There are many ways you can get celebrate International Women’s Day in our local community this year. Take a look at some events you can get involved with below.
Banyule
One Name at a Time: the past, present and future of Heidelberg’s Busy Bee Signature Quilt
Old Heidelberg Courthouse
2pm-5pm Sunday 28 March
Cost: $5 adults, children under 16 and members free
In 2018, the Heidelberg Historical Society received by donation a Signature Quilt that was created in 1895-96 by the Busy Bees, a group of eight women who were members of the congregation of Heidelberg’s Scots Church. Their names are embroidered in the corners of the quilt's large central square (above).
The quilt's past involved contributions by about 150 people from many parts of Melbourne and a lengthy sojourn in New Zealand. Its present includes listing with the National Quilt Register and commendation at the Victorian Community History Awards. Its future requires ongoing research into the 139 names that are legible on the squares, plus careful preservation by the Society.
An exhibition about the quilt is open for viewing from 2 pm to 5 pm. At 3pm a talk by Margaret Birtley will share insights gained from studying the quilt and its people, one name at a time. Throughout the afternoon, the Banksia Lace Group will demonstrate how the quilt's lace insertions were crafted.
View the quilt online here.
More details and bookings here.
Nillumbik
Equality Has No Gender
Webinar online
10am-11.30am Tuesday 9 March
Cost: free
Join us in unpacking and understanding the current social norms and expectations while exploring the effects narrow thinking has on individual and community potential.
Anita Thomas, Gender Equality Specialist, along with other healthAbility staff, look forward to facilitating this thought-provoking interactive discussion.
More details and bookings here.
Whittlesea
Women in Leadership: achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world
Webinar online
11am-12pm 11 March
Cost: free
This year, the City of Whittlesea marks International Women’s Day with an online panel discussion to explore the 2021 theme. With a welcome by our chair, Lydia Wilson, and facilitated by our expert partner, Sandra Morris from Women’s Health in the North, we will hear from a selection of local female leaders – women who, officially or unofficially took up the challenge to support their community through Covid 19 and beyond.
Join us to acknowledge and be inspired by their efforts and reflect on lessons for a more gender-equal world.
More details and bookings here.
Keep an eye on our blog and social media pages for more International Women's Day celebrations from Monday 8 March.