NURTURE is a word synonymous with women. However, one Novocastrian has decided to harness its essence collectively.
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After a trip to help film a documentary on human trafficking of women and children in Nepal, Melissa Histon-Browning returned home with a sense of guilt and helplessness.
"I came back to a very good life, country, social system and town," Mrs Histon-Browning said.
"How can I ignore women less fortunate, what can I do?"
Through her work as a photographer and previous writing experience, Mrs Histon-Browning knew she could share women's stories and spread awareness.
After some soul searching, The Sista Code was born - a platform for women to uplift, support, inspire and share the love with other women, locally and internationally.
The code can be accessed through a website, social media and events.
As Mrs Histon-Browning started to collect stories about different women's lives, she also created a Facebook page.
Within eight weeks it attracted 2677 followers from around the world, mainly Australians and Americans, and each day it grows by 60 to 70.
"People want to be inspired, make a difference and be reminded that they are amazing," she said.
Mrs Histon-Browning will officially launch the website tomorrow, Thursday, July 24, on the same day as the inaugural event - The Sista Code Supper Club - in support of local refuge Jenny's Place.
She decided to launch the club on White Ribbon Day, which is dedicated to stopping violence against women and supporting local women through the refuge.
"When women and their children arrive at Jenny's Place after fleeing domestic violence, they often have nothing but the clothes on their back.
"They may literally have nothing else."
Mrs Histon-Browning thought it would be a good idea for the supper clubbers to bring along quality second-hand clothes for children and women and an overnight bag or suitcase.
"These donations will help other women to clothe themselves and their children - to begin again," she said.
Also at the supper will be a discussion led by Belinda Smith of UN Women Hunter Chapter about how to make a difference locally and a Q&A with domestic violence survivor and author Helen Cummings, who wrote Blood Vows.
■ The Sista Code Supper Club to support Jenny's Place, Thursday, July 24, Room to Connect, 4 Crown Street, Newcastle, 7pm to 9.30pm, $40 each including finger food, drinks and a donation to Jenny's Place.
Tickets at trybooking.com/94283.
For more information email info@thesista.com or facebook.com/thesistacode.