ECU Supports University Women
Monday, 15 March 2010
On Monday 8 March 2010, several female staff from the Faculty of Business and Law had the pleasure of attending the International Women’s Day UNIFEM breakfast, held at the Hyatt Regency, Perth.
The Faculty of Business and Law sponsored two corporate tables, organised by Professor Beth Walker and Dr Margaret Giles, President of the Australian Federation of University Women (AFUWWA).
With over 550 people in attendance, the event supported women in Indonesia, who were the main focus of the fundraising conducted.
Although an event projected for woman, the event was also attended by the Hon Stephen Smith, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Hon Robyn McSweeney MLC, Minister for Women’s Interests.
During the breakfast, a message from Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia, was read aloud, as well as a video welcome from Nicole Kidman as UNIFEM ambassador.
The first guest speaker was Elizabeth Shaw, an inspiring Citizen of the Year (2009), who is also the UNIFEM youth organizer in WA. Elizabeth spoke about her visit to the UN last year and the impact that it has had on both her personal and professional pursuits.
The International speaker was Dr Hamidah Marican of the Sisters in Islam, who received a standing ovation after her speech addressing the problems faced by Muslim women in Malaysia, as well as their fight for equality and voice. Hamidah relayed some of the personal issues she faced for speaking up against fundamental religious groups and the Malaysian Government.
For more information on UNIFEM, please visit www.unifem.org.au, or to enquire into the AFUWWA, contact m.giles@ecu.edu.au.