Settlement Services International (SSI) hosted an event on Friday in Parramatta in the lead-up to IWD.
It brought together nearly 200 women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, community leaders and representatives from the corporate world, including Federal Minister for Women, Senator Marise Payne and Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator Michaelia Cash, to help improve understanding of the strengths of women from diverse backgrounds in work.
With the theme #EachforEqual, IWD 2020 sees the call to keep championing women in tech, sport, work, as entrepreneurs and as creatives, to help forge a gender equal world.
Minister Payne said the economy as a whole, and women themselves, were better off with greater female participation.
“There are significant social, health and wellbeing benefits for women when they work,” she said.
Minister Cash said migrant women faced particular challenges when it came to economic participation.
“Australia’s success as a multicultural and inclusive nation depends on the economic participation and contribution of migrants,” she said.
“That’s why the Government has a strong focus on ensuring we provide the support services to facilitate English language proficiency, employment and education when providing settlement assistance to migrants and humanitarian entrants to Australia.”
SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said IWD was about celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness against bias, and taking action for equality.
“Gender equity is not just a women’s issue, it’s an issue for everyone,” she said. “We know that when women do well, their families, businesses and whole communities prosper.
“In order to drive change on a larger scale, we need to ensure the voices of women from CALD backgrounds are front and centre. Let’s be #EachforEqual.”
ARE you responsible for running an IWD activity?
Need help making your job easier?
“IWD in a Box” is a great way to save time and hassle figuring out what to do and what you need. The IWD resources instantly create an engaging and professional atmosphere.
Whether you’re a company, government, charity, hospital, library, retail outlet, professional network, community group, university or school – IWD Event Packs instantly provide exciting and professional resources for IWD marketing and events.
Order a pack at internationalwomensday.com/Resources.
