International Women’s Day @ Tyto
An International Women’s Day event at TYTO Precinct this Friday will be used to celebrate the message that Hinchinbrook women can achieve anything they set their minds to.
The Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism is marking International Women’s Day with a breakfast and coffee morning, sponsored by NQIB, and a series of short videos throughout the week featuring local women from all walks of life.
Chamber President Rachael Coco said the overwhelming message she’s receiving from interviewees, friends and colleagues is that women in the Hinchinbrook Shire enjoy equal opportunity and that any form of discrimination that still exists is not a barrier that can’t be overcome.
“I’ve spoken to women in business, in agriculture, in male-dominated industries, leadership roles and prominent positions in the community and it’s refreshing to hear that local women believe they are judged on their merit, not their gender” said Ms Coco.
“Many women have commented that we’ve achieved equality in Australia and they embrace the opportunity to choose what they want and go for it, overcoming minor prejudices the same way anyone else overcomes the challenges that life throws their way” she said.
“Chamber wants to celebrate that empowerment and focus on the positive stories that demonstrate how far we’ve come – a great example is Wilmar, who put on seven apprentices in the Herbert region this year, three of whom were female.”
While conceding that prejudices and discrimination still exist, Ms Coco said that most women agreed it was to a lesser extent than in previous decades and was not insurmountable.
“The proof is all around us – we have three capable, inspiring female Councillors in the Hinchinbrook Shire and so many respected and accomplished women in the community, even Chamber embodies equal opportunity and representation with four men and four women on our committee who work flawlessly together” said Ms Coco.
“It’s important that we don’t develop an ‘us vs them’ mentality and we should acknowledge that men have played, and continue to play, an important role in the cultivation of a respectful, equal opportunity society” she said.
“I realise the ‘glass ceiling’ metaphor is supposed to represent an invisible barrier that prevents women from rising to the top but I prefer to think that glass is pretty easy to break, and modern women are generally able to pursue success in whatever way that they choose to define success.”
Friday’s breakfast and coffee morning is open to business owners, staff and passionate members of the community – male and female – who enjoy networking with likeminded people.
A guest speaker from Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre will deliver inspiring words of wisdom and enlightenment, a light breakfast will be provided and attendees are simply required to BYO coffee from their favourite barista.
The relaxed event will run from 730am to 9am however guests are free to attend and depart at their leisure, with all attendees going in the draw to win a Lucky Door Prize.
