This year, Yarra City Council celebrated International Women’s Day with a panel discussion and networking event focused on the achievements and stories of migrant women.

Presented by Yarra Libraries, Yarra’s International Women’s Day event was an opportunity for migrant women from the local community to gather, connect and share their ideas and experiences.

Celia Torres-Villanueva, Farhana Muna and Lina Orozco Munera – authors of the recently published book Undefeated – joined facilitator Ruhee Mehgani for an insightful discussion on this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Embrace Equity.

Dr. Tim Read MP, Member for Brunswick and Ms. Gabrielle De Vietri MP, Member for Richmond were also in attendance.

This is the fourth year in a row that Professional Migrant Women and Yarra Libraries have hosted an inclusive and culturally diverse International Women’s Day event.

Yarra City Council Mayor Claudia Nguyen said that this year’s International Women’s Day theme means equity for all women, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, or ability.

“Our cultural diversity is what makes our city so vibrant and unique, and it’s something that I’m very proud of. As a daughter of Vietnamese refugees, I know that events like these are important to ensure everyone in our community has their voice heard, particularly people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,” she said.

Yarra City Council is committed to improving the lives of women, girls and people of diverse genders. Find out how we’re promoting social change for gender equality in our Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-25.