In 2005, Vicki Tiegs had never heard of International Women's Day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Now, the Ilawarra celebreations she organises are an institution.
"When Judith [Henderson] told me about it I thought, 'why do I not know about this,' and that was the impetus to organise the first event," she said.
Held in 2006, the first International Women's Day Illawarra Committee hosted 120 people at a dinner event.
Read more: UOW virtual graduation flop
Now, their dinners attract a crowd of more than 800 people.
They have raised over $420,000 for local organisations that support women, and award annual scholarships for a range of women who are kicking big goals.
"After the first couple of years I knew it would grow," Vicki said.
"You never can predict, but you hope. We have always had an amazing committee of women to help create it, and we're thrilled."
The recipients of this years' scholarships were announced at a special event on Friday.
Vicki said after the presentation that the scholarships weren't just about a financial endowment: "We heard some stories today that were confronting, and if we can help women who have had those experiences to believe they can keep going forward, how good is that?"
This year's celebrations come in the shadow of allegations of rape and sexual misconduct in Australian Parliament. Vicki said it was an example of how far there still is to go to achiever equality.
"We're hearing horrific stuff coming out of government offices and that has got to change," she said.
"Men have to be part of the conversation. We will never achieve equality unless we have all genders involved."
The annual dinner has been postponed to May, in the hopes that COVID-19 restrictions will have eased enough by then to allow the usual large gathering.
This year's theme is #choosetochallenge, and calls on all people to speak up when confronted with inequite, and challenge stereotypes.
To meet this year's scholarship recipients, see Monday's Illawarra Mercury print or web edition.
Got a news tip? Email us at COS@IllawarraMercury.com.au
