NEWS
in navigating and redefining gender. I believe
that conversation needs engagement from all
genders, however we equally need our own
space, through projects, networks etc.”
Hilary is involved in a Special Interest Group
within the AIPP to improve gender issues and
equality within the Institute.STATISTICS REVERSED
She said, "There are many more women in the
industry these days. In 2002, 70% of the AIPP
membership was male. The statistics these days
are reversed. The balance of power is changing
within the organisation and there have been
changes in policy. These include a commitment
to diversity, an understanding to be inclusive
and changes also to discrimination and work
place health and safety, to ensure everyone’s
rights are equitable.
"Systems are in place to ensure that when
judging awards, speaking at conferences or
being honoured, women feel comfortable that
they will be represented.
"For example, the percentage of women
currently being honoured within our
organisation is minimal, less than 40% between
2003 and today. Male speakers far outweighed
female speakers at the cancelled Lenscape in- To give women the confidence to speak
up and to speak out, it is important to come
together to raise awareness and to have the
collective confidence to be a part of a larger
organisation – and so to allow for changes
within the whole community"FEEL NOT THINK
Annie Murray is a mentor who helps both
women and men find their way in business.
She says, “Women feel, men think...
photography is technical, but also a feeling is
captured. Through the lens, I can see someone’s
soul and I capture that. That’s what sells photos.
"While many men often focus on the
technical aspects, women just operate at a dif-
ferent frequency; not better, not worse, just
different. We gather to connect and we make
decisions based on how we feel.
"We wear our hearts on our sleeve and we
pour every inch of our soul into becoming
our own version of success. I think the Refocus
Retreat is incredible for women to let down
their guard and connect, laugh, cry, take photos
and share experiences. This is where you find
your tribe, your support network”
There are men who support the concept of
women-only retreats too and they aren’t afraid to
have their say. Glynn Lavender is one photographer
with an opinion on women’s retreats.VALUING YOURSELF
“Having trained nearly 10,000 photographers,
a large percentage of whom were women, I
have noticed many common denominators
with women photographers. What is missing is