SEVA/BMS/SPEAKOUT/SLAWN celebrate International Women’s Day 2023

SEVA International Inc, Boronia Multicultural Services, Immigrant Women’s Speakout and Sri Lankan Australian Women’s Association held a joint celebration of International Women’s Day 2023 on 4^th March 2023 at Auburn Centre for Community, Auburn.

Sumati Advani, President SEVA International said, “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and raise important issues of concern which continue to prevent women from achieving their full potential. For a country to progress, it is essential that we empower both men and women and help them reach their full potential. This year’s theme is Embrace Equity – to achieve Gender Equality we need to create an equitable and level playing field so that no one is left behind. Societal pressures resulting in inadequate tertiary education, lack of workplace flexibility, lack of women in leadership roles, many working in low paid jobs, career breaks and resulting low retirement income all result in poor outcomes for women. As women generally carry the larger burden of care, scarce childcare facilities prevent women from fully participating in the workforce. As a result women are falling behind in earnings and superannuation savings. We cannot Crack the Code and create Gender Equality without first ensuring Gender Equity.”

Sunila Kotwal, Executive Officer Immigrant Women’s Speakout stated that the words equality and equity are used interchangeably but have a different meaning. She gave several examples to explain the difference between equality and equity and why this year’s theme of Embrace Equity was very apt. This year’s 2023 International Women’s Day theme highlights the fact that women need more support to reach equal status in society.

Nalika Padmasena, President SLAWN said, “My Association was glad to collaborate with other three organisations to celebrate the IWD 2023. We believe it is high time to focus on equity while we are continue to advocate for equality. With the progress of life journey, the challenges vary too. We believe our work to be not to leave anyone behind. Every woman has a story to tell and sharing such experiences are so vital in shaping access & service provision.

Bernadette Agyepong, Manager BMS said, “Boronia Multicultural Services exists to help migrants and Refugees to access the knowledge, skills, and opportunities that will help them build their future in Australia that is what embracing equity is all about; providing options, pathways to bridge inequities, to provide a level playing ground to enable people to take up opportunities available.

This year’s keynote speakers included Mayor of Cumberland Council, Councillor Lisa Lake, Councillor Sabrin Farooqui, Dr Anju Aggarwal, Dr Tanima Banerjee and Dr Ramprasad Attur.

Mayor Lisa Lake traced the history of IWD, fight for women’s rights over the years and achievements of women in Australian politics. Cumberland Council has five female councillors and has taken steps to minimise the barriers faced by women in the Cumberland area. She expanded on some of the initiatives in the areas of domestic violence, Community Hub and ‘Her Way’. She stated that “Equal Rights do not tailor options and opportunities according to need, Equity does.”

Dr Anju Aggarwal, who was recently awarded the National GP of the Year Award for 2022, encouraged women to take care of themselves in order to be better able to care for others. Self-care is not being selfish or self-indulgent but self-preservation. Our body is the vehicle to our dreams and should be taken care of. She encouraged participants to exercise at least 15 minutes every 24 hours, 5 days a week and to not miss it for 2 consecutive days. “Don’t say, I don’t have time” She encouraged women to start with small steps. “Just like on the flight, passengers are advised to wear their oxygen mask first before they help others, women need to take care of themselves first to be able to look after their loved ones.”

Councillor Dr Sabrin Farooqui shared her experience in Australia as a migrant studying and later looking for work, her motivation and passion to assist other migrants to overcome the barriers they face. She believes that addressing all differences of women will promote equity at home. Dr Farooqui is passionate about human rights, social justice and cultural diversity. She expanded on the steps taken by Cumberland Council to minimise the barriers faced by women in the Cumberland area. She encouraged women to participate in local, state and federal politics to represent the female view to bring about change.

Dr Rampasad Attur is a Senior Child Psychiatrist currently working fulltime at Campbelltown Hospital. His area of interest are Autism, ADHD and Family Therapy. Dr Attur said “Mental Health affects all, it does not discriminate.” He gave examples of many celebrities who had faced and overcome mental health issues to drive home the message that all can be affected by mental stress and anxiety. He stated that mental health equals well- being. Our thoughts, feelings, behaviour and relationships are indicators of our mental health.

Dr Tanima Banerjee, founder of Bandana Cultural School shared her personal journey as a new migrant and the challenges she faced juggling work and looking after a small child. She also gave a brilliant dance performance based on women’s theme.

It is time for change – Let us all work towards an equitable society. Let us

embrace equity.