The wet weather didn’t stop the celebrations on International Women’s Day (IWD) as dozens of women packed out the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus for a day of conversations, connections and community.
Over 60 people attended the Central Coast Women’s Health Centre’s event on March 8 which featured speeches from successful local women.
Former Central Coast resident and now Technology Analytics Specialist at Hitachi, Cassidy Gallagher, spoke about her experience as a woman in a corporate environment, the difficulties of experiencing diversity quotas and the importance of leadership.
Brenda Logan from the Art-Full Women group presented a video to the audience which displayed a group of older women discussing life on the Coast and how important it was to maintain connections.
Professional boxer and manager at TLC Disability Services in Gosford, Bianca Elmir, spoke about her experiences with ‘breaking the bias’ – this year’s IWD theme – and how she channels her emotions and everyday experiences to help her in the fighting game.
Participants then broke off in groups to take part in workshops featuring theatre games, music classes, puppetry and collective story making.
CEO of Central Coast Women’s Health Centre, Theresa Mason, said the annual event helps celebrate the achievements of local women.
“Our event brings a lot of different generations together and it gives women an opportunity to connect but to also think what it means to be a woman in our community,” Mason said.
“It gives women the chance to think about IWD, not just locally, but internationally how women are affected.
“IWD is an opportunity to come together with other women … and to stop and reflect on what it is we are trying to achieve in our community for women, and just to connect, engage and enjoy.
“Working for the Women’s Health Centre is an absolute privilege.”
Ten female student leaders from Brisbane Water Secondary College’s Woy Woy campus also attended the event along with Principal Rebecca Cooper.
The Central Coast Women’s Health Centre in Woy Woy currently offers counselling, domestic violence and sexual assault counselling, groups, childcare, medical services and DV Legal aid at its McMasters Rd clinic.
More information about the women’s health service is available at ccwhc.com.au
Maisy Rae