#BreaktheBias
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women, in all their diversity. A time to reflect on the achievements and the progress made by those who came before us, those who stand beside us, and the generations to come.
In 1911, only eight countries allowed women the right to vote and equal pay was unheard of. In Australia, there’s no doubt we’ve come a long way, thanks to the women and girls who have fought tirelessly for many of the freedoms we enjoy today.
Not that long ago we weren’t allowed to vote and now, women can aspire to the highest office whether in politics, business or in our communities. Julia Gillard demonstrated that women are not only fit to run the country, but some would argue more competent than many of their male counterparts.
Despite progress and wins that are worthy of celebration, women continue to face challenges and obstacles which are gender based. The barriers are often even higher for Indigenous women, other women of colour, those living with a disability and members of the LGBTQI+ community. There is still a long way to go until we are living in a gender equal, diverse world, where women are free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
IWD is a day to come together to forge women’s equality and celebrate the 2022 theme BreakTheBias
Women of Influence IWD 2022 with Antoinette Lattouf 
The WOI community is excited for our biggest event of the year and to hear from the wonderful keynote speaker Antoinette Lattouf on Wednesday 9 March at RACV Royal Pines to celebrate IWD and the theme #BreakTheBias. Antoinette is a media personality, multi-award- winning journalist, author, and diversity advocate – the ideal candidate for the task.
Antoinette gave us an insight into her speech for the upcoming WOI breakfast event, which will draw on an eight-point guide from her book ‘How to Lose Friends and Influence White People,’ which hits shelves on 3 May. This book is a funny, friendly but firm guide on how to be an ally and champion change for racial equality. Antoinette’s speech which will provide guidance around how individuals can set parameters and be effective in the face of challenges that seem huge and are often overwhelming.
“Too often well-meaning individuals agree that things could and should be better but have no idea where to start. The first step is really being honest about your starting point. This is especially important when it comes to women’s equality. Too often, the most marginalised or voiceless women are ignored,” she said.
Antoinette will share how we can influence others in a positive way to make a difference when championing change and racial equality.
“If you’re not part of the solution, doing nothing makes you complicit and part of the problem” – Antoinette Lattouf
We are looking forward to celebrating and exploring this year’s theme #breakthebias with Antoinette leading a very important conversation at our upcoming breakfast event.
Together, we can all break the bias – on International Women’s Day and beyond.
We can’t wait to see you on Wednesday 9 March to CONNECT, LEARN and GROW
