Surf Coast Shire has celebrated International Women’s Day with laughter, tears and good conversation.
Panellists Jules Haddock, Carly Enticott, Ebony Hickey and Iris Walshe-Howling joined MC Marsha Uppill and mayor Liz Pattison at the Torquay Senior Citizens Centre on March 8 for the event.
Mayor Pattison said the women spoke about their experience in arts, mental health and advocation, embodying this year’s official ‘Inspire Inclusion’ world theme.
“Being mayor on a council with five women, alongside an organisation with a female CEO, fills me with pride,” she said.
“It is wonderful to think that young girls can see women like us in leadership positions and know the path is there, hopefully with fewer hurdles by the time they’re older.
“The goal of gender equity is to work towards equality of rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for people of all genders.”
Mayor Pattison said the event was a chance for council to share its commitment to gender equality and thanked Corrina Eccles for opening the event with a Welcome to Country.
“Preventing violence against women and advancing gender equality is one of the pillars in our municipal public health and wellbeing plan,” she said.
“The aim of Gender and Equity Impact Assessments is to create better and fairer outcomes and ensure all people have equal access to opportunities and resources.
“Assessments determine how our policies, programs and services will meet the different needs of women, men and gender diverse people, and what impact they will have on gender inequality.”
