Illawarra’s International Women’s Day luncheon 2018

The global day – which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and is formally recognised on March 8 – originated more than a century ago, in 1909 in New York.

But after a year in which women’s equality was at the forefront with movements like #MeToo – 2018’s theme of #Press for Progress was especially fitting.

“It was a year of speaking out but also of listening and learning, of standing your ground and inching forward,” Illawarra IWD committee chair Vicki Tiegs said.

“A year where women stood firm and refused to be quiet … where women told their stories and listened and amplified each other’s voices.”

This year, Ms Tiegs urged those present to keep pressing for progress – to question any lack of women’s participation; to challenge stereotypes and celebrate women’s achievements.