Monday 23 April 2012 By Gabrielle Fee and Isabelle Flook, Year 11 Social Justice Reps, Genazzano FCJ College
INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day was first celebrated in Europe in 1911. The United Nations’ General Assembly saw the need to celebrate women on an International level; the need for active participation, equality and development of women and the need to acknowledge the contribution of women in strengthening international peace and security. International Women’s Day, held on Friday the 8 March, provides a common day for globally recognising and applauding women’s achievements, as well as for observing and highlighting gender inequalities and issues. Not just on IWD, but all year round, many organisations and individuals work tirelessly to support gender equality through a multitude of initiatives, causes and actions. It is an opportunity to unite, network and mobilise for meaningful change in treatment and attitudes towards women. Genazzano FCJ College took advantage of this opportunity and partook in a celebratory day. The college emphasises social justice in the wider community, and places an importance on the role of women in leading this social change. Through providing an education for women, the school community works towards ensuring a positive future for girls, and, through fundraising, helps provide a positive future for those in wider Australia as well as internationally. Genazzano held a breakfast in honour of the International Women’s Day. The breakfast was an initiative to raise money as well as raise awareness within our community. The funds raised from the morning’s breakfast were forwarded to the Sisters FCJ ministering to women in the Philippines and Indonesia. The Sisters FCJ work closely with the women in these communities and support them in making practical and meaningful changes that improve their lives by providing women with an education and the opportunity to earn their own living. Guest speaker Maggie Lynch spoke engagingly about the importance of inclusion of all people in society. Maggie Lynch works at Monash medical centre, where she offers support for refugees and new immigrants. Although her work involves providing different types of important support services such as translators, Maggie said that to the people she works with, her job is simply being ‘a friend for everyone.’ The successful breakfast was the result of the hard work of many people, both staff and students. The support the college received from local businesses who donated food and drink for the occasion was very much appreciated.
Photo supplied by Genazzano FCJ College