International Women’s Day event a success

Published on 08 March 2023

Past achievements and future challenges were the dominant themes at a vibrant gathering to mark International Women’s Day in Beaufort today.

More than 50 people came together at the Beaufort Community Resource Centre for the event hosted by Pyrenees Shire Council.

In her opening address, Elizabeth Thurgood provided a reflection on the history of International Women’s Day and the strides towards equality that have been achieved since New Zealand became the first country to grant all women the right to vote in 1893.

Guest speakers at the event – local GP Dr Pushparani Ravindranayagam, Beaufort and Skipton hospital services CEO Meryn Pease, and Elena Tommasi from the University of the Third Age Ballarat – shared their personal experiences and discussed challenges faced by women in the community in 2023, particularly in the healthcare space.

“It’s fantastic to see so many locals coming together to mark this important day,” said Pyrenees Shire Director Corporate and Community Services Kathy Bramwell, who was MC at the event. “As well as celebrating the achievements of all women in our community, we need to acknowledge the gender equity issues and discrimination we still face. Days like this help us realize that we’re not alone in facing these challenges.”

Photo: Elena Tommasi from the University of the Third Age, Ballarat, speaks to the audience at the International Women's Day event in Beaufort