This year marks the momentous 100th year celebration of International Women's Day. Tuesday March 8 pays tribute to women's achievements and acknowledges the continued efforts to support women's rights and equality around the globe, with over 25 countries commemorating it as an official holiday.
In 1928 Australia celebrated its first International Women's Day, with Brisbane following a year later. Since then Australia has seen significant achievements including recognition of paid parental leave and efforts to address the wage disparities between predominantly female occupations and predominantly male occupations.
In our industries the Pay Equity case in the Social and Community Services sector sought to significantly address this imbalance, and was agreed by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission in 2008.
Queensland also has one of the largest proportions of female representatives in an Australian parliament.
The Health and Community Services Workforce Council is pleased to celebrate and recognise the achievements of all women, most especially those who dedicate their working life to support and advocacy for the most vulnerable in our communities.
In recognition of these 100 years of International Women's Day, we will be paying special attention to women's leadership in our Workforce Innovation Conference and Awards 2011. The conference will feature an address by the Honourable Karen Struthers, Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women. Former senator and Australian Democrats leader Natasha Stott Despoja, currently a UNIFEM Ambassador for International Women's Day 2011, will deliver a keynote address and also feature on a panel session dedicated to women in leadership.
Conference registrations are open from Monday 28 February. For more information visit the Workforce Innovation Conference & Awards page.
