International Women’s Day

“Invest in Women – Invest in the Future” is the 2019 theme for Queensland Women’s Week, running from 2nd March to 10th March and includes the annual International Women’s Day on 8th March. A day that celebrates the achievements of women all over the world who in their everyday lives are making a difference for the generations to come.

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day. Many organizations declare an annual IWD theme that supports their specific agenda or cause, and some of these are adopted more widely with relevance than others. International Women’s Day is a collective day of global celebration and a call for gender parity.

International Women’s Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action – whatever that looks like globally at a local level. But one thing is for sure, International Women’s Day has been occurring for well over a century – and continues to grow from strength to strength.

One of the many aspects of life that is essential to growth and freedom is financial security. It is becoming increasing talked about that women, especially those in the over 65 years are fast becoming Australians leading group of homeless. Historically women have been the homemakers and not always been actively involved in making major financial decisions at home or business. Financial Literacy is an imperative key to help narrow the knowledge gap and provide independence and safety.

Some of the factors about women and money are well recognised, including lower average incomes, broken work patterns- usually for family reasons, lower participation rates when it comes to superannuation and in the end lose superannuation to live on in retirement. On average women also tend to live longer so that a women’s saving need to go further. There is absolutely no doubt that these are big issues for many women and their families, and they’re important to keep in mind in any discussion regarding women and money.

Education is a powerful tool. However, that education and information need to connect with those in the community that are most at risk. Our Moreton Bay region has a large culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged demographic. As the theme, “Invest in Women-Invest in the Future” implies by empowering our women now, we empower the generations that follow. Women from these cultural and linguistic diverse communities are interested in securing a better financial future for themselves ad families. They are passionate about ensuring the younger generations are more informed and proactive in financial literacy and decision making. This exchange of ideas and knowledge comes via storytelling and listening which is made especially relevant when told by someone from a similar background and situation.

Soroptimist International Moreton North, SIMNI, is a local NFP, whose volunteer members are passionate about helping those in the community less fortunate than themselves. They have been successful in obtaining grant funding from Department Child Safety, Youth and Women to host a Queensland Women’s Week event. This event “Money, Money, Money – Not just a rich man’s world” is being held at North Lakes Sports Club on Saturday 2nd March from 3pm – 6pm. Admission is only $10 and helps to support SIMNI’s educational bursary programs.

Come along and enjoy a Q & A panel discussion on women’s financial disadvantage and economic insecurity, with women leaders in the field of financial literacy, listen to personal stories from women who have overcome challenges of relocation, language and gender to thrive in a foreign place, enjoy afternoon tea and refreshments and gain information from our trade displays.

The event will culminate in the 7th Annual SIMNI Be Inspired IWD Award ceremony celebrating the achievements of local women within our community who have stepped up and beyond to make a difference in other people lives.

Written by Marney Perna
Author, Women’s Health Educator and Natural Therapist
Secretary Soroptimist International Moreton North
0407 029943