The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) celebrated International Women’s Day this with an event held at Olympic Hall on Wednesday, 8 March.
In honour of this year’s theme #EmbraceEquity two guest speakers shared their stories and knowledge on gender equity and the struggle that is still in progress.
Leading the conversation were Irene Pnevmatikos, Member of the Legislative Council, representing the Hon Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs.
“In South Australia, as it is everywhere, gender inequality is the key driver of disadvantage for women,” Ms Pnevmatikos said.
“Recent statistics show that overall, 70 per cent of part-time jobs were held by women, and they are twice as likely to be engaged in insecure work than their male counterparts,” she said, stressing that the main issue concerning gender inequality is the gender pay gap.
“Closing the gender pay gap requires systemic and cultural change. Our government has established the South Australian Gender Pay Gap Taskforce, which brings experts from across government, non-government, business and industries to provide expert advice to our government on how to address the issue,” she concluded.
On a similar note, the Community’s General Secretary, Smaro Skordas took to the podium to highlight the need to “start with the education, liberation and empowerment of our girls” expressing her gratitude that out of the 15 GOCSA Administrative Council members, eight are women.
Chair of the South Australian Multicultural Commission Adriana Christopoulos also praised the community in bringing balance in representation stating that “achieving outcomes of equity has included equal parts of education, equal parts of opportunity, equal parts of courage and equal parts of hard work. Even though progress has been made, more is needed.”
Next up on stage was Adelaide-based journalist and former Chief Editor of the Greek Herald newspaper Argyro Vourdoumpa who started her career in Greece before migrating to Southeast Asia ahead of settling in Australia.
“Women with a disability, culturally diverse women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 32 times more likely to be admitted to the hospital due to domestic violence,” she said drawing on her experiences. At the same time, Ms Vourdoumpa praised Australian women of Greek heritage, saying that “we, are incredibly resilient and resourceful, and we have proven this many times.”
“But we need support across sectors to achieve our potential in Australia,” she said.
Finally, GOCSA acknowledged two of its female volunteers for their invaluable contribution towards the Community with a special award.
The recipients, Georgina Vlachos, former Chair of the Saint Constantine and Helen Women’s Fellowship and Mrs Panagiota Stamatopoulos, a long serving volunteer.
Amongst the official guests who attended the International Women’s Day function were, the Hon Nicola Centofanti MLC, Ms Olivia Savvas MP, Member for Newland, the Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt Ms Angela Evans, the Mayor of the City of West Torrens Mr Michael Coxon, Councillor Mary Couros from the City of Adelaide, and West Torrens Councillor Zoi Papafilopoulos.
The event was MC’d by Anastasia Mavrides, Administrative Council Member and Assistant Co-ordinator of the GOCSA Dance Academy.
The event drew to a close with a musical performance from Dr Demeter Tsounis and Meraki Ensemble.
