Thursday, 9 March 2023

International Women’s Day

Lily D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park – Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (09:43): I rise to commemorate the women in my electorate of Mill Park for International Women’s Day. I was delighted to host a group of young women for yesterday’s celebrations in Parliament, and I was proud of the passion and insight they demonstrated through their personal stories. Thank you to the outstanding students and teachers at Al Siraat College, Epping Secondary College, Marymede Catholic College, Mill Park Secondary College and the Lakes South Morang College for joining me for tea.

We discussed this government’s unapologetic agenda for gender equality. Whether it is free kinder, women’s health investment or our groundbreaking royal commissions into mental health and family violence, the women of my electorate know that this government champions their rights and the fight for gender equality. Thank you to these amazing young women for sharing what is important for them on International Women’s Day and their personal experiences with gender equality. We heard that some were passionate about their STEM subjects but were the only girls in their chemistry class, as well as about girls not being treated equally or respected when they were passionate about playing sport, with harmful stereotypes still being perpetuated on the soccer pitch. I was particularly touched by a student who told me that she joined her school’s leadership team because she felt different from her peers in the schoolyard. This amazing young woman wanted to make sure that younger women who looked like her would be inspired to be a leader and not feel alone. I am exceptionally proud to be their local member, and I cannot wait to see where these young leaders go. Additionally, I want to thank Jamuna and Jesni from the Whittlesea Malayalee Association for joining me at Parliament’s celebration. I thank the Speaker for hosting such a wonderful event.