Celebrated annually on 8 March, International Women’s Day exists to highlight the achievements of women across all aspects of life and advocate for gender equality on a global scale. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? Is it about celebration? Solidarity? Raising awareness?
For two local women, the annual day of recognition is all about empowerment.
Kristen Allen and Alison Hall will both be at Canberra Southern Cross Club in Woden this International Women’s Day in support of other women who have helped shape strong, vibrant communities throughout the nation’s capital.
General manager of marketing and communications at the club, Kristen, is keen to see local women enjoy a special dinner featuring locally sourced produce and share stories of empowerment with like-minded guests.
“We’re running this event because we feel very strongly about highlighting women not only in our club community but from across the Canberra business landscape,” she says.
“Our club wouldn’t be where it is today without the amazing women on our board, in our executive team, central office and venues. This is, in part, a celebration of their hard work as well.
“The dinner is for anyone who wants to come along – not just women. We’d love to see plenty of advocates join in.”
Canberra Southern Cross Club will hold the event in partnership with Share the Dignity, a women’s charity working to end period stigma and make period products accessible to everyone who menstruates.
Alongside year-round campaigns, Share the Dignity holds annual packing parties to stock gift bags for women in need around Christmas time. Photo: LeesLens Photography.
Alison is looking forward to representing Share the Dignity during an empowering panel discussion, where speakers will share their own stories and recognise the importance of gender equality.
She will be joined by Underground Spirits CEO Claudia Roughley, Canberra Women in Business president Mandy Hill, Such and Such restaurant manager Caitlin Baker, Alicia Payne MP and Fiona Carrick MLA.
“Empowerment to me means advocating for women as a whole and as individuals, in our homes, our communities and our political system,” Alison says.
“Women deserve autonomy over their own bodies and lifestyle. They also deserve the dignity to access period products when they need them the most, in a way as private and personal as they like.
“It’s Share the Dignity’s 10th anniversary this year. What better way to celebrate than to empower the voices of local women?”
Dinner guests can contribute by donating unopened period products such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear and incontinence aids.
Financial donations are also welcome, with all funds supporting women and girls facing period poverty.
“We are still ashamed to say the word ‘period’ in public. You still hide your tampon up your sleeve on the way to the bathroom,” Alison says.
“We want to break the stigma against period pride by providing equal access to products, as well as more education around what is a completely natural part of women’s lives.”
Canberra Southern Cross Club’s International Women’s Day Dinner will be held on Saturday, 8 March, from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, at 92 – 96 Corinna Street, Phillip. Secure your tickets at Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Find out how else you can support women experiencing period poverty at Share the Dignity.
Loading ...
