Women Who Are Making A Difference
In the process of developing Wonderwalkers we have meet some amazing women.
All of them have inspired us with their generosity to share advice,expertise and support. We have also met and heard of women who are doing amazing things but who are doing it ‘under the radar'. In fact most women in their own ways are wonders.
And we know there are millions more out there. In Godzone and around our globe. This is the opportunity to share their stories in the hope that we can acknowledge the wonders of what they do and provide inspiration to many more. We want Wonder Walkers to celebrate the wonder of women.
If you would like to share your story or know of anyone that is a Wonder Woman and or Wonder Walker, email us at info@wonderwalkers.co.nz as we would like to share their stories.
Natalia Albert and Oxfam Trailwalker
Natalia Albert isn’t a woman who lets defeat deter her. Last year, she attempted the 100 kilometre Oxfam Trailwalker in Taupō, and although she didn’t finish, Natalia was determined to give it another go.
“I did a lot of things wrong last year, but I got so inspired,” she says. So inspired, in fact, that the Khandallah resident decided not only to tackle the walk again but to recruit 100 other women to do it with her.
Albert set the goal of walking all six major Wellington walkways within six months. For the first training walk, along the Northern Walkway, six women accompanied her. On the next walk, 25 women came along, and since then numbers have been consistent.
A recent transplant from Mexico City, Natalia discovered Oxfam Trailwalker when searching for jobs in New Zealand. Her mother forwarded her a volunteer opportunity for the event but when she saw pictures of the Taupō trail, Natalia said “I don’t want to work there, I want to walk there!”
Natalia was impressed with Oxfam Trailwalker event management, and the work that Oxfam does with communities in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. “It’s an amazing goal to work for, and I love the work Oxfam does,” she says.
And Oxfam appreciates Natalia’s enthusiasm. “It’s great to see all the different ways our participants get involved with Oxfam Trailwalker,” says Zeb Stone, the event’s organiser. “Natalia’s really taking it to the next level and inspiring a whole group of women while she’s at it. Her motivation will certainly have a positive impact for women in her community, but also in the communities where Oxfam works.”
There’s been an amazing response from the women she’s contacted and Natalia already has 25 confirmed Oxfam Trailwalker entries – but she still has a way to go to reach her goal of 100 recruits. She will be holding a series of information sessions for other interested women. Upcoming information sessions are being held in the assembly hall at Onslow College on October 6 and 17 at 1pm, and on December 1 at 10am.
But Natalia’s vision has grown even further. She wants to grow Wellington Women’s Walking Project (as the group is now known) to a charitable venture designed to empower communities through women. She has plans to organise walks down the length of New Zealand for charity, as well as participation in future Oxfam Trailwalker events.
Oxfam Trailwalker is a 100 kilometre walk through the scenic New Zealand countryside around Lake Taupō. Teams of four walk all 100 kilometres within 36 hours, and raise money for Oxfam’s work. Oxfam Trailwalker New Zealand is part of an international series, with more than 12 events held around the world. For more information, visit oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz.
For more information, please contact Natalia on 021 187 9679 or visit www.nataliaalbert.com. Check out the Wellington Women Walking Project at facebook.com/wellingtonwomenwalkingproject
Caroline Casey Inspires Us to Look Past Limits.
Listen to Caroline's inspirational story about her life and how she came to ride 1000 km across India on an elephant to raise funds for Sight Savers. Her story challenges you to think beyond the limits we think we may have.
"She is one of those people who, instead of just talking about changing the world, gets up and actually does it however tough the doing of it turns out to be. "
The Irish Times.
Aimee Mullins and Her 12 Pairs of Legs
Aimee broke the sprinting record at the 1996 Paralymic Games. She models, acts and is an activist for women, sports and the next generation of prosthetics.
In her speech she challenges people to think about the way we view people with disabilities. "quite simply, she defines what the body can be"