SUPPORT FOR WIDE BAY-BURNETT WOMEN WITH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY GRANTS

Wide Bay-Burnett women will explore the challenges facing women and celebrate their achievements on International Women’s Day thanks to grants from the Beattie Government.

Minister for Women Margaret Keech congratulated three organisations in the region receiving grants through the Office for Women’s International Women’s Day 2007 Grants program.

The money would go towards a forum for young women, a series of presentations on women’s health and an exhibition showcasing the achievements of local businesswomen.

Mrs Keech said the Beattie Government would provide grants totalling more than $20,000 to 35 Queensland organisations, to help the community celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2007.

“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.

The three WideBay – Burnett region organisations to benefit from these grants are:

• Bundaberg Area Youth Service for its Young Women Speak Out Forum, to identify the qualities and abilities of women leaders through a story-tellers circle.
• Coral Coast Multicultural Community Group for its Health and Well Being 4 Women event, featuring presentations by Queensland health agencies on women’s health.
• Tiaro Shire Council for its Tiaro Shire Business Women’s Exhibition, promoting local business women and showcasing their commitments to work, family and community.

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 Queensland 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.

The Queensland Government’s 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,” Mrs Keech said.

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