Illawarra International Women’s Day 2018: Moving forward, together

Co-founder Vicki Tiegs hopes Friday’s event at WIN Entertainment Centre will create further awareness of the issues women are still facing in 2018.

Vicki Tiegs explains the issues facing women in 2018

Vicki Tiegs.

Q: Why is Press for Progress a fitting theme for the 2018 IWD?

A: Now more than ever it is a strong call for collective action to establish gender inclusivity around the world. To press forward and progress gender parity.

Q: What are some of the practical ways that we can press for progress?

A: At all levels, as individuals, communities and in business, we need to maintain a gender parity mindset. That could include but not be limited to questioning any lack of women’s participation or nominating women for opportunities.

All of us need to forge positive visibility of women by assuming women want opportunities until declined and, based on merit, selecting women as spokespeople and leaders.

We all have the ability to influence others’ beliefs and actions through a range of activities. It could be supportively calling out inappropriate behaviour and leading by example via inclusive actions.

Q: Why do men need to be feminists?

A: I often hear people say that fighting for women’s rights has become synonymous with man-hating. This has to stop. Feminism is for men and women.

The international HeforShe initiative aims to get men and boys to join the feminist fight for gender equality. In 2014 actress Emma Watson launched it with a speech which said that in order for gender equality to be achieved, harmful and destructive stereotypes of masculinity have got to change.

She went on to say that if men don’t have to be aggressive in order to be accepted, women won’t feel they need to be submissive. If men don’t have to control, women won’t feel they are controlled. Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive … and to be strong.

Male feminism asks men to take up this mantle so that their daughters, sisters, and mothers can be free from prejudice, but also so that their sons have permission to be vulnerable too.

Q: Why is it important to celebrate IWD as a city?

A: Around 50 per cent of our community is female, so we need to ensure we continue to support and acknowledge the females around us and consider their needs. IWD allows us to do that. It allows us to shine a light on what still needs to change and create awareness around that.

Q: Tell me about the Illawarra scholarship program.

A: Our International Women’s Day Illawarra Scholarships encourage women in our community, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, to expand their knowledge, skill and experience in a field of their interest or in which they have shown great potential.

Five of these annual scholarships have been named after inspiring Illawarra women who are sadly no longer with us but have left their mark on the region in the various fields in which they excelled, while the Creative Spirit IWD Scholarship for Women, was inspired by the artistic community of the Illawarra and to foster upcoming female talent in the field.