More than 220 people from across Australia gathered at the Cairns Convention Centre on Friday 7 March, for the annual Cape York Partnership International Women’s Day Luncheon. Bringing together a community to embrace this year’s theme – March Forward.
Guests arrived to see a stall featuring artwork from Djarragun College students and live music from Yirgjhilya. Henrietta Marrie, a Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elder, delivered the Welcome to Country, reminding everyone of the profound resilience of First Nations women. Trinity Clarke and Tahlia Burchill-O’Brien then delivered a stirring poetry performance around the power of traditional language.
The audience heard from Katie Kiss, the newly appointed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. Although she could not attend in person due to weather events in Brisbane, her powerful message carried weight and captivated the audience.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women continue to lead the way forward,” she said. “Their voices and actions inspire change driving us towards a more just and equitable future.”
Katie said despite the many contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women make to political, social and cultural they remain underrepresented in decision-making bodies.
As we march forward, we must ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s voices are not only heard but that they are placed at the table where decisions are made
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss
Cape York Partnership CEO Fiona Jose then took to the stage with a speech where she spoke urgently, challenging outdated narratives and demanding recognition for women’s leadership and strength.
“In the 21st century, women still battle social, political, legal and economic inequality... but let me be clear – our ability to nurture, lead and advocate fiercely for our families and communities is not a weakness,” she said. “It is our greatest strength. It is what has driven revolutions, built legacies and changed the world.”
Year 12 completion was also major talking points, as Fiona identified the gap in education for Cape York students and families.
“In Cape York, only 5% complete Year 12....but at CYP, we have a paved path,” she said. “Kids on our Cape York Leaders Program achieve a 94% Year 12 completion rate and Cape York Girl Academy and Djarragun College are achieving completion rates higher than the national average."
If we can close the gap on Year 12 completion, we will close the gap on employment, income and health
CYP CEO Fiona Jose
Fiona then introduced a Cape York Partnership-produced video featuring influential and powerful women from around Australia. The video included interviews from Tanya Hosch, Elizabeth Broderick, Lisa Sarago, Ann Sherry AO, Jody Currie, Angelica Veness, Audrey Deemal, Suzanne Andrews, Marijke Bassani and Jacinta Reddan. The video gathered the thoughts, hopes and dreams of these trailblazing women who are shaping a stronger, more inclusive future.
AFL’s Executive General Manger Inclusion & Social Policy Tanya Hosch said what motivates her to keep marching forward is that she cannot tolerate injustice.
“I just don’t want to give up that easy and if not for me, for the person that’s next to me, the person coming after me and in honour of the women that did it before me.”
QUT Chancellor Ann Sherry AO talked to urgent promises around women that need to be fulfilled, including addressing domestic violence.
“We’ve got to focus on the causes and address domestic violence – it is an epidemic and so many women are being killed. We seem to not have a coherent solution that protects women and children and that deals with perpetrators of domestic violence... we’ve been talking about it for decades and it is getting worse not better.”
Guests were presented with an art block memento featuring the creative work of Djarragun College student, Solace Barnaby, who is currently a school-based trainee with Cape York Partnership as part of School to Jobs. The artwork, which featured throughout the event, represented the unity and strength of First Nations women and girls as they march forward together empowered by their connections to each other and Country.
This year’s luncheon served as a marker along the journey towards equality. The conversations sparked will not doubt ripple out into communities, boardrooms, classrooms and homes to ensure that the momentum from the event continues, marching forward.
SEE THE FULL EVENT GALLERY HERE
