Embracing Equity in schools and workplaces during the month of March.
March 31, 2023

During the month of March, members of the CDF community gathered at various events to celebrate International Women’s Day, a day that raises awareness and recognises achievements of women across the globe. 


The first International Womens Day gathering was recorded in 1911 and supported by over one million people. Today International Women’s Day is acknowledged in many ways and belongs to us all. 


The global theme of ‘Embracing Equity’ highlights the role that bold, transformative ideas, inclusive systems and accessible education can play in combatting discrimination and the marginalization of women. 


Here's how our various CDF clients, including our head office team, acknowledged the international day:


De La Salle College hosted an event for 65 staff and student leaders featuring Dr Ashleigh Spittle, a young female doctor currently working in Darwin Hospital and pursuing a career in the male dominated world of surgery. She shared highlights and learnings from her career journey and work experiences, along with insights into the medical world. 


At Genazzno College, over 220 students, mothers and teachers packed in the college’s Centenary Hall to listen to guest speaker and alumna, Isabelle Zupan who graduated Dux in 2017. Now a doctor, she spoke powerfully of her experience being a young woman training to practice medicine. She reflected on the importance of resilience and how to pick oneself up following setbacks and failures. The morning breakfast raised over $1200 for the Sisters at Faithful Companions of Jesus working with women in Manila.


Left: De La Salle College students listen to guest speaker Dr. Ashleigh Spittle.

Right: Genazzo College morning breakfast, featuring 2017 Dux, Isabelle Zupan.

The global theme of ‘Embracing Equity’ highlights the role that bold, transformative ideas, inclusive systems and accessible education can play in combatting discrimination and the marginalization of women.

Loreto Mandeville Hall welcomed Aaumna Alexandra Saundry, 2010 school captain, as guest speaker for their annual International Womens Day breakfast. Alexandra spoke of her experience as a former AFLW player and her sports management business, More Than Management, where she represents more than 80 female and gender-diverse athletes. Regarded as one of the leading women in Australian sport, she advocates for female and gender diverse athletes to receive the same opportunities as their male counterparts.


An International Women’s Day breakfast at Killester College, in partnership with The City of Greater Dandenong, was opened by Elder, Murrundindi, and his granddaughters, current Killester students, Ava, Grace and Matilda leading the Acknowledgement of the Traditional Owners and Welcome to Country. Killester alumni and keynote speaker, Jackie Nugara, shared her experience of complex trauma at an early age growing up with extreme domestic violence. Through her own journey of healing, and in her many years as a therapist, Jackie‘s message is one of hope and healing that despite adversity and obstacles you can still succeed. The breakfast raised $1535 for the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Program.


Loreto Mandeville Hall students enjoying their annual International Women's Day breakfast.

CDF also played host to a fundraising morning tea supporting one of our social service clients, Good Samaritan Inn. Executive Director Felicity Rorke and Senior Case Worker Nardine Keriakos shared information and stories of the inspiring work they undertake providing crisis, short-term and transitional accommodation and support for women, children and young people who are experiencing family violence or homelessness. Over $1000 was raised by staff members across the CDF office and partner agencies.  


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