INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
THE Surf Coast Shire Council has compiled written reflections from more than a dozen local women to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Nurse and farmer Kaye Batson is one of 13 Surf Coast women who have shared their thoughts on this year’s IWD theme Choose to Challenge.
Ms Batson’s message is to never assume gender equality is a given, and never take equality for granted.
She issued a rallying call as she encouraged people to be agents of change in challenging inequality and gender stereotyping.
“When we see biased opinion and inequality we all have the opportunity to challenge, and grassroots challenges can generate quite powerful change,” she said.
“Everyone can take responsibility, it doesn’t have to be driven from the top down.
“I think it is important not to take gains made for women for granted, and not to think you don’t have to be involved.
“Real change requires everyone to buy in. It is everyone’s responsibility and for an inclusive world we all must buy in, that’s the rally call.”
Surf Coast Shire Mayor Libby Stapleton said the IWD theme provided a valuable starting point for important conversations.
“We want people to think about what choosing to challenge might be, and the differences choosing to challenge might make for women,” Cr Stapleton said.
“This is about celebrating the achievements of women and the roles that they have in our community while recognising that sometimes we need to challenge gender bias, inequality and stereotyping in public and private life.”
The testimonies are available at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IWD2021.