One of WIRE's founders Janet Horn turns 100!

In the early 80s, Janet and a group of women got together with a shared vision of empowering women with information, resources and education to lead the lives they desired—and so WIRE was born.

Janet’s daughter, Barbara Horn, recently shared some of Janet’s recollections of WIRE with us, telling us of her strong commitment to feminism and her motivation for becoming involved. Janet, who was in her 60s at the time of establishing WIRE, was motivated to provide Victorian women, especially older women, with the support and information they needed.

Janet said: ”I thought that older women were just as entrapped by male dominance [as younger women] and that I could provide a voice for them”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WIRE was only one of the many organisations that Janet was involved with. She volunteered for Women’s Housing and a number of other community groups—many were centred around gender equity and empowering women with information and education.

The above photo of Janet was taken at the most recent family birthday gathering they were able to have—her 98th birthday in 2019, celebrated with a picnic in Princes Park. Her daughter Barbara says the photograph beautifully depicts her characteristic delight in being with the four generations of her family.

Happy 100^th birthday, Janet. With respect, love, and affection from everyone at WIRE.

Learn more about WIRE’s history here.

 

Currently in lockdown restrictions, WIRE support can be accessed on:

– The Phone Support Line on 1300 134 130

– Live Web Chat – www.wire.org.au/chat-with-wire

– Email – support@wire.org.au

For more information about upcoming events, training and resources, please visit our website: www.wire.org.au