FORMER local Abbie Kelly has been recognised in the ultimate shout-out to the unsung builders of the world — girls.
It’s a global initiative that aims to surprise the world and rally girls everywhere by defying expectations and show they can also be great builders.
She Built That developed from this premise, and with that the LEGO Group is championing girls’ creativity, bringing together three of the coolest, most inspiring Aussie girls, who are building amazing things in their communities.
Fourteen-year-old Abbie, who lived and went to school in Broken Hill, was the founder of the Rainbow Shoelace Project.
Abbie is a young author and advocate for the LGBTIQ+ community, her story is a testament to the power of leadership, empathy, and resilience. She is also a 7News Young Achiever Award winner.
“Being asked to be part of the She Built That campaign means so much to me especially because the values of the LEGO Group align so strongly with what I believe in – kindness, bravery and creativity,” Abbie said.
“Being able to connect with other girls my age who are doing amazing things was such a great opportunity.
“Being chosen for this campaign has been my highlight of the year and it has been such a fun experience.
“I’m really passionate about encouraging girls to be themselves and to be kind, and that makes up part of what this campaign is about.”
Abbie said spreading awareness was the goal for her Rainbow Shoelace Project which saw people decorate their shoes with rainbow-coloured beads, whether to show their support for the LGBTIQ+ community or because they are part of that community.
“Running the Rainbow Shoelace Project means that there’s always a new project to be a part of, whether it’s speaking for businesses or going to pride events, we are quite busy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Abbie said.
“Being able to spread awareness to everyone has been my goal from the very beginning and being able to make that a reality is so incredible.
“I had a children’s picture book published earlier this year, so I’ve been doing some book readings for kids which has been lots of fun.”
The book is available from the Broken Hill Book Shop locally.
Abbie is now living in Port Macquarie; she said the response to her project in Broken Hill has received varied responses.
“The overall response worldwide has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said.
“I often get messages from people who have been positively impacted by the project.
“I am very lucky that so many people believe in the message of the Rainbow Shoelace Project.
“I love the simplicity of the idea of the Rainbow Shoelace Project, that is, you normally see rainbows when you are looking up at the sky, however when you are experiencing homophobia and bullying you tend to stare at the ground trying to hide yourself from the world, by looking down and seeing rainbow beads on either your shoes or another person’s shoes it can remind you to look up and be who you are.”
Abbie hopes that her project and projects like She Built That can inspire many.
“I am hoping that initiatives like She Built That will help inspire young people to be confident in who they are,” she said.
“Young people have so much potential and it is often suppressed by others.
“I want to change the narrative and inspire them to make a change no matter how big or small.
“No matter your age, where you are from or who you are, you can always make a difference.”
The campaign comes at a time when society’s view of builders is still heavily influenced by gender stereotypes.
Despite progress, new global research commissioned by the LEGO Group reveals that when children hear the word “builder” – ‘a man on a construction site’ (39 per cent) and a ‘boy playing with building blocks’ (36 per cent) top the list.
