Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) hosted a variety of local organisations and services that assist women for the day, along with a diverse panel of female speakers, and an audience of 130 school students. 

The event focused on the theme ‘Success ... Like a Girl’, which sparked insightful discussion among the five panellists. 

Councillor Monica Morse led the discussion by posing scenarios and calling on Laura Cole, Irene Hancock, Shona Kennedy, Gerarda Mader and Sue Rose to offer practical responses. 

Many of panellists drew on their own life experiences at work and within their families, in formulating their responses.

The discussion panel touched on topics including whether women should take self-defence classes, if women find it harder to get jobs in business, how women should negotiate a salary, the portrayal of women in media and if women need to be conscious of wearing make-up and being thin. 

One topic that really got the panellists talking was whether women can really have it all.

“There is nothing wrong with going back to work,” Ms Hancock said. “You can do it, but I do feel it is important for a baby, and a mother, to have the first 12 months at home, if you can do it, to bond.”

Ms Mader added: “Often there are two parents in a family, and men can parent as well.”

Women were also encouraged to pursue further education if they feel they missed out on those opportunities before starting a family.

International Women’s Day celebrations will continue throughout the week, with several community groups and organisations also holding events.