As part of our ongoing blog series, we will be sitting down and have conversations with a number of advocates in our local community. This week we speak to Hayley Dunne from Little Delish.
What is your name and role, and what is your passion in life?
My name is Hayley Dunne, and I am the Founder and Director of Little Delish. My passion in life is food. I think it has a very special way of bringing people together, and creating happiness for others. It's a way for us to share our stories, our culture and our experiences with others. Everything we do at Little Delish is meant to be shared, because we want people to sit down with their loved ones, be present and just enjoy the food and the time they are spending together.
Why do you do what you do?
Little Delish exists because there are girls in this world who miss out on an education simply because they were born a girl. I believe that we have the power to change that. When a girl is educated, she gets more than just knowledge - she gains confidence and self-worth. She is empowered, and she is given a purpose. That's why Little Delish donates 50% of profits to the Australian charity One Girl.
Are you a feminist and what does feminism mean to you?
Yes, I am a feminist, because I grew up believing that unless I was pretty enough, I wasn't good enough. It has been a long journey of learning to love myself, to believe in my abilities and my intellect and to silence the self-doubt. To me, feminism is all about empowerment. It's about supporting women so that they chase their wildest dreams, in spite of the societal pressure and stereotyping of what women "should" be.
What do you think is the most pressing social problem today (globally)?
The refugee crises worldwide have displaced millions, and governments are capitalising on fear and racism to avoid their responsibilities to protect these vulnerable people. I think it's appalling. Governments need to step up and take action to resettle these people, so that they can have safe, happy lives. Everyone deserves that.
If there was one resource you think everyone should view, what would it be?
For anyone who wants to be a change-maker, Chapter One by Daniel Flynn (Co-founder of Thankyou) is an absolute must-read. It was incredibly inspiring, real and full of practical advice for new start-ups. Make sure you check out Little Delish at the upcoming Women's Legal Service Autumn Rummage Sale!