Ash Bolt
A Paralympian, pro fighter, apprentice electrician and a pair of environmental pioneers will spread the message this International Women’s Day on how the Surf Coast community can help #BreakTheBias.
Surf Coast Shire Council will celebrate International Women’s Day on next Tuesday, March 8, with the launch of a short film highlighting the journey of five local women.
The film will feature former Paralympic swimmer and intuitive healer Elle Steele, Muay Thai coach and pro fighter Lani Williams, apprentice electrician Neila Niveen, long-time Anglesea Community Garden convenor Winsome Coutts and fellow environmental activist, Surf Coast Youth 4 Climate member Harper Bolton.
“By sharing their stories, these five women are supporting the goal of a gender equal world,” Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said.
“This year’s theme #BreakTheBias asks us to call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping whenever we see it. The theme aligns with one of our council health and wellbeing goals – to promote gender equity. We hope this video is going to spark important conversations and create change.”
The short film will be launched on International Women’s Day on Council’s website and social media.
It will also be screened at community house-run events in Anglesea, Torquay and Winchelsea, and at Lorne Country Club’s Get Into Golf Day.
“We’re delighted to support three of the local community houses hosting International Women’s Day events,” Cr Stapleton said.
“I have no doubt guests will be impressed by the calibre of women in the short film and how they are breaking the bias for girls and women of all abilities.
Cr Stapleton said International Women’s Day was particularly important for the Surf Coast Shire Council, which included five women complemented by the organisation’s chief executive Robyn Seymour.
“It’s important that females in leadership roles are visible to young girls and women,” she said.
“We know we’ve come a long way when it comes to gender parity but at the same time, there’s still a lot of work to be done to remove some of the hurdles females face on the path to become a leader.”
