Each year, the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) is an opportunity to highlight the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and this will be evident on Thursday 8 March, at a special gala dinner that will take place at the Manningham Function Centre.

Organised by the Manningham City Council and the Food for Thought Network (FFTN), the event will feature Nova Peris OAM as a keynote speaker.

Ms Peris is Australia’s first indigenous woman to become a federal MP, and is also the holder of two other records: being the first Aboriginal Australian and Northern Territorian to win an Olympic medal, and also one of the few athletes around the world to have represented their country in two different sports – hockey and athletics – at Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

“Nova Peris is not only an inspiring role model to indigenous women but women everywhere,” said Varvara Ioannou, CEO of the FFTN, which promotes awareness about the barriers and enablers to women’s development.

“We’re proud to partner with Manningham Council on this event.”

The gala dinner, which will raise funds for the FFTN will feature another prominent Australian, Jo Pearson, who will serve as MC.

Ms Pearson is one of Australia’s leading media identities, widely known for her work as a senior prime time television newsreader, journalist, producer and reporter for nearly 20 years across Australia and the United States.

This year’s theme is ‘Press for Progress’ and it is a strong call-to-action to unite the community, press forward and progress gender parity.

“It’s also a chance for our community to acknowledge the remarkable contribution of women across business, social, education and political spheres of our society,” Manningham Council Mayor Cr Andrew Conlon said, adding that the day belongs to both women and men.

“Everyone can play a purposeful part in pressing for gender parity.”

The auspicious IWD event includes a sit-down two-course dinner and beverages on Thursday 8 March at the Manningham Function Centre (699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, VIC) at 7.00 pm.

For more information and bookings, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/international-womens-day