WEARING purple ribbons with pride, women of all ages and backgrounds last week gathered at City Hall to celebrate females across the world for International Women’s Day.
Organised by Women in Business and Regional Development and Soroptimist International Mount Gambier, the event gave women a chance to empower each other and take a stand on gender equality.
Live streaming the major Adelaide International Women’s Day breakfast, attendees listened to powerful speeches from Senator Penny Wong and AFL general manager of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch.
Encouraging women to support each other, Ms Wong said women have to work together in order to create better futures for younger generations.
“Women have to continue to help women, that has to be the core target of the equality movement and International Women’s Day has to remain a powerful reminder that we have to work to empower each other if we are to establish gender equality as the norm rather than simply an aspiration,” she said.
“We have to stop behaving as if gender equality is simply a women’s issue, we have to engage the agency of men not just because they retain so much power to stop or effect change, but frankly because they will also be the beneficiary if we have greater equality.”
Speaking about the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day – press for progress – Ms Hosch said it is a reminder that progress does not just come about by itself.
“If we are to press for progress and achieve it, another challenge rests with us as women in denying the temptation to put other women down,” she said.
“Like many of you I have had my share of arrows sent my way, sometimes they come from other women and it does not feel especially shocking when that occurs.
“But I have also felt the relief, joy, support and encouragement of other women, even those who once slung arrows.
“In my experience when that moment occurs it is transformative.
“Feminism has challenged me to think about how I can be a better team player in a collective in whichever role I can contribute to because working together creates our best chance of achieving the most progress.”
Representing Soroptimist International South Australia as the newly appointed president, Mount Gambier resident Christine Plunkett took the opportunity to speak with locals about hidden homelessness in the community, particularly among older women.
Shining a spotlight of those who are living on the streets, in cars, or those seeking shelter with family and friends, Ms Plunkett said there are far too many people – including older women – who are going unnoticed because they do not report to homelessness services.
“The increase in homelessness for older women is directly associated with a lack of equity both now and in the past, together with a worldwide problem of affordable housing supply,” she said.
“Women are finding themselves homeless for the first time in their lives at ages beyond 55 and Soroptimist International South Australia clubs are currently deepening their awareness of the issues, the causes and possible solutions.
“I encourage people to become aware of the homelessness issues and to make your mark when the time comes and vote for gender equity in housing.”
Ending the breakfast with an inspiring and motivating message, Ms Hosch directed her final comments at the younger women in the crowd.
“I want to talk to you as you make your feminist way in the world,” she said.
“Be kind, not just to others but to yourself, worry about what is on the inside, who you are is what is important not what you look like or what you wear.
“It took me such a long time to start feeling comfortable in my own skin and it is my hope for you that you reach that point much quicker than I have.
“Pick great friends, especially great female friends and quality over quantity.
“True friends will be your rock in hard times, they will be your comfort.
“And finally be courageous because you are stronger than you know.”
