MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is choosing to challenge gender stereotypes by again supporting International Women’s Day on Monday 8 March – the Labour Day public holiday.
The global day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
This year’s UN theme is Women in Leadership which promotes women’s and girls’ achievements, women’s independence and decision-making and challenges gender stereotypes and roles.
Members of the community can join in online to raise awareness of gender equality on International Women’s Day.
This year, women are being asked to challenge. To make a pledge, visit the shire website and explain in 140 characters who or what you would choose to challenge to break down gender stereotypes.
The shire will also host an online event featuring four women from diverse backgrounds who share their stories and discuss gender equality and women in leadership. The pre-recorded discussion led by broadcaster, journalist, producer and author Tracee Hutchison will include insights from the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor and councillors. RPP FM will air the discussion from 2pm, Monday 8 March. The online event will go live at 7.30pm, Wednesday 10 March across the shire’s social media pages.
Panel members include:
Phoebe McShane, the shire’s 2021 Young Citizen of the Year, who, at 15, founded specialist basketball program Ausome Hoops for children with Autism. Phoebe was recognised by the Foundation for Young Australians and spoke to Senator Janet Rice on the need for more Autism-inclusive programs.
Taneisha Webster, 28, is an Aboriginal woman with an honours degree in psychology. She received the Ricci Marks award in 2016. She is executive officer of women’s business at Willum Warrain Aboriginal Gathering Place and has worked in child welfare and was a board member at Willum Warrain for five years.
Dr Linda Henderson, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash University, taught at Woodleigh School. She has a passion for creating positive change in education that helps children reach their potential. As an early years specialist, she focuses on leadership supporting women and children.
Basketballer Ketiah Fischer started playing aged four and, from seven, played for the Sandringham Sabres for 15 years. In 2000 she joined the first Indigenous Australian Basketball Association team, the Cairns Dolphins. In 2005 she won gold medals in the Australian Masters and Pan Pacific Games and is now junior development coach at Mornington Basketball.
“By amplifying the voices of women on International Women’s Day, we start to break the glass ceiling of gender inequality,” Cr O’Connor said. “The powerful and inspirational women on the panel strengthen our commitment to promoting gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and children as articulated in our Gender Equality Strategy 2020-30.
“I’m proud to be mayor in a majority female council, with a female deputy by my side, and hope this video for International Women’s Day can help create an inclusive world of positive, equal and respectful relationships. Let’s all choose to challenge.”
To make a pledge or to attend the online event, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/iwd
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 2 March 2021
