UN Women National Committee Australia would like to extend a thank you to everyone who participated in our International Women’s Day celebrations in 2016.
In particular, a warm thank you must go to our speakers, especially Sister Lorraine Garasu and Mr Tura Lewai, for travelling from the Pacific to speak at our events.
For those of you who were fortunate to hear these powerful advocates speak at International Women’s day events, the message they shared was clear. Violence against women is not inevitable, nor is it an intractable problem.
Tura reminded us to honour and acknowledge the contribution of women who have created safe spaces and institutions. It is now for all of us to continue their work to see an end to violence. In Tura’s words ‘We are connected. If you’re not free, I’m not free’.
Sister Lorraine reminded us of the life changing power of education as a ‘ticket to freedom’ for women and girls everywhere. When women and girls have an education, they can better navigate relationships, are better equipped to leave violent situations and are able to provide for themselves and their families.
UN Women NC Australia is grateful to our speakers for sharing their wisdom and insight, to our partners, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Aurizon, PwC and Esprit for supporting these events.
We look forward to continuing to work with you all to ensure women around the world have choice, opportunity, and can live free from violence.
Happy International Women’s Day.
