What Will Be My Legacy?

In May 2011 Emma Yates will be embarking on a 10 day fundraising adventure challenge – “Taking Steps to Timor-Leste – Challenge for Change” to raise much needed funds and awareness to support IWDA and their partners. Read why Emma has decided to support the work of IWDA.

Emma Yates. Photo: Rob Williams

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2008, in the midst of what was a horrible time, I was gifted with a profound sense of how fortunate I was to be dealing with this as a white, educated, Australian woman.

Around the time I completed my treatment I was inspired by Australian singer-songwriter Penelope Swales “What will be my legacy? One of the luckiest people in the world. Young and free, young and healthy (because thanks to early detection and the best possible medical care in Australia, my prognosis is excellent), young and wealthy, young and white… One of the few with the time to change the world.”

In July 2010 my husband and I and our two children spent three weeks visiting Timorese and Australian friends and travelling in Timor-Leste.
I was struck by the resilience, energy and grace of the people we spent time with, and as we were leaving felt strongly that I wanted to find a way to come back.

So when I heard about the “Taking Steps to Timor-Leste – Challenge for Change” it seemed it was meant to be!

The 10 day adventure will include spending invaluable time visiting IWDA partners, local projects, and the women that IWDA and their partners are working with in Timor-Leste to access income and sustainable livelihoods, and undertaking a challenging three day trek including an ascent to the summit of Mt Ramelau, at 2963m above sea level the highest mountain in Timor-Leste.

I have chosen to take on this challenge in support of IWDA because I believe passionately that empowering women and girls as agents of change benefits the whole community.

To quote Aung San Suu Kyi: “The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.”

IWDA is hoping to raise $60 000 through the challenge, and I have set my personal fundraising goal at $5000. As I have chosen to pay for all of my own travel costs, every dollar donated through my fundraising endeavours will go straight to IWDA.

Participating in this adventure and challenge gives me the opportunity to support the work of IWDA throughout the Asia-Pacific region and to stand in solidarity with Timorese women and their families.

You can join the journey too! Download the Info Pack & Registration Form here. You can also contact Tristanne at Inspired Adventures on 1300 905 188 or emailing Tristanne@inspiredadventures.com.au

To learn more about the Challenge for Change participants and make a donation, please visit Go Fundraise Challenge for Change.

Tags: 2011 challenge for change taking steps to timor-leste, East Timor, Events/Campaigns/Press Releases

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 3rd, 2011 under Challenge for Change, Recent.