Northern Institute marks 10 years celebrating International Women’s Day

Inspirational Territory women will share stories of overcoming the odds when they gather for the Northern Institute’s International Women’s Day (IWD) event at Casuarina campus on 6 March.

Featuring a diverse panel of guest speakers, this year’s event also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Northern Institute’s International Women’s Day annual event.

Those attending can expect to hear from prominent Territory women, including Co-Chair of the National Indigenous Co-design Group and CEO of Aboriginal Broadcasting Australia Dr Donna Odegard AM, the first female member of the Northern Territory Bar Sally Gearin and NT Local Hero nominee Helen Summers.

Director of the Northern Institute and Dean of the College of Indigenous Futures, Arts and Society, Professor Ruth Wallace said the theme for this year’s IWD is Each for Equal, which aims to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, and celebrate women's achievements.

“We want to inspire our community through the stories of women who have overcome the odds and paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps,” Professor Wallace said.

“Women are continuously breaking new ground and it is important for our students and the community at large to know that women can achieve anything they put their minds to.

“I encourage anyone interested to come along and join us in celebrating International Women’s Day. And don’t forget to wear purple to show your support.”

Other features of the event include a special performance from Australian songbird Melanie Gray, while the NT Education Union Women’s Action Committee will also be in attendance to answer questions about matters affecting women in higher education.

The Northern Institute International Women’s Day event is open to the public and will be held on Friday 6 March from 4.30pm to 6pm in the Mal Nairn Foyer at Casuarina campus. This year the traditional gold coin entry donation will go to WWF’s Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund to care for wildlife injured in recent bushfires around Australia.