Content components We are sharing #TheBiscuitTin project with our community, along with the Recipes for Respect Boroondara resource. The project, created by Celebrate Ageing, encourages conversations about inequality and disrespect while recognising the contribution of older women.Why #TheBiscuitTin project mattersOlder women contribute in many ways. They lead organisations, run businesses, teach, care for others, volunteer and support families, neighbours, workplaces and communities. Across Australia, older women make up a large share of volunteers and unpaid carers, yet their achievements are not always recognised.The Biscuit Tin project aims to:raise awareness of the inequality older women experienceencourage families, communities, institutions and policy makers to recognise older womenpromote equality and respecthighlight the many ways older women contribute.Recipes for Respect BoroondaraEleven older women from Boroondara took part in a workshop led by Dr Catherine Barrett, CEO of Celebrate Ageing. They shared personal stories, achievements and reflections on respect and representation. They also spoke about how ageism affects their everyday lives.The workshop shaped the Recipes for Respect Boroondara resource. It features portraits of local women holding their biscuit tins, along with their favourite recipes and personal stories about how families, workplaces and communities can show respect. Download Recipes for Respect Recipes for Respect 3.03 MB [PDF] 16 June 2026 Why biscuit tins?A biscuit tin may seem simple, but it often holds meaning. In many homes, it holds more than biscuits. It carries memories, routines and small acts of care. It can bring people together across generations.Like many older women in our community, biscuit tins are familiar and valued by those who know them well. They can also remind us to notice and value the people, stories and care that shape community life. Why change mattersMany older women continue to experience inequality.Financial hardshipOlder women have the lowest earnings of any family group.34% of single older women live in poverty60% retire with little or no superannuation34% rely on their partner's income at retirement, compared with 7% of retired men.Housing insecurityHomelessness among older women increased by 31% between 2011 and 2016.Around 240,000 women aged 55 and over are at risk.Violence and abuseIn 2023, 28 older Australian women aged 55 and over died in family violence homicides. This figure has doubled over the past decade. Globally, around 23% of women aged 60 and over have experienced physical or intimate partner violence.ContributionsBoroondara celebrates the contributions of women 55+ to our community. At the 2021 Census:5,369 female residents 55+ were volunteers6,031 female residents 55+ cared for a person with a disability, health condition, or due to old age4,132 female residents 55+ sometimes looked after someone else’s children.These figures highlight the need for greater respect, recognition and support. To explore the data further, read the Gender Lens Elements, Principles and Guidelines on the Embolden Festival website.Explore the project furtherVisit the Celebrate Ageing project pageDownload Recipes for Respect BoroondaraLearn more or get support on our Elder abuse pageOlder women help shape our communities through care, leadership and resilience. You can explore their stories, share the resource, and all help build a community where older women feel recognised, respected and valued. Edwina – Creative, mother, grandmother, friend, good listener, reader, cook. Vivi – Carer, volunteer, stoke advocate, passionate, grandmother, stubborn, mother. Wenmei – kind, positive, mother, caring, dancer, reader, learner. Sew – proud mother and grandmother, creative, dancer, retired nurse, committee member, resilient. Susie – Mother, grandmother, friend, educator, lifelong learner, resilient, genuine, loyal. Liz – Carer, nurturer, creative, mother, volunteer, active, giver. Madrilena – Mother, sister, nonna, passionate, committeed, resilient, loyal, fun. Susan – Passionate religious artist, caring, Passionate about Aboriginal art and culture, religious. Jo – Businesswoman, lifelong learner, dental nurse, health educator, wifr, mother, grandmother. Gwenda – Mother, nana, great nana, gardener, resilient, loyal, writer. Janet – Physical activity advocate, animal lover, enthusiatic, grateful, happy, vegan, music lover.
