Celebrating bold women
TIMES are changing when it comes to gender equality but there is still a way to go, according to Australian journalist and TV presenter Jessica Rowe.
Giving the key note address at the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation’s Women of Strength Luncheon, held at Rumours International yesterday, Ms Rowe spoke on ways to be bold and brave.
“There have been times in a professional sense and in my personal life where I have had to draw on those qualities to get through,” Ms Rowe said.
“Today’s lunch is an opportunity for women to get together to share our stories and experiences, have a laugh and get away from the anxieties.”
A member of the Order of
Australia, Ms Rowe has also had an illustrious career as a journalist, featuring on Weekend Sunrise and morning show Studio 10.
“We have not broken the glass ceiling yet,” Ms Rowe said of her time as a woman in media.
“However, I have worked in media for over 20 years and the environment I see now is very different to the environment I began my career in.
“Often I think when you’re at your most vulnerable you are at your most strong - the older I get the more I learn that.”
Ms Rowe replaced Julie Bishop as the guest speaker of the event after Ms Bishop became unwell.
Despite the current climate, the event attracted record numbers this year, selling out within minutes.
“It’s Friday the 13th and it’s not an unlucky number for us because we are here and we have over 700 guests joining us,” Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Alison Kennedy said.
“Women really love this event, they love to come together and have lunch, we love to frock up and put some makeup on and hang out and be girls for a day.
“Every dollar we raise today will go towards (the Toowoomba Hospital’s) emergency department.”
alexia.austin@thechronicle.com.au