International Women's Day Breakfast

Attending the International Women’s Day breakfast was an incredibly meaningful experience that allowed me to appreciate the strength, resilience, and leadership of women in our community. From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere felt warm and empowering, filled with students, community leaders, and women who have dedicated their lives to creating positive change. Listening to the speakers share their personal journeys helped me understand the challenges women continue to face, but also the progress that has been made thanks to those who have fought for equality before us. Their stories highlighted issues such as gender bias, unequal opportunities, and the importance of representation. Hearing these experiences first hand made the message feel real and urgent. What inspired me most was the sense of unity in the room. Even though everyone came from different backgrounds, we were all connected by the same goal: creating a world where women are respected, valued, and given equal opportunities. Hearing about the ongoing work being done in areas like education, health, and community leadership made me realise that change is not only possible but already happening. I left the breakfast feeling motivated to continue learning, to uplift the women around me, and to use my voice to advocate for fairness wherever I can. The event reminded me that every step forward, no matter how small, helps build a better future for the generations that follow.

Leah 

The Rotary International Women’s Day breakfast was an incredibly unique experience and opportunity for Leah, Maddie and I. Listening to the stories of four incredibly accomplished women was eye-opening, and hearing about their experiences in trade and in the workforce in general made me realise that whilst we’ve come far as a society, we need to continue to support women in workplaces to ensure an equitable environment for all. The sticky date puddings weren’t too bad either. I loved being in an environment in which women’s successes were celebrated and heard, particularly living in a world where that was once rare. This year's theme, #BalanceTheScales, highlighted the need for all women and girls to be free in shaping their own lives, and to be safe and heard regardless of their identity or background. Overall, the experience was extremely empowering as well as being exceptionally enlightening. A special thanks to Rotary representative Jan Cook for her support and in joining us at the breakfast. 

Lisa