This year's International Women's Day 2022 campaign theme is #BreakTheBias, imagining a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination; a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive; and a world where difference is valued and celebrated.
To celebrate International Women's Day, we held a morning tea inviting women from across the Little Malop Street Redevelopment to come along, connect and celebrate the fact that so many women, working in diverse roles, are involved in this major redevelopment project for the Geelong region.
In response to what this day means to them, we captured some very insightful and powerful words that we thought we'd share.
Christine Couzens, MP, State Member for Geelong: “It was great to be with women who have all contributed to the Geelong Arts Centre re-development, and to celebrate International Women's Day.
"This year’s International Women's Day theme #BreakTheBias shows that women, despite the gains they have achieved, still have to fight for true equality, in Australia and around the world.”
Kirsten Kilpatrick, Geelong Performing Arts Centre Trust: “We are extremely fortunate to be surrounded by strong, smart and passionate women in Geelong who are supporting our next generation of female leaders.
“Geelong Arts Centre celebrates International Women's Day under the leadership of our Chair, Lesley Alway, and strong representation from women on the Trust and across the organisation”.
Tarryn Love, Artist and Proud Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong Woman: "To me International Women’s Day means paying respect to the strong line of Blak matriarchs before me that I come from. I acknowledge that I am here because of them. My responsibility is to carry on that strength they gave me, to the future Blak women beyond me."
Angelique Helman, Geelong Arts Centre Manager Production and Presenter Services: "The quote that resonates with me that I reflect on often in my daily life and when I think of what International Woman’s Day mean to me is –
“I stand on the sacrifices of a million woman before me thinking what can I do to make this mountain taller so the woman after me can see further“ by Rupi Kaur.
It is wonderful to have so many women contributing to such a major project for the Geelong Region and we look forward to highlighting their contribution throughout the project.