International Women’s Day 2008: Queensland women still leading the way

Queensland women leading the way in the community, the workplace and at home should be applauded this International Women’s Day, says Minister for Women Margaret Keech

Mrs Keech said the 2008 International Women’s Day theme – Queensland Women: Shaping the Future – encouraged women, and society, to look past appearances and focus on their achievements.

Women in leadership roles helped shape their communities through their actions and ideas, she said.

“They are also wonderful examples to other women that being a leader is about what you do, not how you look,” she said.

“There are many examples of women who undertake leadership roles in both formal and informal situations.

“Indigenous women play an extremely important role in strengthening their communities.

“On my recent visit to the Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama indigenous communities I met some amazing women who are working hard to address some of the challenges their communities face.

“And these high-achieving community leaders can be found throughout the state.

“Take Daphne Naden, a Kuku Yalanji woman from the Daintree Rainforest region of North Queensland, for example.

“Ms Naden has worked tirelessly to address the issue of violence in indigenous communities and has presented at many state and national forums.”

Mrs Keech also recognised the many women on boards around Queensland who were helping shape our booming economy.

“For example, Kayleen Collins through her roles as Executive General Manager, Cairns Airport and member of the Board of Tourism Queensland, is helping to drive Queensland’s booming tourism industry. Kayleen is a shining example of how women on boards are helping to shape the Bligh Government’s Smart State Strategy,” she said.

“The Queensland Government also strongly supports the invaluable role mothers play in shaping our future, such as Barnardos Australia’s Queensland Mother of the Year 2007, Priscilla Tilcock.

“Mrs Tilcock, who is mother to two autistic children, has worked tirelessly as a volunteer at the Beenleigh Special School helping students with intellectual impairments. She also took on the role of President of the school’s P&C committee, successfully fundraising for equipment and computers.”

Mrs Keech said International Women’s Day was an opportunity to celebrate the integral roles that women played in supporting our community.

“Women are the ‘glue’ in our social fabric – and they are often the unsung heroes. This International Women’s Day I encourage everyone to remember and celebrate the achievements of the women in their lives,” she said.

“To focus on their achievements and judge them by what they do, not how they look.”

For more information on International Women’s Day, visit the Office for Women website at www.women.qld.gov.au or call 1800 177 577.

Media enquiries: Joanne Crompton 3224 7081 or Olivia Nemeth (Office for Women) 3224 2295.