Roswitha

My name is Roswitha Irene McKinlay. I am just over 60 years old and was born and educated in the former West Germany where I spent my formative years. In 1979 I came to Australia to live here with my Australian husband Scott whom I met in Germany. I have two sons: Justin and Julian. We have been married since 1977 and live happily in a Brisbane suburb. I am very interested in worthwhile causes and prepared to speak out for them as well.

What I would like for women in the year 2020

I would like to see a society in Australia where women are treated equally with men. That means equal pay and equal living conditions because, let's face it, although women have been fighting for many years for equality, it still is not really happening. I feel impatient. I want it now and not wait until 2020.

Women have been carrying the burden for too long of not only holding down a job, raising children, doing most household chores and being there for everybody and everything. Many men still seem to think they don't have to do their "fair share", although there are plenty of exceptions, just looking at my own family where my husband tries to share as much as possible and my 32-year old son, shops, cooks, cleans etc.

I definitely want to see a change in "paid maternity leave" and I don't object to the father to take the leave instead. When I had my first child in Germany in 1977 I did have exactly that. So let's come out of the dark ages and improve life for women in Australia.

My most significant challenges and achievements

My most signficant challenge was probably leaving my own country, culture, family and especially friends behind in order to start a new life in another country.  My most significant achievement is having had two children and a most wonderful relationship with my husband which has lasted 35 years so far.  Learning to cope with a new language (although I studied English, French and Latin at school) and cultural differences have also been both challenges and achievements. As a mature age student I studied History and Literature at an Australian University, teaching both children and adults in adult education at university level and working as an accredited translator for many years.

The factors and beliefs that helped me overcome adversity

Although I found it difficult to come to terms with living conditions in Australia when I first arrived because they were so different to the life I was accustomed to in Germany, I managed to overcome the so-called "culture shock" because I tried to have an "open mind" and therefore I chose to concentrate on family life with 2 young children. It took me quite some time to create a new circle of friends with similar beliefs and backgrounds. Our friends come mostly from Europe just like me and we support each other. That does not mean that I do not mix with Australians with "open minds" and similar beliefs.

The important people in my life

There were many people in my life who played important parts. I did not come from a very privileged background. Therefore I learned at a very early age to look at my teachers, class mates, friends and anyone who I thought was important to my development. I was eager to learn and become a person with intellect, integrity and interests other than those I grew up with. I think I have succeeded.