This year’s International Women’s Day theme — Give to Gain — resonated deeply with the work Palms volunteers do every day. Across Timor-Leste, Samoa, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Kiribati, and Papua New Guinea, women are leading, teaching, healing, and building — and our volunteers are privileged to walk alongside them.
To mark the occasion, we asked Marion Brand — a nursing and midwifery educator currently serving in Kasait, Timor-Leste — to share some reflections on women, justice, and what empowerment looks like from where she stands.
Marion Brand (front left) – Nursing and Midwifery Educator, Kasait, Timor-Leste
On what justice for women looks like
“Few women in positions of power — and men reluctant to take their advice. That’s what overlooks injustice. The more women in positions of influence who understand the real dangers women face, the more we can change.”
On what creates the biggest impact
“Long-term consistency. Patience. Understanding of culture, poverty, and the complexity of people’s lives. Not a quick fix — but sustained presence and genuine understanding.”
On a moment of feeling truly seen
“Being told by a visiting group from CSDO what an improvement there had been in the clinic since I arrived. That meant everything.”
On what empowerment looks like now
“Trust your instincts. Care and value yourself. If you are helping others, you have to look after yourself first — otherwise you can’t do it. Empower others safely, share the load, and support those around you.”
On the one change she’d spark by 2030
“Reduce the indoctrination of what women must or must not do. They don’t need a man, or to marry, or to have children — unless that’s what they choose. That freedom matters.”
Marion’s placement at Kasait is one of three current assignments Palms is supporting across Timor-Leste. Her work — like the work of all our volunteers — is sustained by people who believe that skilled, experienced Australians walking alongside communities is one of the most powerful forms of giving there is.