Twenty women in frontline and essential services are celebrated for their exceptional work, including during the COVID pandemic and are featured in a roving photography exhibition as part of International Women’s Day.
The Hobsons Bay women, who were nominated by their community and peers through the Hobsons Bay Inter-Agency Network, will also be recognised at the International Women’s Day Community Walk on Tuesday 8 March at 10am around Cherry Lake in Altona.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Peter Hemphill said women are highly represented at the frontline of our response to the pandemic and it was time to shine the spotlight on the significant contributions women made to the COVID response.
“Throughout the pandemic, these 20 incredible women have helped keep the community safe and connected, often in tough and challenging circumstances,” said Cr Hemphill.
“Through the photography exhibition, social media campaign and International Women’s Day walk, we want to recognise and celebrate the achievements of all women and outstanding contributions to our community.”
The International Women’s Day Walk features a performance from Wiradjuri woman and opera star Shauntai Batzke, guest speakers and creative workshops by artist Sofie Dieu. The family-friendly event is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.
The photography exhibition ‘COVID-19 women at the frontline – A spotlight on frontline and essential staff’ opens at the Altona Civic Centre foyer on Tuesday 8 March and will then travel throughout Hobsons Bay.
The exhibition features women who work or volunteer at a diverse range of community organisations including: Williamstown Community Education Centre, Newport Outlets, Volunteer West, Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, Latitude: Directions for Young People, St Vincent de Paul, Laverton Community Education Centre and the Vietnamese Association.
According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, nationally nearly four in five workers in health care and social assistance are women. This includes nurses, midwives, doctors, pharmacists, allied health, aged care, social workers, teachers, educators and community welfare workers.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women on Tuesday 8 March. The day also marks a call to #breakthebias and action for accelerating gender parity.
International Women’s Day Community Walk at Cherry Lake Altona
Tuesday 8 March
Meet at 10am at Fresno Street end near Cherry Lake
Walk commences at 10.30am
All welcome
The circuit around Cherry Lake is approximately 3.5kms, flat and well-marked
People can also walk part of the way and return.
For more information on the International Women’s Day walk or photography exhibition, call 9932 1001 or email commdev@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
