Kiama’s International Women’s Day celebrations this year will not be the traditional ‘sit quietly and listen to speakers’ event.

Instead, this year’s format is more interactive – planned as an expressive festival of ideas, with hands-on workshops and performances from musicians. All will be speaking to the theme #BreakTheBias and describing a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

The new format for the day was conceived by a collective of local women who brought the idea to Council’s Jane Stroud at her ‘Meet the CEO’ series of picnics in late 2021.

Eva Loxley, spokesperson for the collective, says: “A group of us felt strongly that Kiama should mark International Women’s Day by including all the diverse communities we have here within Kiama.

“We reached out and it has been amazing to watch so many powerful and smart women from different backgrounds respond.

“With the support of Kiama Council, we feel this year’s International Women’s Day will be really special.”

Ms Stroud says the program looks “incredible”.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with such talented, skilled and really innovative local women.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it and want to thank them for all their hard work.”

Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma, who will host the event, says she is excited that organisers are assisting 20 students from Kiama High to attend the event free of charge, as well as offering free childcare and support for those with a disability to ensure there are no barriers to attendance.

“I’m thrilled to be participating in what will be an incredible afternoon listening to women leaders and their contributions to the wider community, as well as being able to share our own stories and experiences,” she says.

Speakers will include Maggie Dent, author, parenting and resilience educator; Assistant NSW Police Commissioner Stacey Maloney; Chelsea Pottinger, mindfulness coach; nurse/lecturer Kelly Marriott-Statham; fitness coach Maddie Constanzo; and Aboriginal Elder Aunty Munya Andrews.

There will also be workshop streams to choose from, including:

• Kt Harvey, a non-binary person with professional experience in health and wellbeing
• Michelle Springett who will help you create an artwork from the heart
• Louise Croker who will honour the anger in our lives
• Naomi Viret on sexual consent
• Anne-Marie Esler on financial independence.

The International Women’s Day program is designed for people over the age of 15 and has received support from the NSW Government through a Women’s Week Grant.

Tuesday March 8,

The Pavilion Kiama, 11.15-6pm. Tickets $59 inc catering.

View the program and buy tickets here.