On Friday 12 March 2021, 430 guests gathered in the main ballroom of RACV Royal Pines Resort to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The mood was positive as we considered how far women have come and how lucky we are to be gathered on such a large scale. 

The morning began with an inspiring introduction by senior school student Mollie Tucker, who shared the history of International Women’s Day and what it means to her generation.  

We then enjoyed an uplifting performance from A Capela group, Vocalescence.  Starting with a moving rendition of  Helen Reddy’s song “I Am Woman”.

Our keynote speaker, Dr Ruth Knight delivered on her promise to share how we can be stronger, healthier, happier and even sexier. 

Dr Ruth focused on the IWD 2021 theme #ChoosetoChallenge by challenging all of us to choose whether we will be:

• an advocate or campaigner
• a conscious consumer
• a leader and get actively involved
• a giver or investor

Ruth shared that she challenges social issues by buying from Social Enterprises and supporting charities that are challenging issues close to her heart.

Social Enterprises include (but there are many out there!):

• https://www.empathyfirst.com.au/
• https://tabooau.co/
• https://mikschai.com/
• https://worldsbiggestgaragesale.com.au/
• https://www.outlanddenim.com.au/
• https://au.whogivesacrap.org/
• https://thankyou.co/about
• https://www.yaruwater.com/
• https://boomerangbags.org/
• https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/shop/category/handbags
• https://sobah.com.au/
• https://fishfilms.com.au/
• https://heytiger.com.au/

If you want to buy ethical chocolate this year make sure you have a look at:

https://www.slavefreechocolate.org/ethical-chocolate-companies

If you want to challenge poverty and abuse in the fashion industry, please check out which stores and labels are ethical:

Ethical Fashion Guide

Charities like:

• https://thepyjamafoundation.com/
• https://beddown.org.au/
• https://traction.community/

If you are interested to learn more about Conscious consumerism, please watch this video from Erin O’Brien.

Click here

SHOWING OUR CONSCIOUS CONSUMERISM & RAISING FUNDS FOR RADFLY

Our sponsorship partners who generously donated prizes for the raffle helped us to raise funds for our charity partners RADFLY inc, and our guests showed their enthusiasm for being conscious consumers by raising $7,500 in raffle ticket sales.

Twelve months ago, when Women of Influence gathered for the IWD 2020 event, we didn’t know how the world would change so dramatically.  Last Friday we acknowledged that we have come through a tough year by supporting each other and by using our influence to improve the lives of others.

If you attended this event, we would love to hear what your thought!
PLEASE SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK