International Women’s Day celebrated in Innisfail

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

FOR the second year, a group of likeminded ladies gathered for an informal luncheon at Sapore di Italia to celebrate everything great about being a woman on International Women’s Day on March 8.

Event organiser Emma Horsford from Ignite Financial NQ said the event was a fantastic opportunity for women to connect and extended the invitation to women who worked across a variety of industries.

They used the opportunity to relax, mingle, make new connections and rejoice in the contribution and achievements of local women in the community.

These successful women have young families, manage to juggle their working life to ensure a healthy work/life balance and contribute as volunteers to sporting clubs/community organisations.

The diverse industries represented included an accountant, florist, hairdresser, beauty, remedial massage, business school and insurance, as well as agriculture, gym/fitness, jewellers, mortgage broker and media.

A special thanks to Nadine Picini from Cheryl Lee Florist for the flowers, Kiejana Caltabiano from Ukiyo Hair & Beauty for the hairspray, and $50 vouchers and Synergie skin products from Jade Cosmetic Clinic, Cairns, as well as Sapore di Italia for donating the voucher and hamper for the lucky chair and door prizes.

International Women's Day (March 8) is a worldwide day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

It is not just about the pioneers and incredible women that paved the way for the current generation and a more secure future; it's about all women.

It pays homage to all those ordinary women doing extraordinary things in their everyday lives.

The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality, and the campaign theme is together, it is possible to ‘Break the Bias.’

The first IWD gathering, which took place in 1911, gained the support of over one million people.

In 2023, the theme is Embrace Equity to get the world to discuss why equal opportunities are not enough. As people start a variety of places, true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.

A community International Women’s Day luncheon took place at the Johnstone Shire Hall in celebration of the contribution of women to our communities.

Cassowary Coast artists Kirby Growcott from Vasconez Art, Jacque Duffy from Jacque's Art and Toshandai Fejo exhibited their works; local musician Ashleigh Binello performed her own original music and covers, and playwright Laurie Trott was the guest speaker.