I love International Women’s Day. It’s a chance to network with other women from all walks of life, to hear opinions from some of our sharpest minds and to honour the women who have paved the way for us. This year we were encouraged to embrace equity, which acknowledges the diversity of backgrounds and the starting points from whence we come, to consider how this can be adapted for each individual in order for them to be successful.
This year the day took on more significance for me as I have recently become a proud grandmother of a little girl. It made me reflect on the society that I want her to live in and the opportunities I hope she will have. We, as women, have come a very long way but there is still so far to go and this is why the day is so important. This year’s official theme was Cracking The Code: Innovation For A Gender Equal Future.
I was privileged to don my purple dress and attend the International Women’s Day Event in support of the Women’s Legal Service. As I looked around I saw women from all walks of life, of all ages and stages who were joining together to bond in harmony. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming to all. Yes, even to me, who I’d guess was the only Grandma in the room.
We gathered by the pool to sip non alcoholic gin cocktails, prosecco, mYmosa’s or coffee and tea at the beautiful and very central Hibiscus Room at the Hyatt Regency Brisbane. We received a delicious morning tea before our moderator, Joanne Fricker, introduced a wonderfully eclectic and diverse panel. We met the talented Delvene Cockatoo – Collins, who is an Indigenous artist whose work graces the walls of the hotel. Delvene is renowned around the world for her art and design. CEO of the Women’s Legal Service, Nadia Bromley, spoke passionately about helping women and her positive energy radiated through the room. Her advice was not that we “ smash the glass ceiling “ but rather “open the door”.
Podcaster, author and journalist, Phoebe Parsons, shared her remarkable success story filled with self deprecating humour. You can listen to Phoebe’s regular podcast – Confessions of a Train Wreck to hear her unique take on life in your 30’s. The lone male on the panel was Rohan Sawyer, CEO of Queensland Rugby League, who had championed the fact that the women of rugby league deserve the same wage as the men.
I met artists and bloggers, marketing managers, event organisers, make up artists, businesswomen, women from the IT industry and scientists. We could all share our stories, advice and networks in such a supportive environment. For writers, like me, who work at home alone, it is great to hear from others about the world that they are experiencing, their plans to expand their businesses and to give some advice about their own writing ventures. I hope I can show them that there can be a wonderful life to live in your 50’s and beyond, with endless opportunities if women support other women, as we do here at She Society.
I left feeling inspired and very hopeful for the future. International Women’s Day is not all about the cupcakes, although cupcakes can be very delicious. Talking to other women we all agreed it needs to be International Women’s Week rather than just a day. There is so much to talk about and so many ways to celebrate from fun runs to music concerts, soirées to panel discussions and yes, even lunch and high tea. So tell us about your International Women’s Day or the women who inspire you every single day. It’s important to celebrate the women who have contributed to our history and our global society to finally create true equity and equality.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
