One of our Waalitj Hub Businesses, Erika Fernandez, a 23-year-old Yamatiji Naaguja artist, has been chosen to design this year’s Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies International Women’s Day poster.
Erika’s poster showcases her contemporary style filled with vibrant colours that represent the richness of her people and culture. Creating art has been a healing journey for Erika, helping her reconnect with her heritage, stay grounded, and open new opportunities and experiences.
The photo on the poster, taken by her brother, captures a powerful moment at Nambung National Park. In the image, Erika is passing sand to her daughter, symbolizing the sharing of strength, culture, and wisdom. This act represents the ongoing guidance from one generation to the next. The ochre on their faces signifies ancient wisdom passed down through generations, while their modern attire reflects the blend of cultural roots with today’s world. The clear sky above symbolises hope for a brighter future, where the next generation will shape the world with the knowledge and strength shared with them.
This moment is about more than Erika’s personal legacy—it’s a shared one, built on love, culture, and the continuous journey of teaching and learning, connecting the past, present, and future.
‘Equal status for women, equal future for all’ means that when women are given the same rights, opportunities, and recognition as men, society thrives. Progress can only happen when women are empowered and treated equally, whether at work, at home, or in society. Without equal status for women, the entire community is held back from reaching its full potential. By ensuring equal access to education, leadership, and healthcare for women, we can create a better future for everyone.
Equality for women is not just a moral issue; it’s essential for building a more balanced world for all people, regardless of gender. We must accelerate real action to achieve this!
The Waalitj Hub supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, like Erika, through in-house coaching and professional support, empowering communities and fostering growth. The Hub has been working with Erika for the past year and a half, and her first exhibition was at our 2024 Waalitj Art Exhibition. You can read more on this here.
You can find out more Erika’s artwork and get in touch with her on her Facebook here or Instagram here.
The Waalitj Hub supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people wanting to start, grow or sustain their businesses through a combination of in-house business coaching and access to professional support and is supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and Corporate partners. Find out more.
