Women’s International Day Celebration 2017 – An update from NZFMC-WC

On the 8th of March the world celebrated Women’s International Day. The theme for this year is “Women in the changing world of work: Planet 50-50 by 2030”. The New Zealand focus for 2017 is “Violence against Women: An Equality and Human Rights Violation”.
In Wellington at the official breakfast celebration in Parliament, guest speakers included the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Paula Bennett and the Governor-General, Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy.  Guests enjoyed the “Peace Walk” and performances from Multicultural Council of Wellington and Voice Arts.
Lonie Martin and Anita Mansell, attended the Women’s International Day at Palmerston North, organised by “REACT” (Rangiwahia Environmental Arts Centre Trust), and proudly accepted to be the guest speaker for the day, representing NZFMC Women’s Council. Lonie and Mansell joined the parade from Te Manawa Museum to the Te Marae O Hine in the Square,. A highlight of the day was working together for a special project called “Big Girls”. The diversity and unity of women were perfect for the day.
The celebration ended with a big lunch and dancing at the Marae Square.
“Great news - invitation for 2018 Women’s International Day Celebration to be hosted by the NZFMC Womens Council is in the pipeline”, says Lonie Martin, President of NZFMC Women’s Council.