WOMEN of the west came together in Footscray on Friday to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Talented young female singers and dance groups performed at Phoenix Youth Centre to an appreciative audience as Maribyrnong Council also used the occasion to announce Cr Sarah Carter as its inaugural gender equity ambassador.
Appointment of the ambassador is a new initiative which commits the council to ensure that the pursuit for gender equity remains high on the agenda within the council and the community.
A new ambassador will be appointed every year.
“I am incredibly proud to be council’s first gender equity ambassador and I’m confident that this initiative will ensure that gender equity remains a priority now and into the future,” Cr Carter said.
Organisations used the spotlight of International Women’s Day to call for an end to violence against women and children.
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service (WDVCS) CEO Annette Gillespie said that of the 150 female homicides in Victoria from 2009 to 2012, 103 were killed by a current or former male partner.
“Every Victorian woman and girl has the right to reach their full potential with dignity, without constraint and in complete safety,” she said.
“True social progress will be measured when all women in homes and on the streets in Victoria live without fear and abuse.”
Victims of domestic violence can access support by calling the WDVCS 24/7 crisis line number on 1800 015 188.
