HUNDREDS of residents in the Bendigo region have celebrated women's achievements and reflected on equality between the sexes in anticipation of International Women's Day on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At the Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services lunch at Bendigo TAFE on Friday, women of diverse cultural backgrounds met for encouragement and inspiration.
Community services such as the Bendigo Health Women's Mental Health service were at the event to reach out to women in need.
Bendigo Citizen of the Year Penny Davies gave the guest speech on the topic of "today's woman".
Dr Davies described life as a girl in 1950s Bendigo, her nursing training during the 1960s and the reforms that furthered women's rights during the 1970s.
She said fertility control, child care, free tertiary education and no fault divorce released women and men from their "inhibitions".
Dr Davies quoted a young woman who said to her: "I know what it is to suffer, I know how important help is, and I know what it is to heal."
"I believe that this is 'today's woman'. One who has faced adversity, has sought help and has found comfort and been restored," Dr Davies said.
"Women are great healers, great communicators and great members of any community.
"Let's continue to look out for each other and to show our community that today's woman is strong, caring and capable."
The Zonta Club held an event for 200 people on Tuesday at the All Seasons Conservatory and fashion designer Miranda Pereira gave the guest speech.
Ms Pereira talked about her passion to create local jobs and link isolated rural areas with the global market.
The Y Foundation held a breakfast on Friday at The Boardwalk, hosted by Bendigo Advertiser general manager Margot Falconer.
Food critic and journalist Wendy Hargreaves told guests about her transition from typewriters to cyberspace.