A treasured item in many homes, biscuit tins are an iconic, cross-cultural symbol of the valuable roles older women play in our community.
Some older Victorian women share their recipes, stories of achievement and, of course, biscuit tins as part of Celebrate Ageing’s program.
This series highlights the contributions older women make as nurturers and carers, and asks us to value these roles, alongside their many other achievements.
We all have a part to play in ensuring older women count in our families, our communities, and our society every day of the year.
Recipes and respect
Hear from some of these incredible women and try out their delicious recipes.
Looking for more inspiration or want to read Dilnaz, Kath and Yvonne’s full stories? Head to the Whitehorse City or Elder Rights websites to learn more and find more recipes from inspiring older women.
Dilnaz
Recipe – lemon orange jaggery cake
Dilnaz keeps a cake in her biscuit tin. Just like her, it’s a bit of sweet, spice and everything nice. This heart-warming recipe is something she learnt later in life, and she enjoys baking it for her children and neighbours. Check out the recipe for Dilnaz’s lemon orange jaggery cake.
How is respect shown to you?
‘My family shows respect for me by encouraging me to do things. If I see a new opportunity and I ask my children about it, they always say ‘go for it’. This gives me motivation and boosts my morale. As older women we must be careful to value ourselves so that people value us as well. Some older women I know think ageing is a sliding slope of loss – they don’t have confidence in themselves. We cannot lose ourselves. We need to continue to engage with the world,’ Dilnaz says.
Kath
Recipe – gingernut biscuits (Scottish)
This biscuit recipe originally came from Kath’s Scottish grandmother, who in 1891 travelled from Lorne to Geelong in a horse and buggy to sign the Women’s Suffrage Petition for women to vote. Check out the recipe for Kath’s gingernut biscuits.
How is respect shown to you?
‘People show respect for me by the fact that they communicate with me, they listen to me, they show consideration and are thoughtful. Respect, responsibility and rights are interwoven. I think respect is earned at all stages of life and if you respect others, they will come to respect you,’ Kath says.
Yvonne
Recipe – Nankhatai (Indian shortbread biscuits)
Growing up, Yvonne made Nankhatai biscuits at Christmas with her family and children in her building to share with friends. Nan is derived from the Persian word meaning bread and khatai meaning biscuit. Check out the recipe for Yvonne’s Nankhatai (Indian shortbread biscuits).
How is respect shown to you?
‘My children have always been very respectful, loving and supportive of me and of each other. Recently I had an operation. During my hospitalisation they ensured that I was never alone even though they all work long hours and have young families. Since my return home, they are still providing me with meals or taking me out for meals and helping in several other ways,’ Yvonne says.
About the program
Launched in 2024 by Celebrate Ageing and the Older Women’s Network NSW, the Biscuit Tin program raises awareness of the inequalities experienced by many older women due to ageism and sexism.
The program is part of the annual Older Women Count , which takes place in the lead up to International Women’s Day.
More information
Learn more about #TheBiscuitTin program on the Celebrate Ageing or on the Elder Rights Advocacy .
Reviewed 07 April 2025