Canterbury-Bankstown Mayoral Message

Tuesday 8 March marked a very important date on the calendar – International Women’s Day with this year’s theme being ‘Breaking the Bias’. A significant, global event that acknowledges the social, economic, cultural and political contributions made by women – as well as providing an opportunity to address gender equity.
As Mayor, I have been privileged to meet hundreds of strong, incredible women who have made significant contributions to this great City.
Many are leaders in their chosen field. Though, we may be from different cultural, religious and political backgrounds, we all agree that women play a vital role in creating a rich, vibrant and innovative community.
Yesterday, I was fortunate to attend a number of International Women’s Day events across the City and proud to be among such remarkable women to shine a light on and celebrate their achievements.
Indeed, I was grateful for the opportunity to meet many of these great women and listen to impressive
and inspiring speakers, like our well-known Australian Idol Winner, Musician, Casey Donovan, sharing her life experiences and engaging with the audience. Then, there was the popular Champion Skier, Pilot, Janine Shepherd, talking candidly and sharing her journey.
Naturally the biases that exist in our society do not stop and end on International Women’s Day, rather it is a day for us to reflect and implement a plan to look at how we respect and contribute to the equality of women. There are some incredibly special women in my life, and I want to live in a world where they are treated as equals every single day.
So, let’s challenge the norms, empower and encourage women and each other to be the best we can. Together we can forge women’s equality and collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Yours sincerely.

Clr Khal Asfour

Mayor