had the most unlikely career in international athletics as she was known to smoke a pack a day until she began running at 35. Coached by her husband she ran a range of marathons over the years including the London and Glasgow marathons winning several and also competing in the Olympic Games in 1984.

Edith Masai

The Kenyan long distance runner didn’t start running seriously until the age of 32 where she went on to win three World Cross Country 4km gold medals. Edith said that, “I appreciate whatever I get. If I win I celebrate, if I lose, I appreciate my performance.”

Fauja Singh

This is hard to believe but says it all about determination and persistence. Fauja was a British Sikh centenarian marathon runner, who broke a number of world records in various age brackets. He retired from running in 2013 and is still alive at 107 years old.

Published on April 12, 2018 on She Society

The Flex Company was started by Lauren Schulte after she wanted to find another alternative to pads, tampons and menstrual cups. She believed that if we used a period product that was designed to solve our major problems (leaking, cramping, bloating, smell, frequent changes, infections), we wouldn’t dread our periods. Lauren and her team then created the menstrual disc called FLEX. FLEX is a body-safe tampon alternative that lasts up to 12 hours, and that’s designed to mould to your body shape and is said to have reduced cramps in 70% of users.

She Society had the chance to ask Lauren a few questions about what she’s learnt throughout her startup journey and what’s next for The Flex Company.

What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt (in life or business)?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is to live life by my values, which means to be clear about what I believe and what I want in life, and then to take an intentional path in a way that is true to me. The path won’t always be easy; it requires fearlessness and tenacity. But as long as I am living my values and fulfilling my greater purpose, I know I’m on the right track.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given and by whom?
The greatest piece of business advice I received as an early stage founder was by a very successful, multi-time entrepreneur who sold one of their companies for $1B. I told him about my idea for FLEX and he was extremely supportive, which was a surprise to me because so many people pitch him their ideas and I’ve never seen him so excited. He told me 1) tell everyone you meet about your idea and 2) to hire people smarter than you.

What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of creating a new category of period product, the menstrual disc, which is the most substantial innovation in period care since the applicator tampon and menstrual cups were introduced in the 1930s.

Quote to live by?
You are what you love, not what loves you.

What’s next for The Flex Company?
We are focused on creating awareness of the menstrual disc, educating the market about the fact that so many period problems (leaking, smell, bloating, cramps) are worsened by traditional period products, and educating all people about women’s sexual and reproductive health.

Find out more information about The Flex Company here.

Published on April 19 on She Society

1. “You have to believe in yourself 100%, if you want to do this and you want to pull it off you have to believe in yourself, you can’t undermine and doubt yourself all day everyday and then expect to succeed.”
2. “Own what your gift is, know it, don’t be ashamed of it and do it as much as possible and then outsource or surround yourself with people who do everything else way better than you.”
3. “Don’t compromise on your need or desire for success, do whatever it takes, you’ve got to be willing to let some things go and adapt and focus on what works.

Mother’s Day can be a hard affair for those who have lost their mothers but Danielle Snelling from Melbourne has set up an association that aims to support those dealing with the loss.

Motherless Daughters Australia was created after Danielle lost her own mum to cancer when she was 23.

Danielle put up a Facebook status, saying that she was going to start a Motherless Daughter support network and asked if there was anybody else in her position.

A woman named Eloise Hughes from Croydon in Melbourne commented back. She’d lost her mum when she was 13 from a heart attack. As soon as they had met, the bond was instantaneous.

Danielle said that, “it was comforting to meet someone who could fundamentally relate to how I was feeling. We decided to set up Motherless Daughters Australia together, because if the two of us felt so much better connecting, then imagine how wonderful it would be to have a whole group of women having a similar outcome.”

“We planned a pre Mother’s Day High Tea in Melbourne in May 2017. When your mum dies young, the pain isn’t only today, it is forever, but it’s most pronounced on birthdays, Christmas and Mother’s Day. Even projecting into the future and worrying about the inevitable sadness that will come because your mum won’t be at your wedding, or get to meet your partner or your children,” Danielle said.

“Afterwards, we set up our non-profit because we could see there was a need. The next High Tea had 30 women, six from the interstate. We’ve now developed a community through Facebook and Instagram. We have big plans for the future including events and support Australia-wide and eventually want to support single dads raising daughters.”

They have also succeeded in getting a Motherless Daughters Awareness Week added to the National Calendar of Events, running from the 5th to the 12 May.

“We’d like to take this week-long opportunity to raise awareness to the wider community that this time of year is particularly difficult for girls and women who unfortunately cannot celebrate Mother’s Day with their mum,” their Facebook page said.

The group will be participating in the Mother’s Day Classic in Melbourne on 13th May, click here for more information or check out the Motherless Daughters Australia Facebook page here.

Published on May 11, 2018 on She Society

Homeward Bound is a groundbreaking leadership initiative, set against the backdrop of breathtaking Antarctica. The program has reached over 250 women from over 100 different countries, focusing on women in science. The year-long program will allow the chosen participants the chance to learn leadership skills, self-awareness, strategy, science, communication and they will also gain access to a powerful global network of women scientists.

There has been a Nobel Laureate, the program’s first African participant, a children’s science TV presenter and a renowned Australian model amongst the women that are attending the program. They have gone on to receive additional grants, start their own education programs as well as working with large corporations such as NASA to establish new models for addressing climate change.

