Break the bias this International Women’s Day

Published on 01 March 2022

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Break the Bias, but what does this phrase actually mean and how can we put it into practice?

It’s well-known there’s an unequal distribution of power between men and women and this inequality is the main cause of violence against women and children.
 
Violence against women and children is preventable.
 
Our Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2030 aims to embed gender equitable practice in our policies, programs and services and work with our community to achieving gender equity. We’ll do this by addressing four key actions to prevent violence against women including:

• challenge condoning of violence against women
• promote women’s independence and decision-making
• challenge gender stereotypes and roles
• strengthen positive, equal and respectful relationships

We’ve tackled this so far by:

• engaging more than 550 people in Unpacking the Man Box training aimed to empower men and boys and broader community about the pressures of living up to outdated stereotypes of man hood
   
• reaffirming Councils commitment to the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter and appointed Champions to action the Charter
   
• including female friendly change facilities in all new and existing sport pavilion developments including Tyabb Pavilion, RM Hooper Pavilion and Crib Point Pavilion
   
• commissioning eight female artists for murals, photography and our Artist in Residence program and promoted more than seventy-five creative women’s stories

So, are you in? Will you actively call out gender bias and forge women’s equality?
 
Break the bias today and register for your free ticket for International Women’s Day at The Briars, Mount Martha on Tuesday 8 March.
 
Bring your family and friends and a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of female musicians.
 
By supporting this free event you will be boosting our local arts and music industry and giving our female musicians a chance to raise their voices to be heard loud and proud.
 
For more information of who’s headlining and to book your free ticket visit:
 
mornpen.vic.gov.au/IWD
 
Quote attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
 
“I’m proud to be part of a majority female Council and my fellow Councillors and I are determined to raise awareness of gender inequities by hosting this International Women’s Day event. It’s everyone’s responsibility to support equal rights and opportunities of all people regardless of their gender or sex.”
 
Quote attributable to Deputy Mayor Councillor Lisa Dixon:
 
“We join this global day every year to draw attention to gender inequality, promote respect and celebrate women’s achievements across our community.”