We Chat to Fella at Days for Girls | Part 2
Fella joined the Women’s Electoral Lobby (WEL) which led her to start her business in 1969. WEL's mission was to create a society where women's participation & potential are unrestricted, acknowledged & respected, & where women & men share equally in society's responsibilities & rewards. Our Founder certainly lived up to this mission statement to which we will be forever grateful.
Fella together with Adrienne (Fella Hamilton's Head Fashion Designer) at the Days for Girls morning tea.
When Fella Hamilton held a morning tea on 2nd June 2023 in support of the charity Days for Girls, and invited Anita Byegon (Member of the Board of Directors of DFG Kenya, and Elected Member of County Assembly in Kericho County, Kenya), Fancy Kiror (Elected Member of County Assembly in Kericho County, Kenya) and Jenny Foster (Rotary Club member and Volunteer with the DfG Essendon team), it was evident that the guests and Fella shared a strong synergy as they expressed their collective determination to advocate for women's rights and amplify their voices. Fella, now 97 years, spoke of her experience and the challenges she faced in starting her business in the late1960s.
What inspired you to join the Women’s Electoral Lobby in 1969?
I was inspired by Australian writer and feminist Germaine Greer and I felt that women needed to be heard. I worked voluntarily for the Women’s Electoral Lobby (WEL) to make as many important people aware of the change that was necessary to include women. I made an appointment with a male parliamentarian to talk about women’s rights and he said to me “You should be at home getting dinner ready for your husband”. I couldn’t believe his attitude. He was rude and ignorant and it made me more determined. I realised that women need to make real change and be independent. [Photo on left shows Fella after joining the Women's Electoral Lobby which led her to start her business in 1969.]
What words of wisdom do you have for women these days who want to create change?
Women need to be educated and be independent financially, that’s the only way that they can open their mouth and stand on their own two feet.
What has inspired you to support so many charities over the years & how do you feel about Fella Hamilton aligning with an organisation like Day for Girls?
I was very fortunate to be helped as a refugee in my teens and will never forget the help I was given. As an adult, I was then in a position to help others and in return make a difference to the lives of other people. I’m very proud that Fella Hamilton is able to help the Days for Girls charity in such an important situation - to restore the dignity of young girls and eliminate the shame associated with menstruation, while ensuring their ability to continue attending school and participating in the workforce.
Fella Hamilton & Anita Byegon (Member of the Board of Directors of DfG Kenya) at the Fella Hamilton morning tea.
MORE INFORMATION -
If you would like to find out more about the incredible work Days for Girls do, here is a link to the Australian arm of the charity:
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