By Oscar Parry
Macedon Ranges is preparing to host a panel event for International Women’s Day (IWD) this week, with this year’s global theme focussing on accelerating action to achieve gender equality.
Macedon Ranges will host an event titled March Forward: Women in Action in the Macedon Ranges from 5.30pm–8pm on Thursday, March 6, at the Kyneton Town Hall.
Order of Australia member Stephanie Woollard will lead a panel discussion with a diverse range of speakers who have varied local volunteering experiences.
Ms Woollard is an author, social entrepreneur, UN award winner for responsible business, and founder and chief executive of Seven Women – a not-for-profit organisation that aims to empower marginalised women, children and communities in Nepal.
The event will include live music from a local musician, stories of volunteering and promoting change in the Macedon Ranges, and a discussion about how residents can promote meaningful progress to achieving gender equality through community participation.
Council’s community director Maria Weiss said the council looks forward to hearing the speakers’ empowering stories “as a platform to build on meaningful progress towards gender equality.”
Ms Weiss said that 30 years ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action made a “bold commitment to gender equality – a promise of a future where women and girls would have the same opportunities, rights, and freedoms as men.”
“Since then, we’ve seen remarkable progress. But as a mother of a teenage daughter, I can’t ignore the reality: we are still far from where we should be,” she said.
“Too many promises remain unfulfilled, and too many women continue to fight battles they should never have to face.”
She said that in previous IWD events, the council has welcomed “a range of inspirational women generously sharing their stories and contributions.”
“This year is no different – emceed by social entrepreneur and author Stephanie Woollard OAM, we’ve assembled a panel of women making a real difference in the Macedon Ranges.”
Entry to the event is free and a spot can be reserved on the council’s website.
Details: .mrsc.vic.gov.au/See-Do/Events-and-Awards/Whats-on-around-the-shire/March-Forward-Women-in-Action-in-the-Macedon-Ranges
