The song that changed my world

When I was in grammar school many years ago, we didn't have school uniforms - but the girls had to wear skirts every day. The boys could wear anything they wanted! For sports, the boys played and ran around, but the girls had to sit and watch. Of course, we couldn't join them - we had skirts on.

Also, the boys took woodworking classes. They made boats and planes and cars and fun stuff. The girls had to take baking and sewing, so we could grow up to be perfect housewives.

Then one year a song by the Australian pop singer Helen Reddy came on the radio, over and over and over. "I Am Woman" was a happy tune that told women and girls that we are strong and can do anything we want.

For about two years, Helen's voice on my clock radio would often wake me up for school:

I am woman, hear me roar
in numbers too big to ignore...
If I have to I can do anything
I am strong, I am invincible...

The song inspired me. It made me think and gave me strength. So one day I went to school in trousers. I was told to go home but I didn't. The next day and the day after that I wore them too, and then the other girls started wearing trousers too.

I went to woodworking class and the teacher told me to leave. "It's not for girls," he said. I asked why and would not leave. Finally, I was allowed to take the class. Later, other girls followed.

It may have been a small revolution, but I did affect change at my school, even though I was only a kid. Helen's message helped me to change my world, and other women and girls to change theirs, in ways big and small. Thank you Helen. It was a long time ago, but your inspiration has not been forgotten!