A celebration of Women Past Present Future
History of International Women’s DayInternational Women’s Day originated from a public demonstration by women members of the International Garment Worker’s’ Union in New York in 1908, who were demanding changes to their intolerable working conditions.
In Sydney, IWD was first celebrated in 1928 at a rally that called for equal pay for equal work, an eight hour day for shop workers, no piece-work, a based wage for the unemployed and paid annual holidays. Rallies and marches have been held throughout Australia every year since. Some of the major issues on which women continue to campaign include workplace reform, international human rights, poverty, childcare and violence against women.
Green, white and violet were the colours used in 1908 by the women who fought for votes for women in England and have been used ever since.
In Australia in 1902 following Federation the Commonwealth Franchise Act gave women the right to vote and to stand for Federal Parliament. Through the work of the Womanhood Suffrage League, women gained suffrage and began the first significant steps toward equality between men and women. Aboriginal women achieved the right to vote in 1967.
IWD stands for equality between women and men. It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women’s rights
Celebrations for the Shoalhaven
March 2008
Selected highlightsWOMEN’S BUSHWALK/ PICNICSunday 2 March 2008 10.00am – 1pm
Come along for some fun, exercise and socialising. We will meet at the Currarong shop at 10am and do the “Abraham’s Bosom” walk. Bring your own lunch and drinks
Venue: Abraham’s Bosom walk Currarong.
Cost: Free
Contact: Melissa Hedger 0423 606 100
Y QUEST LAUNCHMonday 3 March 2008 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Launching Y Quest 2008. Y Quest is a leadership program for young women aged 15 – 25 and this year’s entrants in the program will have an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community
Venue: To be advised
Cost: No cost
Contact:YWCA NSW 4423 8501
IWD MORNING TEA AND AWARD PRESENTATIONFriday 7 March 2008 10.00 am – 12.00 noon
Morning tea, entertainment and awards to local women in recognition of their services to the community
Venue: Ulladulla & Districts Community Resource Centre, 78 St Vincents Street Ulladulla
Cost: Free
Contact: Maria Peters 4454 0477
MEROOGAL WOMEN’S ART PRIZE EXHIBITIONSaturday 8 March 2008 1.00pm
Official opening of the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize. Exhibition open 8 March – 25 May 2008
Venue: Wollongong City Gallery
Cost: Free
Contact Wollongong City Gallery 02 4228 7500
WOMEN’S PERFORMANCE NIGHTSaturday 8 March 2008 7.00pm until late
This women only event is loads of fun and an excellent opportunity for women to perform for the first time. Meals will be available to purchase, come at 6pm to eat and mingle and BYO drinks. Performances start at 7.30pm
If you wish to sing, dance, read poetry, fire twirl or entertain in any way ring Sandra
Venue: Tomerong Hall, Tomerong
Cost: $10.00 or $5.00 concession. Pay at door
Contact: Sandra on 4421 8150
WELL WOMEN HEALTH AND WELLBEING EXPOThursday 13 March 2008 11.00am – 6.00pm
Join us and participate in a variety of experiential workshops including relaxation, light exercise, resilience and singing. Visit a number of stalls promoting a range of available health and wellness services and businesses available in the Shoalhaven.
Venue: Wesley Hall. Opposite old Post Office building, Nowra
Cost: Gold coin donation
Contact: Judith Reardon 4423 8501
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY DANCE Saturday 15 March 2008 7.30pm – 11.30pm
Groove the night away with DJ Kung.
Lucky door prizes. Bring Supper to share.
Venue: School of Arts Annex
Cost: $10.00 or $5.00 concession. Pay at door.
Contact: Marg 4422 0103 Women only event
Proudly supported by:
Meroogal
Office for Women NSW Premier’s Department
Older Women’s Network (OWN) Shoalhaven Branch
Shoalhaven City Council
Shoalhaven International Women’s Day Committee
Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre
Shoalhaven Women’s Resource Group
Shoalhaven Youth Centre
South Coast Register
Unions Shoalhaven
University of Wollongong – Shoalhaven Campus
YWCA NSW
