INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY GRANTS SUPPORT MORETON WOMEN

Initiatives supporting migrant women and refugees will be the focus of International Women’s Day celebrations in the Moreton region thanks to a grant from the Beattie Government.

Minister for Women Margaret Keech said the money would also go towards training and support for women re-entering the workforce.

Mrs Keech said seven Moreton organisations received grants through the Office for Women’s International Women’s Day 2007 Grants program.

They were among 35 Queensland organisations provided with grants totalling more than $20,000, to help the community celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday.

“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.

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.

“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.

Other Moreton grant recipients:

• Boonah Shire Council for its Winning Women luncheon, to showcase the roles of local women that shape the community including councillors, business owners, farm managers and volunteers.
• Lockyer and Brisbane Valley Schools Extension Group for its International Women’s Day Dinner 3, featuring the Alola East Timorese organisation addressing issues including education, maternal and child health, and economic independence. 
• Riverview Neighbourhood House for its Working Women of the World forum, to provide information on re-entering the workforce.
• St Ursula’s College for its International Market Day event, to raise awareness of disadvantaged women around the world and to promote various charities.
• Winning Women for its Celebrating and Enhancing Cultural Diversity luncheon, to facilitate networking between African women refugees and other local women.
• Zonta Club of West Moreton for its International Women’s Day Breakfast, to promote women in the workforce and provide business networking opportunities.

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