Financial independence, more opportunities for rural and regional women and entrepreneurship are among the topics promoting gender equality during NSW Women’s Week, under the theme #ChooseToChallenge.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor urged people in NSW to embrace the week’s educational opportunities and recognition of the achievements of women and girls.
“When the status of women is advanced, everyone benefits because healthy, actively involved and heard women boost prosperity and innovation in NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Women deserve to be celebrated for the outstanding contributions they make across our state in social, economic, cultural and political spheres.”
“There are still barriers women face, so we need to use this time to develop practical steps, foster resilience and spearhead change.”
Events during NSW Women’s Week include an intergenerational forum tackling work-family balance, an entrepreneurship panel on championing change and a networking event for rural and regional women.
The $100,000 Women’s Week Grants also enable 27 organisations to host programs - many regionally - including a cultural craft group, university tax clinic and mountain bike club.
“We want to empower women to make their own decisions, to move forward with confidence and know they can proactively create the future they want. Knowledge is power.”
The week starts with International Women’s Day on 8 March and the NSW Women of the Year Awards are announced on 10 March and for the first time includes two new categories.
‘The One to Watch Award’ recognises an outstanding girl aged 7 to 17, while the ‘NSW Woman of Excellence Award’ will go to a role model excelling in her field.
The NSW Government is committed to supporting women’s economic opportunity and advancement; health and wellbeing; and participation and empowerment.
For more information, visit https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/nsw-womens-week