Baw Baw Shire Council and Women in Gippsland partner for IWD

Published on 10 February 2020

Baw Baw Shire Council and Women in Gippsland have this year joined forces to celebrate and recognise the stories of women with a dynamic International Women’s Day event.

Keynote speaker Jamila Rizvi – author, political and social commentator and named one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review – will headline the event, supported by stories from inspiring local women, on Thursday 12 March at the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

The theme for International Women’s Day in 2020 is Each for Equal, encouraging all women and men to actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, improve gender equity and celebrate women’s achievements.

Tickets are just $14 in recognition of Australia’s national gender pay gap of 14 per cent.

Proceeds from the event will be divided equally between Women in Gippsland, to activate more local events, and Our Watch Our Issue, an organisation that aims to tackle the issue of family violence.

For the year ending September 2019 there were 802 family incidents reported in Baw Baw Shire.

When comparing reported incident rates per 100,000 population, family violence in Baw Baw and neighbouring Gippsland LGAs Bass Coast and Latrobe is more prevalent than many Melbourne regions including Cardinia, Casey, and Greater Dandenong.

International Women’s Day will be held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Thursday 12 March from 7pm-9pm, with doors opening earlier for networking.

Book now via the West Gippsland Arts Centre website.

Shared platters will also be available for pre-purchase from Albert and Smith.

“I am delighted that Council is partnering with Women in Gippsland this year to bring a showcase International Women’s Day event to Baw Baw Shire.

“This year’s theme, Each for Equal, resonates with what we strive for at Baw Baw Shire Council. As an equal opportunity employer and an advocate for gender equity, we don’t just talk the talk - our newly adopted EBA reflects our commitment with the introduction of family violence leave and improved parental leave provisions for both primary and secondary carers.”

“Equality is an issue for everyone. I encourage both women and men to come along to this event to celebrate the achievements so far and acknowledge what is still to be done to achieve gender equity.

“This event is a great opportunity to be inspired, network, and walk away with practical tools, and with 50 per cent of proceeds going to Our Watch Our Issue, it also supports a great cause.

"Women in Gippsland’s core pillars are empower, connect, laugh and grow, and we are thrilled to be partnering with Baw Baw Shire to bring an event to Warragul that delivers on all four.

"Gender equality benefits everyone, which is why we’re so passionate about exploring this year’s theme, Each for Equal with our local community.

"Our aim is to see all 700 seats in the arts centre filled with passionate Gippslandians – men and women – keen to learn and make a difference.

"It’s going to be an inspiring night not to be missed."