THE economic, social and cultural achievements of women were celebrated at Mount Gambier’s City Hall last Friday.
More than 110 people packed the venue to mark International Women’s Day with a breakfast hosted by Women in Business and Regional Development.
The annual event featured a live-stream to the sold out Adelaide International Women’s Day event, hosted by Senator Penny Wong and featuring guest speaker Jane Caro.
Acknowledgment from Senator Wong drew a raucous response from the Mount Gambier crowd, before shining a spotlight on the 125th year of universal suffrage, led by South Australian’s Mary Lee and Catherine Helen Spence.
“We were the first place in the world where women could both vote and stand for parliament,” she said.
“The demands for universal suffrage formed part of the marches that led to this day being celebrated.
“125 years later we are much further along the path to equality, but just as our great-grandmothers fought to the battle of suffrage, our daughters will continue to fight for equal representation in our parliaments.”
Senator Wong urged women to come together and work on issues relevant to all women.
“We may be equal in the eyes of the law, but we still have a 14pc gender pay gap,” she said.
“Women still retire with, on average, $113,000 less in superannuation than men.
“Women are still much more likely to experience violence or die at the hands of their partner.
“These issues affect women of all ages, all classes, all backgrounds and sexualities and that is why it is so important for those who have the capacity to deliver change to work together.”
Following Ms Wong’s speech, Ms Caro took to the stage and drew attention to the financial difficulties faced by women, including statistics indicating women over 50 were the fastest growing group experiencing homelessness.
She said women entering and leaving the workforce was a contributing factor to economic hardship later in life.
“The average age of retirement for women is 52,” she said.
“The pension does not kick in until 67.
“That’s a long time.
“Women retire on average with half the super of men and a third of women retire with no super at all.”
However, she said she was heartened by the move beyond traditional gender roles and encouraged men to change their behaviour both at work and at home.
Ms Caro said by doing so, the financial future of women would be bolstered, along with lower violence and more respect and greater equality.
Women in Business and Regional Development chair Cathy Lunnay said the group wanted to give members an opportunity to listen to high profile speakers while networking within their own community.
“It is important for Women in Business to provide this opportunity to be a part of something bigger that will have an impact locally and globally through a united voice,” she said.
Event host and board member Di Ind said the day provided an opportunity to both celebrate the achievements of women and acknowledge the work needed to be undertaken to ensure all women were equal.
Women in Business will make a donation to the UN Women National Committee Australia as part of the event.
