DOZENs of people proudly marched through Mount Gambier’s central business district this month to celebrate the contributions women make to our communities.
Purple flags waved and chants of support echoed during the main street procession, which formed part of International Women’s Day celebrations led by ac.care.
International Women’s Day is held on March 8 each year, with this year’s theme calling on people to march forward for all women and girls.
Members of the RSL Blue Lake Highland Pipe Band led the procession from Vansittart Park to the Mount Gambier Community Centre where the crowd heard from community leaders while a free barbecue lunch was served by OneFortyOne.
WATCH THE MARCH ARRIVE AT MOUNT GAMBIER COMMUNITY CENTRE
Speaking to the crowd of supporters, ac.care Mount Gambier Community Centre community programs coordinator Shauna Wood shared the history of International Women’s Day while calling for continued action in accelerating gender equality around the world.
Reflecting on the event, Shauna thanked the community for its strong show of support in the commitment towards gender equality.
“Everyone has a responsibility to ensure women and girls are given equal opportunity to build their capabilities and strengthen their capacity to learn, earn and lead,” she said.
“We are committed to providing opportunities for all country people to thrive and proud to be part of International Women’s Day, which is important to many of our staff and the people we work with.”
Guest speakers included South Australian Police Limestone Coast Superintendent Cheryl Brown, along with representatives from the Women’s Legal Service SA, ac.care Linker project officer Jennifer Doody, South Australian Voice to Parliament presiding member Danni Smith and Aboriginal Family Support Services representative Dawn Cardona.
Guests then enjoyed live music provided by Anne Fraser and Christy Wallace.
Learn more about International Women’s Day and how you can #AccelerateAction.
