The Woman Who Paved the Way for Paid Maternity Leave Was Called Disruptive And Too Much

Enjoyed this and want to let us know? Drop us a text At 16, Avril Henry’s principal told her, “That’s the problem with girls like you. You don’t know your place.” She chose maths and economics anyway. Avril grew up in apartheid South Africa, was tear-gassed at protests, had her home raided by police, and left for Australia at 22 with two suitcases and $500. She went on to build the business case that brought paid maternity leave to Westpac in 1995, changing what working mothers in Australia could expect. Years later, her daughter rang to thank her. In this conversation, Danielle and Avril talk about the grandmother whose wisdom shaped her life, what it costs to be the person who challenges the status quo, and what to say the next time someone calls you difficult, disruptive or too much. **Thinking points** - Where are you fighting for everyone else’s fairness, but not your own? - What have you been told to be grateful for that’s actually keeping you small? **Chapters** - 00:00 Introduction - 03:30 Growing up in Kimberley, and Granny Pearl - 08:30 “You don’t know your place” - 12:00 University, activism and the 1976 riots - 21:00 Police raids and an illegal love - 25:00 Arriving in Australia - 28:00 Successful at work, silent at home - 40:00 Deciding to leave - 46:00 How paid maternity leave began at Westpac - 53:00 Being called “too much” - 56:00 The cost of challenging the status quo - 61:00 Closing thoughts **Resources** **Where to find Avril** - ⁠Not All Diamonds Are Worn⁠ by Avril Henry AM (Entourage Media), out now wherever you buy books - Avril Henry: ⁠avrilhenry.com ⁠ - Linkedin - ⁠Avril Henry⁠ **Where to find Danielle**  - Website: ⁠daniellecolley.com.au⁠ - Instagram: ⁠@iamdaniellecolley⁠