Building towards a gender equal world

WOMEN and their valuable contributions to society will be acknowledged at events across the shire this week for International Women’s Day (IWD).

The Surf Coast Shire council has partnered with Torquay Community House (TCH) for an event in council chambers tomorrow (Friday, March 6) from 4-5.30pm.

Wadawurrung traditional owner Corrina Eccles and Torquay Food Aid volunteer Lois Gill will speak at the event, with guests invited to bring a Woolworths gift card for women and children’s refuge in bushfire affected areas.

People can also support Torquay Food Aid by donating non-perishable food items.

On the same day from 1-3pm, members from the Women’s Sharing Shed Torquay will congregate at TCH to launch a series of workshops on financial awareness and independence titled “Women and Money”.

Shire mayor Rose Hodge said she welcomed the back-to-back scheduling of IWD events, each of which aligned with this year’s theme “Each for Equal”.

“International Women’s Day is an important annual celebration of women’s achievements and a day to come together to help accelerate women’s equality,” she said.

“It will be fabulous to hear from these exceptional women. I know they are looking forward to sharing insights on this year’s Each for Equal theme.

“As a council, we’re proud to be partnering with the invaluable Torquay Community House.”

Torquay Community House coordinator Laura Connor said the group was proud to be partner with council to deliver the event.

“With this year’s theme for IWD being #EachforEqual, Torquay Community House thought it was vital to make connections with as broad a demographic of women as possible within the shire, and invite them to hear about ways we can come together to help build a gender equal community, which is essential for us to thrive as a community,” she said.

“The two sessions in Torquay offer opportunities for a broad section of women within our community to get involved and still have time to head to the City of Greater Geelong event that evening for a full day of inspiration.”

For more information and to register for the council chambers event, head to torquaycommunityhouse.org.au. RSVPs close at noon on March 4.

For more information and to RSVP to the Torquay Community House event, head to torquaycommunityhouse.org.au.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme aims to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements in the hope of creating a gender equal world.