Media Release: 27 February 2003

Celebrating Women's Human Rights in the West

Around 150 women from across the Western region are expected to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) at a lunch on Friday 7 March from 11.30am to 2pm at Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade Altona. The event features the premiere of Clean, an original theatrical work by playwright and actor Wahibe Moussa, who recently finished the national tour of Border Stories, an exhibition and performance for Medicines Sans Frontiers about the plight of refugees worldwide.

Clean explores the idea of storytelling as a way of critiquing Australia's refugee stance. "Australian audiences … flock to hear and sympathise with others less fortunate," says Ms Moussa. "But what of our responsibility to those whose stories we demand to hear in order to see their humanity?"

Speakers at the event include: Angela Altair, Mayor of Hobsons Bay; Wurundjeri Elder Joy Wandin Murphy; Erna Lay, East Timorese asylum seeker and Youth Committee member of the Western Young People's Independent Network (WYPIN); and Gabrielle Levine, Western Regional Director of the Department of Human Services.

The lunch is presented by Women's Health West in association with the City of Hobsons Bay. "International Women's Day is important because it puts the spotlight firmly back on women," says Chief Executive Officer Melissa Afentoulis. This is the fourth IWD celebration for Women's Health West; previous events were held in association with other Western region local councils.

"All too often, the specific rights, needs and concerns of women are overlooked," Ms Afentoulis says. "Refugee rights, Indigenous rights, the right to live in peace and safety and good health - all these are women's rights. Our speakers and performers will explore these themes in ways that we hope will engage, challenge and entertain. The West is home to a fantastic diversity of women, and we think our IWD Lunch will have something for just about everyone."

"The City of Hobsons Bay is proud to support this event," says Cr Altair. "There is still such a need for women to work together and celebrate our achievements. This is also a great opportunity for women from around Hobsons Bay and across the region to meet in a relaxed atmosphere."

The first International Women's Day was celebrated in 1911 in Europe. Since then the day has become an international event, a focus for women around the world to campaign for their rights.

Entry is free, and everyone is welcome. This is an event for communities from across the Western region. The event will also feature performances by 'Dany' Sudanese women's dance group, and local school musicians. A range of health information, information on local peace network activities and vegetarian/non-vegetarian and Halal food will be available. The venue has wheelchair access.

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MEDIA CONTACT

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact our Chief Executive Officer Melissa Afentoulis or our Communications Officer on 9689 9588 or via email.