Every Thursday I profile a new incredible woman, each from a different walk of life. Different professions, causes, backgrounds, ethnicities, orientations, and anything/everything else!
So without further delay, let me introduce the wonderful Rosella Melanson…
As Executive Director of the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Rosella Melanson works to promote equality, freedom from discrimination, “as well as respect of differences - between women and men in all sectors”. As a former writer of a weekly political column on women’s and Acadian issues for the New Brunswick Telegraph Journal, and a background in social work, journalism, communications and information technology, Rosella reminds us that breaking new ground was never accomplished by following in someone else’s footsteps!
What drives you to do what you do?
If I didn’t, I will still know that there is inequality and injustices that will not correct themselves. So it is easier to at least be doing something than to try to ignore the situation.
How does being a woman empower / challenge you?
I have a hard time with this question. I have a hard time not answering: I’ve not tried it not being a woman, so how do I know the difference? OK. Being a woman empowers me because I am marginal, and you see more from the margins than from inside the forest. Being a woman does not challenge me.
What advice would you give to young women who want to follow in your footsteps?
What are you doing back there? Get up here and lead already. You don’t break new ground by following in someone’s footsteps.
Name one person, place, or thing every young woman should know about?
The status of women in their home, region, country and world.
What is the most important thing we can do in order to change the world?
1. Become critically literate about issues you care about.
2. Learn how issues you care about are political.
3. Make a political action as often as your circumstances allow.
(and learn you don’t have to follow exactly the instructions people give you)
For great resources including articles, events, an archive of NB women’s news, and more, check out the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women. And remember to check into the status of women in your part of the world, wherever that might be!
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Thank you for who you are and what you stand for Rosella -- a woman, all women!
And thank you for reminding us that before we speak out on an issue we need to educate ourselves -- "critically" educate! YES! YES! YES! ...listen to all sides, ...and then decide AND ACT!
Great to meet a woman from another part of our world.
ANOTHER GREAT INTERVIEW... I'm just going to keep on thanking you D. Cole!
Namaste
Posted by bluegaia
December 14, 2008, 9:43 AM
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