Celebration of women

Soroptimist Port Hedland hosted a dinner at the IBIS Styles Hotel last Tuesday in honour of the annual International Women’s Day held on March 8.

It was an opportunity for a small gathering of about 30 women to network among themselves while sharing in good food, laughter and company.

The room was filled with uplifting and empowering music courtesy of Hedland Singing Club, who performed eight songs throughout the night.

The first song of the evening “I am Woman” was a fitting start to the night, and encouraged everyone to join in. It was the first time the club has performed in front of an audience, having just formed less than seven weeks ago.

The dinner attracted influential and inspiring women from the Port Hedland community, including the youngest attendee, Kirrilee Lockyer, aged only 16, who delivered a brave and bold performance of several songs.

Well-regarded local and soroptimist Julie Arif delivered a short presentation which highlighted this year’s International Women’s Day theme “Be bold for change”.

“This year is all about gender equality,” she said. “There are so many statistics that address the gender gap in our society.”

Ms Arif emphasised the important role Port Hedland women held in the community, and invited Jan Ford to the stage to present some statistics.

“Women are 51 per cent of our population, why are we not putting our hands up more to become leaders,” she said.

It has also been an exciting week for WA Police which announced they had hit a milestone this year, celebrating 100 years since women joined the force in 1917.