Diverse events mark IWD on Bellarine

THE Bellarine Peninsula will mark International Women’s Day on March 8 with a wide range of events inspiring the community to “march forward” together for a gender equal future.

Set by the United Nations, this year’s theme has been chosen to commemorate 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, a global blueprint for realising gender equality that was adopted in 1995 by 189 countries and has been described as a “watershed moment” for women’s rights.

The City of Greater Geelong will kick off festivities across the region on March 5 with its annual Women in Community Life awards, which recognise local women for their contributions toward the creation of a more equitable community.

The ceremony will be held at Geelong Arts Centre from 5.30pm. For tickets, head to geelongaustralia.com.au

The presentation of the Monica Hayes Award will then take place on March 6, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm at Scotchmans Hill.

The annual award recognises women in the northern townships of the Bellarine making a difference in the community and inspiring others.

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On March 7, St Leonards Community Care will put on a morning tea at the St Leonards Memorial Hall from 10am, with about 100 people expected to attend.

The event will feature live music, door prizes and an appearance by Local 2 Community’s Bec Olver, with all proceeds donated to charity.

Entry is $5 and all are welcome. For more information, email [email protected]

Then, at its Drysdale site on March 11, Saint Ignatius College Geelong will host academic, human rights advocate and author Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert as guest speaker of its annual IWD celebrations.

Drinks and canapes will start at 5.30pm. Head to trybooking.com/events/landing/1334562