LEAVING THE DROUGHT BEHIND ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

South West Queensland women will leave the drought behind for a day this week when they gather to celebrate International Women’s Day, thanks to a grant from the Beattie Government.

The money will go towards a special lunch in St George to provide social and networking opportunities for women isolated by the drought, said Minister for Women Margaret Keech.

Local female performers will also be celebrated at Toowoomba’s International Women’s Day Festival, designed to showcase the region’s cultural diversity, said Mrs Keech.

Mrs Keech said two Darling Downs/South West Queensland organisations were awarded grants through the Office for Women’s International Women’s Day 2007 Grants program.

They were among 35 Queensland organisations provided with grants totalling $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,” said Mrs Keech.

“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.

The Darling Downs/South West Queensland organisations awarded grants are:

·Balonne Skills Centre in St. George for its Let’s Forget the Drought for One Day luncheon, to provide social and networking opportunities for women isolated by the drought.

·Toowoomba Women’s Network for its International Women’s Day Festival, which will feature local female performers and speakers and celebrate Toowoomba’s cultural diversity.

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.

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