Bunbury MLA Don Punch is preparing to host a morning tea on International Women's Day featuring a panel discussion with female leaders from the South West community.
“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to put the focus on women and to celebrate the female leaders in our community,” he said.
“It is also an opportunity to highlight areas where we need to do better to ensure we have a truly inclusive and equitable society.”
Panel moderator for the day Shauna Willis said it was fantastic Mr Punch was approaching the subject and bringing women together.
“From my point of view I think it’s so important for women to acknowledge each others different circumstances, our different abilities and to understand that there really should not be any obstacles in the way if we wish to succeed,” she said.
“It’s very much about women coming together, patting each other on the back and really celebrating that the world is a changing place, lets embrace it and strive forward.”
Mr Punch thanked the South West Women’s Health and Information Centre for its support of the booked out event and for their advice in ensuring it would make a valuable contribution to the discussion about issues of importance to women.
Panelist Erin Van Noort said it was important to take time to recognise achievements and that women have access to skills and opportunities equally
“It’s just good to have a collection of perspectives and that it’s about opportunities for everybody,” she said.
City of Bunbury councillor Karen Steele said she was looking forward to the day.
“Being a mum on council I want people to know that it can be done and you shouldn’t have any walls up to stop you from doing things,” she said.