Beerwah QCWA celebrates women in community
By Sonia Isaacs
AROUND 50 women gathered at the Beerwah Meeting Place last Friday, March 8, to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD). Hosted by Beerwah QCWA, the event provided a wonderful opportunity for local women to connect, be inspired, and celebrate the collective strength and unity of women in the community.
Aligned with the UN theme for International Women’s Day 2024, ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress,’ the morning featured discussions and three special guest speakers who incorporated the 2024 theme into their talks.
QCWA Beerwah Branch President, Debbie Ives, expressed her delight at seeing so many local women coming together to celebrate IWD. “It’s a lovely opportunity to make connections with other women in our community and celebrate IWD together while also finding out more about the Beerwah QCWA and getting to know our branch members,” she said.
Guest speaker Natasha Odgers emphasised the need to acknowledge the multitude of roles that women play. “This event is a lovely opportunity to celebrate women and bring our community together in an inspiring and empowering morning where we can share our stories,” Ms Odgers said.
The morning featured a sumptuous breakfast inspired by QCWA country kitchen recipes. Three guest speakers, Dr. Sarah Casey, Natasha Odgers, and Caron Groth, delivered interesting and inspiring presentations that explored aspects of the IWD 2024 theme: the importance of investing in women to accelerate progress.
Dr Sarah Casey, Senior Lecturer and Program Coordinator (Communication) at the University of the Sunshine Coast, delved into rural women’s experiences living in long-term drought in rural communities. She discussed projects undertaken by these women to boost resilience and economic capacity in challenging circumstances.
Community development practitioner Natasha Odgers delivered an insightful and powerful presentation, encouraging the sharing of women’s stories and celebrating the empowering capacity that community development practice offers, especially for women.
Caron Groth, a QCWA Beerwah member, concluded the event by discussing her active contribution to the QCWA’s State-wide advocacy project, ‘Finding Better Ways.’ The project focuses on researching why women are aging into poverty and homelessness, examining policies and practices in areas of women’s employment, finances, education, and healthcare provision that contribute to this outcome.