To celebrate the International Women’s Day, women from various walks of life joined together and shared their heartfelt views at a panel discussion in Melbourne.
Speaking on topic ‘the reality of women’s empowerment and vital role men play’, speakers talked about the challenges women are facing in the society and at work places in Australia.
Batul Gulani, founder of a charity, AMAFHH Federations, told SBS Urdu that women’s empowerment is not just a word with a meaning, it is a process.
“If I have self-confidence then I can support others. So first I try to understand myself then I can help empower other people.
“Women empowerment is self-determination.”
“We have been organizing this event for the last five years. The topic of this year’s event was inspired by balance and harmony between the genders” she further added.
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Mr Chin Tan, Race Discrimination Minister with the Australian Human Rights Commission addressed the attendees.
“Tonight’s celebration is about international women’s day…and the process of becoming more learned and being able to appreciate and understand the issues involved” said Mr Tan.
Joseph Camilleri, a Professor at the La Trobe University told the attendees that a great deal more is required for gender equality.
“There are very few women in leadership roles. Across the society in Australia, we have much to do to give women the opportunities they need to have” said Mr Camilleri.
“I think the issue is much deeper than that. When we say equality we need to ask what kind of equality?
“Elevating women, which ought to be done, must not be done by the way of inculcating the worst values of masculinity.”
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“It is vital for both women and men to recognise their strengths and weaknesses and how they can complement each other” said Ms Abedi.
“With knowledge of this complementary relationship they should then collaborate in an interdependent manner and bring about true change which is focused on equity and justice.” she further added.
The panelists included Rosaria Zarro (Victorian Multicultural Commissioner), Barbara Matheson (psychotherapist), Mehreen Fatima (Medial Health Educator), Nasrin Parsian (lecturer) and Dr Sabitra Kaphle (academic, researcher and social advocate).
Other participants shared the importance of women empowerment in religion.
Panel Discussion at Melbourne Organised by AMAFHH Federation on International Women's Day 2019 Source: Facebook
Jasbir Singh Suropada Chairperson Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria shared his views on how the Sikh religion promotes women equality and what the scriptures teach, while Maulana Abul Qasim Rizvi shared his thoughts on the role of Islam to empower women.
“You cannot imagine the world with women. Because she is a mother, sister, wife and daughter,” said Mr Rizvi.
“Acknowledgement is the most important thing, which is missing in our culture, in our tradition" Mrs Gulani remarked at the end of the session.
"I was fortunate enough that I was surrounded by so many males which supported me, I am really lucky and blessed” said Mrs Gulani.
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