Punching through the bias

TUESDAY around the world marked International Women’s Day commemorating the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women.

A Paralympian, pro fighter, apprentice electrician and a pair of environmental pioneers right here on the Surf Coast helped spread the message this International Women’s Day on how the Surf Coast community can help #BreakTheBias through a newly released shire video.

Amongst the five was professional fighter and co-owner of Torquay’s Bones MMA Lani Williams, who is a big fan of this year’s message.

“I particularly like this year’s theme of ‘Breaking The Bias’,” Ms Williams said.

“I think it is so relevant to what I do as a professional fighter, as it is a male-dominated industry.

“So, it is sort of cool we have a focus that girls are not ‘sugar and spice, and all things nice’, we can get dirty and train with guys, things like gender don’t have to come into it and we don’t need to play to that stereotype.”

Proud advocate for the day, Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton, said it’s a great opportunity for people to celebrate women amongst the Surf Coast community.

“These women, like Lani, in our community are showing young girls all sorts of things they can aspire to do in their lives,” mayor Stapleton said.

“It is also really important to keep the conversations going to the point where words like ‘respect’ and ‘safety’ don’t need to be talked about in another 10 years.”

To view the shire’s newly released video related to International Women’s Day featuring Ms Williams, head to the website.