International Women's Day was strongly attended by those who came together to celebrate women's achievements and acknowledge there is work still to be done to achieve better balance.
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An International Women’s Day breakfast was on Friday, March 8 at the Laurieton United Services Club.
Camden Haven High School students Mia Windred and Jordan Grieves were emcees at the event.
They spoke about how far women have come in achieving better gender balance and highlighted there is still work to be done.
“It’s important for men to be apart of the conversation because everyone has a role in making the world more balanced,” Mia said.
Jordan spoke about the shocking statistics regarding domestic violence in Australia and called for the implementation of more preventative measures against violence in society.
Guest speaker and ABC radio presenter Fiona Wyllie spoke about her career and the challenges she has faced throughout her life.
When entering the world of radio in the 80s, Fiona said majority of women presenters had to change their names.
Fiona said she was lucky to be able to keep her name after being asked to change it to Sandy Beach.
After gaining experience Fiona became the first female radio announcer trainee in the country.
In her first job as a radio presenter she asked her boss if she could present the afternoon program Drive. However her boss replied that he couldn’t put a female voice on air on the program by herself.
The response by her boss kick started Fiona’s career with the ABC, a position which saw her work in Canberra.
Fiona has also worked in Sydney, the Central Coast and Snowy River.
Fiona has raised her children in Bonny Hills and now presents the Statewide Afternoons program for New South Wales.
Fiona spoke about her strong women ancestors. Her grandmother was integral in helping to establish the CWA and also was the second woman to gain her driver’s licence.
Fiona has established a radio station in Vanuatu which has been running for six years. She said it's a part of the world where equality and domestic violence are huge problems.
Fiona said as women ‘we’re all very special’.
The raffle proceeds from the International Women’s Day breakfast at Laurieton went to Wish for Willow to help fund Willow Powick's ear surgery in America.