How are you celebrating International Women’s Day?
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Join HCH on 1st March to celebrate International Women’s Day, as part of our Women Leading Change program. Hear from diaspora women’s organisations and invited guests from the humanitarian sector, profiling the important work that women are doing in promoting peacebuilding, human rights and development. Events will be held in Melbourne and Sydney. The world celebrates International Women’s Day every year on 8th March and has done so for more than 100 years. It is an important day which focuses on the challenges and successes of women in economic, political and social spheres. This year the theme for the day is Inspiring Change. Women have specialised skills and insights to offer in the promotion of peace and human rights. This is recognised in United Nations Resolution 1325, which aims to increase women’s representation at all decision-making levels for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflict. Australia’s commitment to Resolution 1325 is underpinned by the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP). Coordinated by the Office for Women, NAP seeks to consolidate and build on the capacity of women to be active change agents in conflict prevention, management and resolution. Humanitarian Crisis Hub (HCH) understands that diaspora women are key stakeholders and agents for action in development and peacebuilding efforts in their countries of origin. Their contribution, however, is often disconnected from initiatives of Australian government and NGO programs. In an effort to close the gap and to facilitate more effective communication and collaboration, HCH launched the Women Leading Change Program (WLCP) in Melbourne in December 2012. This network has gone from strength to strength and another network has been launched in Sydney. The network meetings empower women to share experiences, acquire skills, and build networks in support of their work to promote the right to safety and dignity of women and their communities in their countries of origin. On 1st March HCH will hold two events to celebrate International Women’s Day in both Melbourne and Sydney. At each event there will be a number of fantastic speakers from diaspora communities. Melbourne event coordinator, Liana Nzabampema describes the event as “an opportunity for women from countries affected by conflicts to celebrate not only their own achievements but also their successful efforts in helping their peers back home to rise from their day-to-day struggles.” To celebrate, there will be entertainment from the Breathing Space women’s choir and the Iranian Women’s Choir; a collection of inspiring guest speakers as well as afternoon tea. Melbourne
Written by the Community Engagement Team |
