LOCAL women and Girl Guides united last week to prepare for the upcoming Gawler International Women’s Day Breakfast, painting ‘kindness rocks’ for the event.

International Women’s Day (IWD), on March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while calling for equality.

Gawler Zonta president Pam Young said this year’s theme ‘I choose to challenge’ raises awareness of financial equality.

“It is really about challenging the fact that we don’t have equal pay for women in this day and age, and in fact I think the young women still have to fight,” she said.

“In many sectors we don’t and it’s about challenging the norm. There is still gender bias.

“Due to COVID, this year feels more like a challenge.

“Our breakfast numbers are up on last year and we can’t wait to get together and to celebrate what it means to be a woman.”

Gawler Girl Guides painted kindness rocks last Tuesday to be used as table centrepieces at the breakfast.

Their leader, Sue Cruikshank, said it was crucial to have the girls involved in the international celebration.

“It is guiding the next generation of women,” she said.

“It is good for these young girls to go and hear the speakers and they are there the whole day working.

“They do their flags, give out the raffle, help serve and decorate.

“The rocks have been lovingly painted and people are able to purchase the rocks at the event by placing money in the donation box.”

Occupational therapist Joanne Robertson will guest speak at the event, and the Pleasin’ Choir will return for an inspiring vocal performance.

Event committee member Naomi Reschke said the IWD scholarship program had grown this year.

“We normally have three International Women’s Day awards for a female student from each of the secondary schools and now we have six,” she said.

Two students from Xavier, Trinity and Gawler will be announced on the day.

“There was a really generous donation as an outcome of last year’s event and a person has donated for another three scholarships.”

Mrs Reschke said more women were unemployed as a result of the pandemic.

“There are less advantages when it comes to childcare and homelessness and domestic violence are huge issues,” she said.

“When it comes to casual employment, women are the ones who miss out.

“The breakfast provides the opportunity to celebrate women of all ages and diversity.”

The event will take place on Friday, March 5 from 7.15am to 8.30am at Nixon’s Function Centre.

For all booking enquiries contact Maggi Gregory on (mgreg57@bigpond.net.au).