Noisy Older Women (NOW)

Noisy Older Women (NOW) is an art project that celebrates the voices of older women. Many older women say they feel invisible. People may speak for them, talk over them, or overlook them when they need help. These experiences are common and can make women feel unheard.

Through six workshops, 10 local women aged 60+ will be guided by a skilled art facilitator to create an artwork that tells their unique story. The artworks will be on display in the Melton Civic Centre Foyer, 232 High Street, Melton until mid-December 2026.

The project will provide an opportunity for a group of local elder women to support their creativity, create new friendships, and build their confidence to advocate for issues around gendered ageism. It will also allow us to raise our community's awareness of gendered ageism, particularly amongst those aged 60+.

What older women experience

For older women, ageism and gender inequalities come together to create a heightened risk of elder abuse. As ageism increases with age, so too do the gender inequalities women face.

Research shows older women are:

the lowest income earning family group
the largest group of unpaid carers. 70% of carers are women and research shows that carers experience significant financial burdens (loss of income, future income potential, superannuation) and poor health and wellbeing
the fastest growing group experiencing homelessness
34% more likely to live in poverty
more likely to experience workplace discrimination
more likely to experience elder abuse