Queen Victoria Women’s Centre shines the spotlight on International Women’s Day

To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC) will host a month-long program of engaging events and activities to bring women* and gender diverse people together.

While IWD serves as an important reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and calls for action to eradicate gender-based discrimination, it is also a day to celebrate the women who have committed themselves to amplifying marginalised voices and creating a more inclusive society.

In an exciting line-up of experts at QVWC on March 4, the community will be able to hear from a panel of leading women to discuss this year’s United Nations IWD theme, Invest in Women.

Renowned journalist Wendy Tuohy will guide the discussion as the panel, consisting of Emma Dawson (Per Capita), Wil Stracke (Victorian Trades Hall Council), Nadia Mattiazzo (Women with Disabilities Victoria), and Jenny Davidson (Council of Single Mothers and their Children), explores the economic benefits of investing in women and what needs to change to achieve economic equality.

Individuals are also invited to participate in a banner-making workshop at QVWC on March 6 in preparation for the IWD Rally on March 7, hosting a safe and inclusive space for women to gather, talk and make new friends.

Additionally, artist Camila Paz will be at QVWC on March 9 to host a two-hour painting workshop for participants to paint their own feminist icons and heroes.

“The QVWC will be a hub of activity as it celebrates IWD this year,” QVWC Trust chair, Jennifer Kanis said.

“It’s always such a busy week, but if you can’t get to any of our events, then just drop in - who knows who you will bump into?”

Positioned in the heart of the CBD, the QVWC was established as part of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust Act 1994, passed by the Victorian Parliament.

An iconic Melbourne landmark, the QVWC was built in 1848 as the original Melbourne Hospital before becoming the Queen Victoria Hospital in 1946 – one of only three hospitals in the world founded, managed, and staffed by women. •

*Women always includes trans and gender diverse women and sistergirls. 

For details: www.qvwc.org.au