The program has made waves across the globe in 2016 being the largest all-female group to travel to Antarctica on their first voyage, the second voyage breaking their own world-record. They also held the world’s most remote gender-forum.

Homeward Bound is set to invite more women to join its global collaboration in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) this month.

Applications opened last week and will remain open until 18 May as Homeward Bound takes the next step towards its goal of networking 1000 women in 10 years. Initiated in Australia in 2014 Homeward Bound has become synonymous with women’s empowerment on a global scale.

The new team, already dubbed #TeamHB04, will be their largest cohort yet as they look to welcome 100 women of all ages from around the world. The fourth program launches in early 2019 and will run throughout the year. Over 11 months, the revolutionary program will be delivered via monthly video conference calls and small personal meetings with collaboration, leadership, peer coaching and gender equality all high on the agenda. It will culminate in a voyage to Antarctica, departing Ushuaia, Argentina, on November 22 and returning on December 10, 2019.

Founder Fabian Dattner comments, “This is what it means to build a global collaboration of women in STEMM. We are serious about diversity and encouraging these women to support one another. We want to bring together women from all walks of life, from different backgrounds, and support them into leadership and decision-making as it informs the planet. We are particularly focused on supporting women from countries most affected by climate change.”

Fabian continues “One of the things we find every year is how few women really believe they have what it takes to join Homeward Bound. “Imposter syndrome” dogs even the most experienced, talented women.

It’s this simple: if you have a background in science, want to explore what leadership is really about, are serious about shaping the future of the planet and want to be part of a caring, collaborative community, we want to hear from you.”

Find out more about the initiative here.

Essential Oils have started to gain a cult following, especially with celebrities such as Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Alexa PenaVega claiming that the miracle oils can reduce stress and help improvement simple ailments such as headaches and cramps. We’ve decided to make a comprehensive list of some of the most popular oils and their accompanying benefits.

Lavender Oil – The calming smell is great for promoting relaxation and easing any muscle tension. Can also aid in relieving anxiety, headaches or sleeping problems.

Peppermint Oil – There are discussions about it’s positive effect on Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers as it can support the digestive system. Can also ease motion sickness as well as helping to rid people of colds and allergies.

Lemongrass Oil – Diluted oil is said to help with acne spots along with improving immunity and calming the mind.

Oregano Oil – This has become a staple for many as the benefits include regulating menstruation, fighting infection and supporting the immune system. If you have a cold then steam inhalation is the way to go.

Tea Tree Oil – Originating from Australia tea tree oil is said to have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, great for treating acne, eczema and warts.

Frankincense Oil – Great for building immunity, reducing inflammation and supporting brain function.

Grapefruit Oil – Is said to support metabolism and even reduce cellulite along with helping to promote clear, healthy skin and an uplifting mood.

Sandalwood Oil – A natural aphrodisiac that improves libido and can also improve energy. Other health benefits also include its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as a diuretic helping to treat infections in the urinary system.

Published on April 10, 2018 on She Society

As the Commonwealth Games have come to an end, we thought it would be great to reflect on the comradeship of the games. With athletes really showing the world what they are made of, not only in the sporting arenas but in how they conduct themselves with their rivals.

We saw such an example on day 5 when Australian long-distance runners Eloise Wellings, Madeline Hills and Celia Sullohern remained on the track after finishing the 10,000m event waiting for the last competitor to finish.

The trio remained behind to wait for another of their competitors, Lineo Chaka from the small African nation of Lesotho, to cross the finish line five minutes behind the winner.

It really shows the support and sportsmanship, proving that at the end of the day everyone is doing their best and it’s about bringing all of the nations together.

Other such inspiring acts of sportsmanship over the years include the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where the New Zealander Nikki Hamblin tripped and Abbey D’Agostino of the United States fell over her. Instead of continuing on the US runner helped Hamblin up telling her, “Get up, get up! We have to finish!” D’Agostino told her. “This is the Olympic Games. We have to finish this.’”

There was Derek Redmond’s courageous moment during the 400-meter semifinal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Where near the end of the race, the British track star suffered a torn hamstring and began hobbling in pain. As Redmond struggled to finish, his father came to his aid, rushing down from the stands to reach his son and helping him to finish the race.

In the final of the 200 meters in Beijing in 2008, American sprinter Shawn Crawford finished fourth behind winner Usain Bolt, Churandy Martina of the Netherlands Antilles and American Wallace Spearmon. But afterward, it was determined Spearmon and Martina had stepped on their lane lines during the race, a technicality that disqualified them. As a result, Crawford went from fourth place to second and was awarded the silver medal. After the Games, Martina received a package from Crawford. When he opened it, it contained the American’s silver medal and a note: “I know this won’t replace the moment, but I want you to have this, because I believe it’s rightfully yours!”

Japanese competitors Shuhei Nishida and Sueo Oe competed in a jump-off for the silver medal in the pole vault at the Berlin 1936 Olympics. Although both vaulters finished with the same height, the silver was ultimately awarded to Nishida for having fewer misses than Oe. However, when the Olympians returned home, they did the unthinkable. Nishida and Oe cut their medals in half to create two new medals of half silver, half bronze. They were called the “medals of friendship.”

Published on April 15, 2018 on She Society