It gives us great pleasure to welcome you to the 2020 International Womens Day breakfast organised by Rotary District 9800.
International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements while calling for greater gender equality. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The theme for the breakfast this year is ‘A Seat at the table’.
The Macmillan dictionary provides this explanation for this theme…a position as a member of a group that makes decisions. So, I guess it’s about participation and making decisions. But it’s not that simple, it never is.
Rotary and District 9800 recently established a Diversity Equity and Inclusion policy. Our District has an active committee working towards the development of this ideal. We welcome all new members and I encourage you to speak to one of our Rotarians and at the stand here today.
The Women In Rotary group have been active for many years in our Rotary District and across the world. In particular Kerry Kornhauser has been an inspiration to us all in coordinating this breakfast since its inception, and the role of women in Rotary. I congratulate Kerry and the committee for once again organising this wonderful event.
I would also like to acknowledge all the event sponsors especially Clarke and Company Chartered Accountants who have been a long-time supporter and valued partner of the IWD breakfast.
Previous discussions at each breakfast have covered a broad range of topics and attendees have left informed, inspired and entertained. This breakfast will be no different with a fantastic MC, Moderator and panel.
I know you will have great time this morning but it is what happens every day that is important. We all have the power to make change, and together as equals this can be realised.
Grant and Melissa Hocking
Grant Hocking ASM
District Governor
District 9800