
Photo by Khara Woods on Unsplash.
Organisers of Northern Grampians Shire’s International Women’s Day activities have called on the community to submit artwork for a special exhibition.
The exhibition will be based on UN Women Australia’s theme for 2025, “March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls”.
Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop encouraged people to submit works of art showcasing a woman they admire.
“We are inviting all members of the public, of any age, to tell us about a woman or girl they admire, and why,” she said.
“This person might be a member of your family, someone in your community, a historical figure, a public figure – anyone at all.”
Cr Hyslop said the artwork could be of any medium.
“It could be a painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, a photograph – let your imagination run free,” she said.
“We would also like to know why you admire the subject.”
At Stawell
Stawell Library will showcase the artworks, with the exhibition’s official opening to coincide with the council’s International Women’s Day event in Stawell.
“International Women’s Day – March 8 – falls on a Saturday this year, so we will run events on different days,” Cr Hyslop said.
On Wednesday, March 12, Stawell Library will host a panel activity, with guest speakers exploring the “March Forward” theme.
Admission to the event, which starts at 2 p.m. and includes afternoon tea, is free of charge.
At St. Arnaud
Council staff are also organising an International Women’s Day event at St. Arnaud on Thursday, March 6.
“We will have more details about activities soon, so for now, please save the date,” Cr Hyslop said. “International Women’s Day started in 1911 and involves celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness about discrimination and taking action to forge gender parity.
“Thirty years ago, in 1995, people from every part of the world committed to achieving gender equality when the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted by 189 governments and endorsed by thousands of activists,” Cr Hyslop said.
“The Platform for Action provides a roadmap towards achieving equal rights and opportunities for women and girls everywhere.
“Northern Grampians Shire Council is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day and take the opportunity to unite, network and mobilise for meaningful change.”
Artwork for the “March Forward” exhibition can be submitted at Stawell Library until March 5. People can call the council’s family violence prevention project officer Sandy Bevan on (03) 5358 9009 for more information about the exhibition or International Women’s Day events.