INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY GRANTS SUPPORT BRISBANE WOMEN

Brisbane women will celebrate leadership, partnerships and cultural diversity on International Women’s Day thanks to a series of funding grants from the Beattie Government.

Minister for Women Margaret Keech today announced that 11 Greater Brisbane organisations were awarded grants through the Office for Women’s International Women’s Day 2007 Grants program.

They were among 35 Queensland groups provided with more than $20,000 in funding for celebrations on Thursday, said Mrs Keech.

“International Women’s Day is a day when women traditionally march for their rights and its origins include women rallying for peace and better working conditions,” Mrs Keech said.

“Organisations throughout Queensland will be holding events that explore the diverse roles women play in society and the challenges they face in their professional lives.

“These grants empower women through networking opportunities and community activities and give them an opportunity to voice their issues.”

The grants will help organisations throughout Queensland hold functions, discussions, meetings, debates and exhibitions that promote International Women’s Day, with many of the activities involving diverse cultural groups.

Three Greater Brisbane organisations to benefit from these grants are:

• Musgrave Park Cultural Centre for its International Women’s Day Festival, to enhance partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous women.
• Redcliffe Area Youth Space for its Inspirations – Women’s Stories project, to develop and showcase a short film about the successes of women leaders in the Redcliffe area.
• Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre for its All Women, All Young, All Valuable workshops for young Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse women.

Grant categories this year included working towards a healthier community, recognising women’s leadership, working towards a safer community, encouraging women in the workforce and celebrating cultural diversity.

“The Beattie Government is pleased to be able to support International Women’s Day – a day celebrated around the world and recognised by the United Nations,” Mrs Keech said.

“Our International Women’s Day theme for 2007 is ‘Women at work: Know your rights, it’s your future’.

“Now more than ever, women are encouraged to speak out about their needs at work and the issues affecting their lives.”

For a full list of grant recipients and more information on International Women’s Day visit www.women.qld.gov.au/iwd or phone 1800 177 577.

Greater Brisbane region grant recipients:

• Cannon Hill Anglican College for its International Women’s Day Breakfast leadership function, toprofile young role models to other young women.
• CO. AS. IT. Italian Australian Welfare Association for its Between Us Women function, addressing gender discrimination and raising awareness of a healthy mind and body.
• Multicultural Community Centre for its International Women’s Day Multicultural Fiesta Expo, to showcase different cultural groups and welcome Burmese refugees to the community.
• Multicultural Development Association for its International Women’s Day Soccer Tournament and cultural diversity function to address social isolation issues.
• Musgrave Park Cultural Centre for its International Women’s Day Festival, to enhance partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous women.
• Redcliffe Area Youth Space for its Inspirations – Women’s Stories project, to develop and showcase a short film about the successes of women leaders in the Redcliffe area.
• Sudanese Women’s Association of Queensland for its Our Hidden Leadership seminar,to assist Sudanese women in Queensland to become community leaders.
• Young Parent’s Program for its Peace and Harmony Day health forum, to provide young mothers with information on available health care services and to address issues of social isolation.
• Women and the Law Society for its International Women’s Day Breakfast cultural diversity function, to address contemporary women's issues.
• Women’s Community Aid Association Queensland for its Feminist Forum, featuring a local African choir and an Indigenous women's ceremony.
• Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre for its All Women, All Young, All Valuable workshops for young Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse women.

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or Samantha Denley 3224 2295