Step out, celebrate women and ‘Give to Gain’ this International Women’s Day
On 8 March people across the globe will recognise International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrating women’s achievement, raising awareness about discrimination and taking action to accelerate gender equality.
This year’s theme of ‘Give to Gain’ encourages the community to nominate a women-focused charity as a recipient of fundraising or support.
On the Beaches, the Women’s Resilience Centre (WRC) is holding a number of fundraising events for IWD. Deanne Bennett is the social impact and fundraising manager of WRC, and has lived experience in the space. “I’m so passionate about supporting women’s recovery from domestic violence and abuse, which is what we do,” Deanne says. “Raising funds is critical to supporting our services.
“IWD is such an important moment to celebrate the strength, achievements and contributions of women in our community. It’s also a time to stand alongside women who are resetting and rebuilding their lives after trauma.”
All funds raised through the events directly support WRC’s long-term recovery services, including trauma-informed client care, free online capacity-building programs and personalised mentoring.
“These services ensure women have the support, skills and opportunities they need to thrive,” Deanne says.
Team Walk 4 Women
2 to 8 March
Choose your own walk
$10
Grab your friends during IWD week, make a team of four, set a fundraising goal and get walking – wherever you like! Participants choose their own pace, time and distance, with a fundraising page and toolkit provided.
Mona Vale Community Walk 4 Women
8 March | 10am
Kitchener Park, Mona Vale
$10
Support the Women’s Resilience Centre’s recovery programs by joining in this fun 1.5km community walk from Kitchener Park to Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club. The walk is suitable for all fitness levels and participants can enjoy refreshments and canapes at the end.
Paint and Sip 4 Women
27 March | 12pm to 4pm
Freshwater Brewing Co, Brookvale
$95
Be part of history as this event aims to set a record for the biggest Paint and Sip on the Beaches – 100 women painting 100 canvases. The event is for ages 18 and over, and artist Kylie Johnson from the Bayview Boathouse Art Studio will guide participants step-by-step through their artworks. The keynote speaker will be Rowena Jayne, an author, psychotherapist and naturopath who specialises in helping women break free from trauma, PTSD, anxiety and self-doubt.