“When the Food For Thought Network (FFTN) was launched 15 years ago, I never imagined we would host such a large scale event on International Women’s Day, but I certainly hoped we would.”
When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful, – Malala Yousafzai
These were the enthused words of Varvara Ioannou, founder and president of the FFTN when she took to the stage to thank her esteemed speakers and guests at the Women Inspiring Women fundraiser event on Sunday 6 March.
“A woman’s voice can be as beautiful and powerful as any other quality; the challenge some of us face is finding the right platform to use that voice,” Mrs Ioannou continued.
“International Women’s Day has become that platform for many people across the world. This year’s global theme for International Women’s Day is ‘pledge for parity’.”
Framing the network’s goal locally and in real terms, the president referenced the Australian government’s workplace report on gender equality released in February, titled ‘Gender Equity Insights 2016: Inside Australia’s Gender Pay Gap’.
The report highlights that, among top-tier managers in Australian organisations, men are paid on average $100,000 more per year than women. It also showed a measurable link between increasing gender diversity on boards and lower pay gaps for managers.
“Now, it’s accepted the more inspired and educated decision makers we have in the work force and in communities, whether they are women or men, the greater the opportunity we have for parity,” Mrs Ioannou said.
“The FFTN aims to empower, support, connect and sponsor women – it’s a simple goal, but an important one; and that’s because women play an enormous role in inspiring one another.”
In partnership with the Manningham City Council, the FFTN team worked to provoke distinguished speakers and inspire women from all walks of life and backgrounds through the seamlessly-organised event.
With a panel consisting of Emeritus Professor and president of the Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs, who provided the keynote address, author, activist and chairperson of the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights Tasneem Chopra, Manningham Mayor Jennifer Yang, Seven Women’s organisation CEO Stephanie Woollard and gender equality advocate Maria Dimopoulos as MC, the discussion was a critical success culminating in 250 sold seats. The event had significant attendance, attracting audiences and community leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
“The FFTN has always welcomed both women and men as our partners, contributors and friends,” the president said, thanking the men in the room and adding that raising much-needed awareness about what prevents and assists women to succeed should be a combined effort.
All the speakers shared stories from their personal journeys of empowerment at both a professional and personal level. Stories of gender and ethnic background discrimination and fights for equal pay urged women to stand up for themselves and not compromise.
Meanwhile, event sponsoree Alexandra Douros, a remarkable 18-year-old student who in spite of being blind and suffering from cerebral palsy, received an ATAR of 92, gave a heartfelt and wise speech.
Miss Douros, who has also been awarded for her work as an artist, brought the audience to tears when she revealed her secret to success.
“When I start doing something, I don’t do it to prove a point. My method is that I don’t expect success,” she said.
“I also don’t expect the world to come to me and understand me. I try to become part of the world around me just like everyone else.”