Italian feminists first chose the mimosa (wattle) flower as a symbol to mark the first International Women’s Day after the end of World War II in 1946. They chose it for its bright colour, scent and plentiful availability at the time of year and their tradition spread across the world.
Estelle Mary (Jo) Sweatman (1872- 1956) is considered to be one of Australia’s most famous painters of wattle (mimosa). (Like most women artists, her name and artworks were not made as well-known like many male artists of the same era.)
First thing this morning, I received this text…
Happy International Women’s Day Zoë !
I hope you can enjoy a little time today to reflect on the achievements of all the other great women.
Dad xx
It made my day. Especially knowing Dad grew up in an era that was so very different for women. And while Mum has been gone a very long time now, I can also hear her voice in his words. I’m so grateful for all the inspirational women who have kept on despite all the setbacks put in front of them because of their gender, yet who persevered to achieve changes, both small and large, that overall make a great difference.
There was a time a woman couldn’t get a book published, then had to publish under a male name and there was also a time that as a woman with a migrant surname it would have been even harder for me to have my writing published. I really appreciate and am thankful for how far women have come and for continuing to persist and also to the strong, just, kind men who support them and keep doing so. Auguri per la Festa della Donna! 💛
Wattle trees on the Riverbank, c.1910s-20s, oil on canvas by Estelle Mary (Jo) Sweatman (1872-1956).
Thinking of all those volunteering and working over this time when many get to take a break. It still amazes me how my grandparents opened their milk bar and fruit shop 7 days a week from early morning ‘til late at night with only two days a year off – for 20 years straight! And then ‘scaled back’ to 5 days a week for the following years.
…no phone reception, no traffic, and then, among the serenity, come three lovely chooks to drink at the creek.
Zoë Boccabella 