The reality is that we do not live in a predominantly feminist or 'gender equal' world, and many Australian women are experiencing workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, online abuse or worse, or common forms of casual, everyday sexism. They find themselves dismissed, talked over, ignored or facing backlash for doing the same thing their male colleagues are doing.

There is a real effort to bully women out of public spaces and offline with violent intimidation. That issue speaks not just to casual sexism, which is more common, but actual, violent hatred of women by some.

Above and beyond looking after your physical needs, it can be very helpful to think about what activities and hobbies make you smile. Make room for those things in your life, so you can look after your mental wellbeing and stay energized and for life's challenges.

We can't leave the internet to the bullies. You deserve to speak out and be heard just as much as the next man. Don't let bullies silence you. Support others, and make sure you look after yourself.

Our sex need not primarily define who we are, what we are capable of, or what we can be expected to enjoy or engage in.

If I can get a hike in on a regular basis I know I will feel better and I will be stronger. I set goals for myself - like learning to sew, learning to dance - things that are not work related. I find that play and craft with my family bring me a lot of joy, along with all things vintage.

In Speaking Out I do my best to answer those questions I was asked and more, and I provide strategies for how to speak out and keep on speaking out without burning out.