MOUNT Gambier charity ac.care will lead International Women’s Day celebrations with a main street procession, guest speakers and activities on March 7.
International Women’s Day is held on March 8 each year, with Mount Gambier’s event to be held a day early on the Friday as part of activities taking place across the globe.
The annual day is celebrated as an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to gender equality and celebrate the contributions women make to our communities.
Event coordinator ac.care Mount Gambier Community Centre community programs coordinator Shauna Wood said the event also marked a call to action for accelerating gender equality to create a world where women and girls everywhere have equal rights and opportunities.
“It is important to me to participate in the International Women’s Day event because this is a time where we publicly come together to celebrate women’s achievements and how far women have progressed in their fight for equality and fairness,” she said.
“It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination and unequal access to opportunities.”
The event will begin with a colourful footpath-based street march from Vansittart Park Gardens to ac.care’s Mount Gambier Community Centre at 22/24 Ferrers St, led my members of the Mount Gambier RSL Blue Lake Highland Pipe Band.
Participants in the march are asked to begin gathering from 9.30am at the Vansittart Park rotunda ahead of the 10am procession.
Activities will then begin at the centre after 10.30am, including guest speakers, live music featuring Anne Fraser and Christy Wallace, along with a free community barbecue.
“Anyone is welcome to join any part of the day, including the street procession and activities at the community centre,” Ms Wood said.
“We are encouraging people to wear purple to represent solidarity in seeking equality for all women and particularly encourage members of our rainbow community and our region’s diverse cultures to participate.”
South Australian Police Limestone Coast Superintendent Cheryl Brown will be among guest speakers for the event.
“As a leader in the Mount Gambier region, it is important to me participate in the International Women’s Day event to accelerate gender equality, demonstrating what is possible in breaking down the barriers and biases to women undertaking senior roles,” she said.
“Growth in inclusivity is only possible through open engagement.”
Community member Ella van Acker was involved in a similar event in Mount Gambier in 2024 that attracted around 100 participants and called on people to get involved in International Women’s Day activities this year.
“I believe it is important to take every opportunity to highlight and celebrate the great contribution that women make in society,” she said.
“International Women’s Day is a chance for all people to come together and rejoice in being a part of our community – I can’t wait to see what the day brings.”
