We launched our Victorian Women’s Leadership Network!
On International Women’s Day, the Ethical Clothing Australia team welcomed a host of wonderful women from accredited businesses in Victoria to launch our Women’s Leadership Network!
With an early start at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, guests enjoyed breakfast from The Little Social and coffee from Gathering Events as National Manager Rachel Reilly officially launched the network and reflected on the United Nations theme for International Women’s Day 2024 – Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate progress.
“This year’s theme is so fitting for our collective work with our community of accredited businesses and the local industry,” Rachel said in her welcome speech.
“While important progress has been made, women continue to face significant obstacles to achieving equal participation in the economy.”
To close the event, guests headed up to the rooftop of the QVWC to enjoy the views over Melbourne, take a group photo and spend more time connecting and chatting. It was amazing to see so many women from every sector of the fashion and manufacturing industry sharing their stories and ideas!
Thank you to all the women who joined us bright and early for this launch – we look forward to seeing you at many more events this year!
And thank you to the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions for this important investment in women and the work of women.
”As we launch this network, we’ll be constantly considering and asking you how we can involve all women at every level of your business, to elevate and amplify all voices for change.
She went on to outline the five key areas the UN has pinpointed that are guaranteed to accelerate economic empowerment: Resources, Jobs, Time, Security and Rights.
In speaking to the key area of rights, Rachel quoted this from the UN: “It is necessary to develop and implement accountability mechanisms to protect women’s rights and ensure that women’s voices are amplified in all spaces of decision-making.”
“I think that last sentence is so pertinent for today – ensure that women’s voices are amplified in all spaces of decision-making,” she said.
“The aim of the network is to build connections and opportunities for women from Ethical Clothing Australia’s accredited businesses.
“But we also want to create a platform for your voices to be heard to effect the change needed to strengthen the local industry, and through this, provide the necessary resources, jobs, time, security and rights to champion gender equality and economic empowerment for all women in the industry so we can create a future where everyone can thrive.
“As we launch this network, we’ll be constantly considering and asking you how we can involve all women at every level of your business, to elevate and amplify all voices for change.”
Interested in future events for the Victorian Women’s Leadership Network?
The network is open to anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary in accredited businesses in Victoria. The best way to stay connected is by signing up to the exclusive bi-monthly newsletter only for members of the Women’s Leadership Network – it’s where we’ll share news and events, celebrate the achievements of the community and offer practical resources relevant to our industry to make sure your voice is heard.
Email women@ethicalclothingaustralia.org.au to find out more!
