International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating women's social, economic, cultural and political achievements.
The day focuses on accelerating gender parity and is about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action. International Women's Day has been occurring for over a century – and continues to grow from strength to strength.
Frankston City Council is proud to celebrate IWD 2023 this year with community events and acknowledging the achievements of our staff and their work in gender equality that encompasses this year's theme from UN Women Australia "Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future".
Frankston City Council is hosting several events to celebrate International Women's Day. Find them at International Women's Day events 2023.
FrankTALK with author Caroline Beecham
Monday 6 March, 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Frankston Library
Bestselling author Caroline Beecham (‘Maggie’s Kitchen’, ‘Eleanor’s Secret’ and ‘Finding Eadie’) presents her fourth novel - a WWII story inspired by the real-life struggles and triumphs of Esther Simpson who helped rescue thousands of academic refugees from death and persecution, sixteen of which went on to become Nobel Prize winners. Bookings are essential.
Book your free ticket
IWD Keynote “Cracking the Code: The Power of Words” (AUSLAN Interpreted)
Wednesday 8 March, 4:15pm to 6pm at Frankston Arts Centre (Rotary Room)
Join us with special guest speaker Samantha Floreani who works at the intersection of human rights, technology, and feminism at civil society organisation – Digital Rights Watch on a keynote and discussion on inclusive language for a gender equal future with an esteemed panel of guests furthering gender equality:
- Ashleigh Streeter-Jones (Founder, Raise Our Voice Australia)
- Kit McMahon (CEO, Womens Health in the South East)
- Michael Hail (General Manager, The Men’s Project)
Book your free ticket
Please note: The Cracking the Code event on March 8th will be Auslan Interpreted. To reserve a seat in front of the Auslan interpreters please email disability@frankston.vic.gov.au
Youth Robotics & STEM Workshop
Thursday 9 March, 4pm – 7pm at Youth Central (60A Playne St, Frankston)
Youth Services is hosting a FREE Robotics Workshop for 12-24 year olds, so come along for a BBQ and build your own keypad-coding robot to take home!
Bookings are essential, please call or text Kellie on 0488 591 421.
Council Staff 2022 IWD Video #BreakTheBias
As part of Council's celebration of International Women's Day this year, female and non-binary staff were invited to share their stories of #BreakTheBias with experience in or overcoming prejudice and discrimination.
The purpose of this video is to recognise and document the diverse lived experiences of our incredible staff that never stop advocating for greater gender equality.
Men as Role Models pilot project
The Men as Role Models (MARM) is a new innovative mentoring pilot program that aims to:
- support and develop boys and men to be the best version of themselves.
- become leaders in respect and gender equality in their communities.
Participants (aged 15-24) will be paired with trained mentors in the community. Mentors will encourage behaviours and actions that promote a community of respect, community safety and connection.
Visit the Men as Role Models Mentoring Program page to learn more and sign up.
The Gender Equality Act 2020 was passed on 20 February 2020 with 2 key aims:
- to require the public sector, universities and local councils to take positive action towards achieving workplace gender equality.
- to promote gender equality in their policies, programs and services.
Frankston City Council, along with other defined entities under the Gender Equality Act 2020, are required to conduct a gender audit. The audit results inform a meaningful Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP), which is required to be submitted to the Commission for Gender Equality in the public sector.
The GEAP comprises the internally focused aspects of Gender Equality at Frankston City Council. There are additional initiatives to include gender equality into our policies, programs and services as they impact the community. This Action Plan details data and initiatives focused internally on the staff, culture and outcomes involved in working at Frankston City Council.
The Orange Door
First contact point for information and support about family violence in Frankston.
Men's Referral Service
Information for men at risk of using violence.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
Information and support for people who have experienced past recent assault.
Safe Steps
Information and support for women with disabilities experiencing family violence.
Victims of Crime
Information and support for male victims of violent crime.
Rainbow Door
Information and support for same-sex attracted and gender diverse people.
Djirra
Culturally safe family violence and legal advice for aboriginal communities.
Seniors Rights Victoria
Information and support for older people experiencing elder abuse.
InTouch
Information and support for women from migrant and refugee communities.
Whitelion
Information and support for young people aged 10–25 years.
Frankston Arts Centre presents: Kings of Pigs
The King of Pigs is an unflinching examination of masculinity, abuse, and power in the place we feel safest - our homes. From the mind of critically-acclaimed writer Steve Rodgers, comes this astonishing new play that boldly explores the issue of violence against women.
Youth Woodworking Event
Youth Services is hosted a free event for young people to celebrate International Women’s Day. In recognition of this year’s theme #BreakTheBias young learnt practical wood working tools and engaged in conversations about dismantling rigid gender roles.
Addressing Barriers to Employment with Jobs Advocates Victoria Advocate
Frankston Council’s Jobs Advocates team hosted a forum identifying the barriers to employment as well the strategic partnerships working to address them such as Groomed to Go.
Community Open Day at PARC Advocate
To celebrate IWD, PARC hosted a free community open day to all community members including health and fitness classes.
Change Our Game with Sharni Norder – International Women’s Day Event
Change Our Game ambassador Sharni Norder spoke of her experience of #BreakTheBias. Frankston Council’s Recreation Department also launched their new ‘Sporting Club Self-Assessment Tool’ to assist local clubs in becoming more gender inclusive.
Frankie’s Café #BreakTheBias Cookies
Frankston South Community Centre Café baked and distributed free #BreakTheBias cookies for various community groups to prompt discussions about inspirational women in their lives.
Frankston City Libraries Storytimes and Reading List
Frankston City Library Storytimes acknowledged International Women’s Day and the message of equity and inclusivity by hosting gender-equality themed story-time sessions for children on how we can all collectively #BreakTheBias for our future generations.
Download Frankston Libraries International Women’s Day readings list(PDF, 345KB).