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 in June and July, 10 women have been selected to work with skilled artists to create an Embroidery Circle artwork. Each piece will reflect their experience of being heard, or not heard, as older women. The artworks will be on display at the Gallery at Melton Library & Learning Hub from October to December.

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+. 

Gendered Ageism

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

Embroidery Circles

Below are examples of the type of embroidery circles that will be created and then exhibited as part of this project.