Community, Creativity and the Power of Women Supporting Women

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, invited us to reflect on the beautiful cycle that emerges when women support one another — a reminder that generosity, whether through knowledge, encouragement, creativity, or opportunity, creates growth not only for individuals, but for entire communities.

Over the past 2 weeks, I experienced several moments that deeply embodied this spirit. Each one reminded me that no journey truly happens alone, and that the support we give and receive along the way shapes who we become.

A Breakfast Filled with Resilience

Gathering at the SisterWorks International Women’s Day breakfast in Melbourne — a room full of resilience, stories, and possibility.

I began the celebration by attending a breakfast with SisterWorks. The room was filled with inspiring women, many of them migrants who have built new lives, careers, and dreams in Australia. Listening to these stories of resilience and determination reminded me of how powerful it is when women create spaces for one another to grow. Organisations like SisterWorks play a vital role in empowering women by building community, developing skills, and building confidence.

Sisterworks Inc. Women’s Day Breakfast 2026

“When women create spaces for one another to grow, incredible things follow — confidence, opportunity, new paths forward.”

Sharing My Story at BreastScreen Victoria

Last week, I had the honour of sharing my personal journey with Sisterworks at the amazing organisation BreastScreen Victoria in Carlton. Speaking about my path—from being a creative mother finding small pockets of time to make art, to becoming an entrepreneur building my brand in the art sector—was both emotional and empowering.

Speaking at BreastScreen Victoria in Carlton — sharing the path from creative mother to entrepreneur and artist. (Photo by BreastScreen Victoria)

As a migrant woman and artist, my journey has grown slowly and organically. My work is deeply inspired by colour, nature, and culture. Art became a way for me to express my identity and to connect the different landscapes that have shaped my life. Over time, that creative passion evolved into something more: a vision to build a sustainable artistic practice and share my work with a wider community.

Painting Mandalas, Finding Connection

“Virtudes in Bloom” Mandala Ritual at the Mercy Hub

Another moment that beautifully reflected the theme Give to Gain was hosting an art therapy mandala ritual alongside mindfulness coach and friend Natalia Barahona, sponsored by the community at Mercy Hub in Carlton. Women gathered to paint mandalas—circular patterns that symbolise harmony, balance, and wholeness.

Through colours, shapes, and patterns, each participant was invited to slow down and reflect. The process of creating together became a gentle ritual of connection and presence. In that shared space, art became more than an activity; it became a moment to reconnect with creativity, with ourselves, and with each other.

For me as an artist, these experiences reaffirm the deeper role that creativity can play in our lives. Art is not only something we place on a canvas. It is also a language for storytelling, healing, and community.

The Circle of Giving and Receiving

When I reflect on these moments, I see something that resembles the very shape of a mandala—a circle of giving and receiving. At times, we are supported and inspired by others; at other times, we are invited to share our voices, skills, and creativity with our communities. In this way, giving and gaining become part of the same continuous movement.

International Women’s Day reminds us that when women uplift one another, incredible things can grow: confidence, opportunities, ideas, and new paths forward.

I feel deeply grateful to the communities and organisations that create spaces where women can connect, learn, and thrive. And I hope to continue contributing through my art, my story, and the creative spaces I hold for others.

Because when we give from a place of generosity and authenticity, we often gain something even more meaningful—connection, belonging, and the courage to keep creating.

Now, Your Turn

This story is part of an ongoing conversation. I’d love to hear yours — whether you’re an artist, a migrant, a mentor, or simply someone who has been moved by the generosity of another woman.

Reflect & Share

✦ Share a moment when a woman’s support changed your path

✦ How has creativity helped you connect or heal?

✦ How do you give back in your own community?

Your reflections help grow this circle — and they just might inspire the next person who reads them.

Thank you for reading, much Love.

❤️ Marynel