US Consul General visit to celebrate IWD2024

International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated by the Development in the Tropics team in collaboration with TropWater and Regional Development Australia by hosting an international panel featuring a high-profile panel of women leaders.

Event MC and speaker, Professor Hurriyet Babacan expertly led a brief presentation followed by a panel Q&A session. On the panel were

• Christine Elder (Consul General of the US Consulate in Sydney, responsible for representing the United States in New South Wales and Queensland)
• Dr Katie Chartrand (Senior Research Scientist with TropWater)
• Destiny Dewis (a proud Aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander woman and financial educator)
• Kate Fern (born and bred Cairns local and business Principal of Power House Property a completely owned and run female agency)
• Commander Nicole Tesoniero (US Coast Guard Commander of the USCG Harriet Lane)
• U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Amanda Ramassini, U.S. Coast Guard Attache for the U.S. Embassy Defense Attache office in Canberra

Professor Babacan highlighted “While women have made many gains towards equality, we still have a long way to go, and our work is not done yet.”  Recent data in Australia and overseas demonstrate that women have not achieved gender parity in many critical areas such as health, education, employment, decision making and financial security.  Which is why gender equity is still a goal of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  While we celebrate the achievements of many wonderful women during IWD, there is still a need to continue to make women count and advocate for investment in addressing the systemic barriers that women face.

Women still experience; 

• In March the gender pay gap data was released of 5000 companies. Australia’s total remuneration average gender pay gap is 21.7%. For every $1 on average a man makes, women earn 78c.
• Women still do most of the caring and domestic work (up to 10-15 hour more each week)
• Women face greater financial vulnerabilities
• Experience discrimination on the basis of gender
• Experience gender-based violence (1 in 4 women (27%) has experienced partner violence or abuse (ABS, 2023)
• Political representation (<30% in local government, ~45% in parliament)
• Less represented in decision making roles such as boards

Hurriyet reflected on the sobering statics said it was important to remember the words of Shirley Chisholm, first African American woman to be elected to the United States Congress in 1968 who said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair.”

Exceeding all expectations, over 70 people attended the event including a group of female students from Newman College and their teachers. Much of the discussions and questions at the event focused on how everyone can encourage inclusion and how important men are to promoting and supporting females. The role of intergenerational role models and support was also discussed, with Destiny Dewis especially emphasizing the lessons and leadership she has received from previous generations of female family members. Jen McHugh and Katie Chartrand the lead organisers felt that the event provided an opportunity to reflect not only on the challenges faced but the achievements to date.

Feedback we have received about the event and speakers has been incredibly positive and very complimentary with one seasoned guest going as far as to say, “It's the best Women’s Day event I have ever attended.”