Media Release 28 February 2008

TAPESTRIES: STORIES OF EVERYDAY ACTIVISM PHOTO EXHIBITION LAUNCH

An exhibition of words and pictures celebrating the activism of women in the west of Melbourne

International Women's Day (IWD) is marked on the 8th of March every year. It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women.

"2008 marks the one hundredth anniversary of Victorian women gaining the vote," says Dr Robyn Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of Women's Health West. "We thought it an appropriate time to look at ways of accessing local women's stories of activism."

Women make vital and significant contributions in every area of Australian society and while many women may not seek or expect recognition for their efforts, it is essential that as a community we celebrate inspiring women by publicly acknowledging their remarkable achievements.

This exhibition features photographs and stories of eleven diverse women from the west of Melbourne. It aims to raise awareness, and celebrate the range, of experiences of women's power to achieve and focus on actions they have taken at individual, organisational, community or societal levels.

"Photographing these women and sharing their stories of everyday activism has been a truly collaborative process," says artist, Scout Kozakiewicz. "The amazing strength, resourcefulness and intelligence that these women have shared through their stories will be a constant reminder that inspiration is everywhere."

Dr Gregory hopes that, "the stories of everyday activism contained within this tapestry inspire and awaken your inner activist. Don't stay inside. Get out and take action, exert your power, make change."

The launch of our 2008 International Women's Day exhibition, Tapestries: Stories of Everyday Activism will be at the Incinerator Arts Complex in Moonee Ponds on Friday 7 March 2008 at 11.30am. The exhibition will be on display from Friday 7 March 2008 to 30 March 2008.

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information contact Nicola Harte, Communications Co-ordinator at Women's Health West on 9689 9588 or email nicolah@whwest.org.au or contact on the day on 0432 637 933. For all other general media enquiries contact us via email.