By Matthew Sims
Maribyrnong council is highlighting innovations towards a gender-equal future as part of this year’s International Women’s Day (Wednesday, March 8) events.
Events will begin with ‘Amplify: Women’s Voices West’, which will promote poetry, prose and music from western Melbourne women on Monday, March 6 from 7pm to 9pm at the Bluestone Church Arts Space.
The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Victoria University and Maribyrnong City Council are presenting a panel discussion ‘The Power of Embracing Equity’ from 10am to noon at Footscray Community Arts, with Melbourne Victory Football Club Afghan women’s team striker Manozh Noori, Victoria University Institute for Health and Sport Women in Sport Research Team Research Fellow Dr Kara Dadswell, Western Bulldogs AFLW senior coach Nathan Burke and Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter as panel members.
Other events will include a Country Women’s Association morning tea from 10am to noon at the Maidstone Community Centre, a business luncheon at Medway Golf Club from noon to 4pm and a live knitting circle with artist Kate Just and curator and writer Sophia Cai from 6pm to 7.30pm at Footscray Library.
Cr Carter said all women in Maribyrnong should strive for innovation in all that they do.
“Innovation is a key driver of disruption and change and is critical in achieving a gender equal future,” she said.
“Equality will only be achieved with bold transformative ideas, inclusive innovation and lasting solutions.”
“International Women’s Day is the perfect catalyst to bring together leaders and change-makers, and I for one, am proud to be celebrating and connecting women who are redefining innovation in a series of events here in Maribyrnong.”
Cr Carter said all residents and community members can play a role in advocating for a gender-equal future.
“At a local level we can, as a community, speak up when we have ideas that go against the grain and not be afraid of rejection,” she said.
Details: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Community/Community-and-Cultural-celebrations/International-Womens-Day
