WITH 2025 marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the worldwide commitment to achieving gender equality, Strathbogie Shire Council will host a special event in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday, 7 March.

With significant progress in gender equality having been made since 1995, barriers remain which include the gender pay gap, workplace inequality, and the need for

greater recognition of women’s contributions to society.

This year's IWD global theme is #AccelerateAction.

Australia's theme will be ‘March Forward’ and is a call to action for individuals, businesses, and communities to take bold steps towards lasting change.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the event will provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while highlighting the ongoing challenges they face.

“International Women’s Day is a time to acknowledge the incredible contributions of women in our community and beyond," Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.

"Our event will bring people together to inspire action and create conversations that drive real change.”

The ‘Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch’ afternoon tea will feature an exciting lineup of guest speakers.

Cr Ewart-Kennedy said she was 'immensely proud' to lead a council comprising four female and three male councillors, surpassing the state average.

She said in the 2024 local government elections women constituted just over 43% of elected councillors in Victoria, falling short of the state's 50% target for 2025.

“Our council not only exceeds this average but also benefits from a workforce where women represent half of our employees, aligning with the broader trend in Victorian local governments.

“We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating women’s achievements, learning from their experiences, and committing to actions that push us closer to true gender equality.”

This event is funded by the Community Recovery Hub, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Event Details:

Date: Friday, 7 March 2025

Time: 2–4pm

Venue: Fowles Wine | The Wine Shed, Lambing Gully Road, Avenel

Transport will be available from Violet Town, Euroa and Nagambie – bookings are required as places are limited.

For more information visit https://www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/ or call 1800 065 993.