Reflecting on the long and challenging path to the women’s equality struggle, MCCSA CEO Helena Kyriazopoulos said women all over the world deserve an equal future free from stigma, stereotypes and violence.
In line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme #ChooseToChallenge, Helena said this is the time for us to challenge gender bias and inequality. She said attaining a sustainable future in which gender equality is the norm for all should be our priority. “In order for us to get there women must be part of all decision making for our future”.
This year the MCCSA hosted two radio events at 5EBI 103.1 FM. On Tuesday 9th and 23rd of March, both events talking about International Women’s Day from a CALD perspective.
On Tuesday 9th February MCCSA chairperson, Mrs. Miriam Cocking, was joined by Ms. Lily Michailov, President Russian Women’s Association of SA, and Chazia Chouhdry, Vice President Muslim Australian Connections of SA, at 5EBI 103.1 FM to share their perspective on the meaning and celebration of international women’s day and the importance of women’s leadership in achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.
Echoing women’s role in the society, all three women agreed that it was imperative that women were equally represented at every level. For example; female-led countries hadhandled the pandemic better.
Ms Chouhdry commented “Best examples have come from countries where at that top level women had been leading like New Zealand and some of the European countries. Those countries have being doing much better. They proved that it works”.
Ms Lily Michailov added, “Statistics tell us that during the pandemic lockdown the biggest number who suffered were single or older women. It is very wrong. Women’s voice and needs were not heard or listened to. Post Covid we should focus on women’s needs much more than ever before”.
MCCSA Chair Miriam Cocking thanked the guests and also joined in wishing Ms Lily Michailov a Happy Birthday.
