Shock it to me - one year of Travelher

A pussy-grabber got elected into one of the most powerful positions in the world, and it fucked with our heads and hearts.

Happy International Women’s Day and happy first birthday to Travelher!

This time last year, I was sleep-deprived and bubbling with anticipation. We’d just hit “publish” on the Travelher website after months of dreaming and scheming - and plenty of late nights in the lead up to the big unveiling.

It was incredible to launch Travelher on International Women’s Day. It felt like we were part of a global conversation. I remember the vibe being overwhelmingly positive and optimistic; there was a real sense of girl power in the air.

This year, there’s still plenty of girl power - but there’s also something else. Grit. Determination. Action. A touch of anger and frustration. A sense of urgency.

A pussy-grabber got elected into one of the most powerful positions in the world, and it fucked with our heads and hearts. But the silver lining is that people are beginning to come together and say “enough”.

This year, the IWD organisers are asking us to #BeBoldForChange. For me, this means getting uncomfortable. Asking tough questions - of myself and others. Engaging in difficult conversations. Facing up to unpalatable realities, and playing my part in campaigning for change.

Most of this work starts with me - identifying my privileges and biases, educating myself on all that I do not know, and figuring out ways to translate knowledge into action.

Last year, I was excited and naive.

This year, I’m awake.

Author - Jess O'Çonnor

Jess co-created Travelher and is a freelance copywriter based in Auckland, New Zealand.  She loves reading, writing, road trips, slow travel, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and being in nature.  You can reach her at jess@travelher.org or read more about her here.