International Women's Day #BreakTheBias

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are connecting with Women Illawarra to #giveback and join the conversation around this years IWD theme #BreakTheBias.

As we celebrate the many achievements of women around the world, International Women’s Day marks a day of honouring the commitments, dedication and actions of women that choose to stand for equality. A chance to reflect on the progress and continue to pave the way forward for future generations.

This years theme asks you to imagine a gender equal world, a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality and collectively #BreakTheBias

Easy Agile’s goal this International Women's Day is to raise awareness and funds for Women Illawarra.

Women Illawarra is a not-for-profit community organisation that supports women and children who are experiencing domestic violence, marginalisation, social isolation and discrimination. Their vision is a world where all women feel safe, valued, respected and have a sense of belonging through empowering women and children in the Illawarra.

“In March 1979 women took to the streets to voice the chants of the women’s movement in the first International Women’s Day march and rally in Wollongong. It was a time of feminist activism all over the world and in Wollongong a network of women’s groups and organisations came together to organise the march.

The combined Miners Women’s Auxiliary, the International Women’s Day Committee, The Union of Australian Women, the Wollongong Working Women’s Group Charter Committee, The Women’s abortion action campaign, The Illawarra non-sexist resources committee, The Feminist Street theatre Group and the Wollongong Women’s Collective.

The march inspired these groups to continue to work together to lobby for funding to establish the Wollongong Women’s Centre (now Women Illawarra) in November 1979.“

They provide support through information, referrals, resources, support groups, community health and court support. Women Illawarra relies on Funding Bodies and the generosity of the community to undertake their work.

“Women Illawarra have been at the forefront of addressing the bias experienced by women across political, social, health and economic platforms for over 40 years and we continue to be committed to breaking the bias that are still being experienced in 2022.

In line with our Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026, our mission is to empower women and children in the Illawarra through excellence in service provision, high levels of community connectedness and becoming a best practice employer of women.” - Michelle Glasgow, General Manager Women Illawarra.

A donation to Women Illawarra allows the community to fund the support of a range of domestic and family violence support services for women, including information, referral, resources, support groups, community health and court support.

Donations also help fund their community programs such as:

• Positive Relationships: 8-week educational program run during school terms which explore all aspects of domestic and family violence
• Me; Beyond DV: 8-week program for women on the path to healing and recovery
• Circle of Security: 8-week parenting program for women caring for children between the ages 0-12

These are only a few of the community programs they run. A donation to Women Illawarra goes a long way in creating a strong future for Women. Committed to doing our part to alleviate bias, stereotypes and discrimination against all those affected by domestic violence.

“Women Illawarra recognizes and promotes the immeasurable value of the contributions of women to work, schools, homes and communities everywhere and we are committed to creating opportunities that support women to be leaders in our community, our state and indeed our nation.

On IWD 2022, Women Illawarra continues the work our founding sisters started in March 1979, the march for equality is ongoing and we are proud to lend our collective voice to this mission #breakthebias”

Join us! We are calling out our Illawarra Community to stand as one voice, we are asking you to show us your best dance moves and strike the #BreakTheBias pose! We will compile all the videos and our goal is to reach 2,000 views to match our $2,000 donation.

How will you #BreakTheBias this International Woman’s Day?