Jurida ‘Juri’ Pali is a Speech Pathologist with Lutheran Care’s Elcies allied health service, helping people of all ages unlock their communication potential and live their possibilities. Juri is multilingual, having lived in many countries, which has led to her passion for inclusion, and supporting and building strong relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds. As well as through her work, Juri aims to make a positive impact on the world through art and philanthropy.
The United Nations’ theme for International Women’s Day is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” What does this mean to you?
This day is a day that amplifies our voices advocating for change and equality. There is no empowerment without rights, and there are no rights without gender equality. Empowering working mothers requires fostering gender-inclusive workplaces, with equal career advancement opportunities, by promoting gender and role equity. Rather than framing motherhood and career as mutually exclusive, we must acknowledge them as intertwined.
Tell us a little about what you do in your role and why you do it.
I am a Speech Pathologist, working with people across the lifespan. I love and find immensely gratifying and profusely enriching working with my clients and their families. It is highly fulfilling to help them overcome challenges around communication, social skills, and swallowing and feeding, and improve their quality of life, whilst also improving their social participation in the community.
Which woman inspires/inspired you and why?
This is not easy to answer as there are so many women that inspire me in many different ways; from women in my own family, women I have surrounded myself with, women in my workplace, to women across the world and centuries who changed the world of science, medicine, literature, art, politics etc., and the brave women who challenged gender roles by excelling in them, and those who advocated for human rights and children’s causes, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.
One name I would like to mention today is Jane Goodall. I admire her for her profound compassion towards the animals and for her advocacy for the animals and the environment.
What’s the most important advice you ever got from a woman in your life?
From my grandmother:
“To be kind, compassionate and always give 100% at whatever you do”. It is through compassion and giving 100% to whatever I do that has connected me best with people and has enabled me to fully unlock my clients’ and their families’ potential.
What are your hopes for young women today?
Inclusion. An inclusive world where every girl can learn, lead and innovate in a safe environment. It is with a great hope that I see us move closer to a world where gender parity is a reality.