We founded our social enterprise Necesse in early 2017 in an effort to address the ongoing issue of period poverty in New Zealand. The idea was simple – subscription tampons, with every order resulting in the donation of a box of tampons to women in need – enabling women to support other women.

Women have shaped me, strengthened me, inspired me, mentored me, and buffered me. They have done it quietly, with no applause or search for recognition. These women are authentic, passionate, courageous, intelligent, and they love exceptionally and without agenda.

My reality, my identity and my whole life as I had imagined it was challenged. I was forced to re-invent my perception of what it was to be a woman and what it was to be a mother.

Despite the negative press recently, I strongly encourage more young women to consider teaching in boys schools. We have a place at the table. The next generation of young men needs us and our unique perspectives. I consider my role to be a privilege, teaching future husbands, partners and fathers.

all eyes on me, a white unaccompanied female
in a sea of men
soon it was like paparazzi
men asking for my picture
arms around me as if we were old friends

I have been lucky to have been raised by women who have not pushed their opinions on me. They have just been themselves, given me room to find my own feet, and to take the turns I have taken to discover my own truth.

By hiding my ‘form’ and subsequently my femininity I only aided and abetted  that world view of female objectification where to be successful in a ‘mans world’ you had to dress like a man, talk like a man, essentially be a man. 

Feminism is a central part of my beliefs and identity because I believe in equality. Women are so powerful on an individual, collective and global level, and we're a force to be reckoned with in the business world.