Gippsland encouraged to break the bias this International Women’s Day

Published on 09 February 2022

Writer, singer and comedian Em Rusciano, will hit the stage in Warragul for International Women’s Day next month as Baw Baw Shire Council and Women in Gippsland again team up to deliver a night of networking, fun and inspiration.

International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while calling for gender equity and an end to gender-based discrimination and violence.

After another year of challenge that has hit women particularly hard, this year’s evening event at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Tuesday 8 March will focus on celebration and reconnection.

Rusciano, a self-described neurodivergent maximalist power queen and the love child of Freddie Mercury and Judy Garland, will bring her flamboyant high energy to the night and share her personal story of building success and treading your own path.

Rusciano is a best-selling author, comedian, singer and award winning podcaster. She was also the runner up on The Masked Singer in 2021 and a finalist in the first series of Australian Idol.

Anyone and everyone are encouraged to attend this event and help #breakthebias as we actively work together to improve gender equality.

The event will begin in the West Gippsland Art Centre forecourt from 5pm, with music, food and fun before moving to the theatre for the main event from 7pm.

Tickets are $30 for general admission and $15 for under 18s and concession cardholders. All proceeds go to not-for-profit Women in Gippsland to continue its event and advocacy work.

Since partnering to deliver the event in 2020, Baw Baw Shire Council and Women in Gippsland have celebrated the achievements of women with sold-out crowds and speakers including Jamila Rizvi and Sarah Davidson.

To purchase tickets for this year’s event, head to the West Gippsland Arts Centre website at www.wgac.com.au or phone 5624 2456.

This is a COVID safe event.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Michael Leaney:

"I believe in, and advocate for, an equitable and inclusive future for all Baw Baw Shire residents, free from gender bias, stereotypes and discrimination. Everyone has a role to play in achieving this. 

“Come along and enjoy this fun-filled event while challenging yourself to break the cycle of discrimination.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor Annemarie McCabe: 

“International Women’s Day celebrates and elevates women while highlighting the work still to be done to end gender inequality.

Australia’s full-time gender pay gap currently sits at 14.2 per cent, and one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by a man they know. On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner in Australia.

These statistics are damning and demonstrate the structural and societal shift required to achieve gender equity.”

Quotes attributable to Cr Jazmin Tauru: 

“I am so excited that Baw Baw Shire Council has once again partnered with Women in Gippsland to deliver this International Women’s Day event, which is always a highlight in my calendar. It’s been a tough two years for many - this night promises a night of networking, inspiration and high-energy fun.”

Quotes attributable to Cr Tricia Jones:

“While great strides have been made towards gender equality, there is still so much work to be done. Join us to strengthen positive, respectful relationships, challenge gender stereotypes and roles and celebrate the strength of women and girls.”

Quote attributable to Women in Gippsland co-founder Kerry Wilson

“It has been a rough two years for women across Gippsland, which is why this year our International Women’s Day event is focussed on celebration and fun.

We’re bringing our community together for a night of joy, laughter, connection, networking, and a healthy dose of inspiration.

Grab your mates, book your tickets, and join us for a hilarious night out. You deserve it.”