Sunday saw International Women’s Day celebrated

INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day was celebrated around the world on Sunday and over the past few years it’s been pleasing to have witnessed, and participate in, events commemorating International Women’s Day.

The elderly, middle-aged, youngmarrieds, teens and children can all benefit from remembering, in some f orm, t he struggle f or women’s equality.

Many men played a role in achieving the standard of gender equality in Australia and that, too, is worth remembering.

That is not to say, however, that the mission is complete.

One only has to read statistical information about the representation of women in the higher echelons of big business boards, banks and multinational organisations to realise there is still a long way to go.

Further, if we care about girls and women in countries around the world we cannot fail to see, that world-wide, not all women experience gender equity.

In fact, this year’s theme for International Women’s Day 2015 was Empowering Women—Empowering Humanity.

It envisions a world where each girl and/or woman can exercise her choices, such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an income and the right to live in a society free from violence and discrimination.

International Women’s Day also provides opportunities to reflect on women’s past achievements especially in one’s local area.

In the Mansfield Botanic Park there are two pieces of artwork: one marks the contribution of Mansfield’s pioneer women while t he other commemorates Mansfield women’s involvement in the First World War as nurses, doctors and ambulance drivers.

This is just one location or action of some acknowledgement of International Women’s Day 2015.

Cards and posies of flowers have been placed at these memorials by members of Mansfield Garden Club.

Recollection of, and reflection on, women’s past efforts to support their local communities and their struggles for the privilege and sacrifices involved in serving their country during the war of 1914-1918 inspire today’s girls and young women to achieve their goals.

And, the elderly can be gladdened by the thought that many of us were part of bygone determined efforts to improve humanity’s well-being through striving for gender equality.

It is hoped that committees and executives of community groups and/ or organisations should ensure that International Women’s Day 2016 will not go unrecognised.

At Bonnie Doon International Women’s Day was also celebrated with a luncheon at the community centre.

WOMEN HONORED: Small memorials in remembrance of great women have been placed in Mansfield’s Botanic Park.