On Friday 8th March, we held the International Women’s Day Sundowner event in our Community Centre.
We had over 70 people join us for an evening of networking, sharing delicious food, and exploring this year’s theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate progress’, and how we can progress the inclusion of women from refugee like backgrounds.
Guests were engaged in great conversations on what actions we can take to make a positive change while creating new connections with each other. ASeTTS, along with our Board, are grateful for every one of the guests who joined us to not only celebrate women but refugee women.
A special thank you to our speakers Freda Ogilvie, who as always gave an amazing Welcome to Country even teaching us some Noongar words, the incredible Ayor Makur Chuot MLC for her inspirational opening address and for sharing her time with all the guests. Their contributions made the night even more special.
Throughout the evening guests could contribute ideas and thoughts on the question boards which asked:
- What does it mean to truly embrace diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and identity.
- What specific challenges refugee women face in transitioning to live in Australia and in sharing their unique skills and experience.
- What actions we can take to drive or inspire greater inclusion (of refugee women), and
- Who is a woman who inspires you and why.
There were also posters placed around for guests to read which described the origins of International Women’s Day and the history of Women’s Rights Movement in countries like Australia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Iran, and Afghanistan.
The formal proceedings ended with a performance by Parmida, a young talented Iranian instrumentalist, who played a Middle Eastern frame drum musical instrument called a ‘daf’.
Once again, we would like to thank all the guests who made this event possible and the Board of ASeTTS for facilitating this event. Your support made this night a great success.
Together, we can continue to make progress and ensure that women from refugee backgrounds can thrive and succeed.
Photos by Rebecca Mansell
