As a senior female, I have seen society change over the years. I have witnessed good change, but also how older women are frequently excluded. We have experience, knowledge, feelings and ideas, but are not always heard. Senior women need to be better represented because we are still a vital part of our families, communities and the world around us. Some people begin to tune out when women become older.
Deserve Greater Representation
We don’t always feel our ideas matter when we are the age that we are. Older age is not a time when we cease to think, learn or care. Actually, age provides us with more insight on life. There have been many changes, responsibilities and challenges that we have encountered. All this provides us with knowledge which can be beneficial to society. Senior women, I feel are not public enough. There is a need for participation in significant discussions and decisions. Without older women, society forgoes one of the many perspectives.
As a senior woman, you don’t want to feel invisible. We want to feel that we’re still part of something. We want to make people realize that there’s value in their lives at every age. When older women are part of society, it is a clear message that a woman needs not lose her significance when she is older. Additionally, I have seen that people tend to believe that only care and support are needed for elder women. Now of course sometimes we need to be assisted by someone older than us, but we can also be able to assist in a way that can give them help, ideas, knowledge and guidance.
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
There are still many aspects of life in which we can be active. We would like our contribution to be recognized, rather than our dependence only. Representing helps younger people to better understand the experience of ageing. With respect and inclusion, growing old does not need to mean the end of an active life for senior women. It may be a new phase of life with new meaning, purpose and relationship. This type of thinking can foster a sense of respect across generations.
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
As I’ve learned from my own experience, respect is crucial as we get older. We do not request special treatment. We seek equality of treatment and a fair opportunity in society. We want to be part of the discussion. We want our learning to be appreciated. We want to be remembered, rather than forgotten. The senior women have contributed much to society with their time, care, energy and strength for many years. There is a long way to go yet. I think every senior woman should be seen, heard, respected and included.
#14
#15
#16
#17
#18
#19
#20
