IMAGE: Di Gill, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program co-ordinator, contributes to the collection of stories and quotes on the blackboard in Cooke Park.
International Women’s Day was celebrated in Cooke Park on Monday with a program of events to bring the global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women closer to home.
The free program of events included a range of social group activities led by local women. These included a pilates class, mums and kids storytime, morning tea provided by the CWA and a yoga class, while representatives of BreastScreen NSW and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (ramph) had information available to participants. Women were also encouraged to leave a comment on a blackboard to share their own stories or quotes about the amazing women who have inspired them.
Central West Lachlan Landcare co-ordinator Marg Applebee organised an online forum with five women to discuss various questions under the theme of the day ‘Choose to Challenge’.
One of the panellists was Parkes pharmacist Vee Vian Higgins. She shared her experience of the challenges of returning to work after having three children and how she and her partner started sharing jobs in the home and garden on an equal basis.
The theme this year stands as a reminder that all of us have a choice to call out gender bias and inequality, and that there is still a need for International Women’s Day. According to the World Economic Forum, none of us will see gender parity in our lifetimes, and nor likely will many of our children. Gender parity will not be attained for almost a century. There is still urgent work to be done, and everyone can play a part.
Ali Standen and Millie Austin of Parkes Shire Council ensured the program of events ran smoothly in Cooke Park on Monday.
Abby Blair with one-week-old Elsie Pritchard, and Libby Trembath with Thomas Pritchard enjoyed the activities on International Women’s Day.
Jessica Macdonald and Nichole Priest of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) provided a delicious morning tea for participants.
Amelia Tanswell takes her turn at the blackboard.
Tina Nash and Shonel Redfern are happy to get a coffee from Tim McGrath of Western Hospitality and Training.