FUNDING FOR FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Health and cultural issues will be explored by women in Far North Queensland as part of International Women’s Day, thanks to a funding grant from the Beattie Government.

Indigenous female community leaders and academics will also be honoured through a photographic exhibition, speeches and awards, Minister for Women Margaret Keech said today.

Mrs Keech said four Far North Queensland organisations had received support through the Office for Women’s International Women’s Day 2007 Grants program.

“They are among 35 Queensland organisations offered grants totalling more than $20,000 to help the community celebrate International Women’s Day Thursday,” she said.

“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.

“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 to hold functions, discussions, meetings, debates and exhibitions that promote International Women’s Day, with many of the activities involving diverse cultural groups.

The Far North Queensland organisations to receive grants are:

• Cairns Indigenous Women’s Network for its Appreciating Cairns Indigenous Women function, to acknowledge community women’s leadership through a photography exhibition, speeches and awards.
• Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for its Supporting Disengaged Indigenous Women Forum, to encourage disengaged Indigenous women to engage with community networks.
• Wu Chopperen Health Service for its International Women’s Day Luncheon, to provide information on abuse, safety, health and violence issues.
• Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council for its Yarrabah Women’s Recognition Forum, to acknowledge local women achieving in academia and recognise their contributions to family, community, employment and volunteering.

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

“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.

“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.

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