My story. Your Story. Our Story - Symposium Cocktail International Women's Day
Event description
Join us for our Symposium Cocktail Women's Day event held in the heart of Sydney, aimed at raising funds to support the survivors of modern slavery in Australia. This unforgettable evening will bring together passionate individuals and organizations, united in their quest to end modern slavery and empower its survivors.
Throughout the night, attendees will be treated to a sumptuous meal, we will hear from a panel of distinguished speakers (below), who will share their insights, experiences, and strategies in combating modern slavery impacting approx. 41,000 people in Australia and an estimated 49 million across the globe.
Funds raised for the Freedom for Humanity Scholarship Program will help survivors of modern slavery in Australia towards their final steps of recovery, through education and training, giving them the independence and freedom most of us take for granted! The scholarship program will support selected applicants who are survivors of modern slavery referred by organisations that support them, like The Salvation Army's Safe House program.
By attending you will not only enjoy an unforgettable evening but also contribute to a brighter future for those who have been impacted by modern slavery. Taking action together – to end modern slavery.
*** Tickets for Early Birds ends on 28 of February
Speakers:
Hon Jodie Harrison MP
The Honourable Jodie Harrison MP is the Member for Charlestown, currently serving in her third term since she was first elected in 2014.
Jodie was appointed Minister for Women, Seniors and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault on April 5 following the outcome of the 2023 NSW State Election. In her first year as Minister, Jodie has presided over several achievements across her portfolios.
These include:
- Shared Equity Scheme expansion to include domestic violence victim-survivors and introduction of a Bond Waiver Scheme to make it easier for victim-survivors to secure a rental property.
- Appointment of the first stand-alone Women’s Safety Commissioner in NSW.
- Establishing the Women’s Advisory Council to bolster gender equality outcomes in NSW
- Energy bill relief for eligible low-income pensioners and self-funded retirees.
Jodie’s top priority is to put primary prevention and early intervention at the heart of the NSW Government’s strategy to counter Domestic and Family Violence. This approach will hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and connects them with the programs they need to end the cycle of violence.
Tahera JB Nassrat (Afghan Peace Foundation)
Tahera by profession is a tax agent, business coach and business advisor. She manages over five thousand clients across the country.
Tahera is a successful award winning Afghan business woman who made her remark in Parramatta LGA as one of the top ten successful business women in 2021.
Tahera's love and care for community made her to be a peace ambassador for International Women Peace Group and a former honorary Women Representative for UNICEF Afghanistan.
Tahera is associated with United Nations, numerous NGOs, and peace programs, her years of professional experience has enabled her to find the right balance between her business and philanthropic lifestyle.
Tahera hails from Afghanistan during the Taliban regime in 1998 and received higher education in Australia and graduated from the University of Western Sydney Australia. Tahera took part in multiple educational programs throughout various countries such as England , Scotland, Germany, Dubai, and Pakistan.
Tahera believes that her success is not a chance but a choice she made. She has been a successful woman among many other leading Afghans who made her remark in Australia.
Sahera Sumar (UNAA & Worldwide Sheroes)
Sahera is a global leadership consultant, author, keynote speaker, coach, and Director at UNAA(NSW), leading the Human Rights pillar and Peace Ambassador (IEP). She has been relentlessly working on her mission to "empower leaders for a better world," leaving her mark in over 25 countries and has undertaken capacity-building projects with organizations like the World Bank, WHO, World Food Program, and Aga Khan Foundation, often in far and remote destinations.
Sahera is also the Founder of Worldwide SHEroes, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting women from underserved communities with accomplished global mentors. Through this mentorship platform, she aims to guide and inspire women to reach their leadership potential, promote self-reliance and improve economic equity for all. In just two years, Worldwide SHEroes has engaged with 150 women across 35 countries, dedicating 1000 hours to leadership mentoring and aligning these efforts with 5 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sahera’s motto is "empowering a women leaves a legacy that shapes her future and impacts her future generation”
Katherine Hawes
Katherine Hawes is a highly experienced legal professional with over 25 years of practice in the field of law. She is not only the founder of both Aquarius Lawyers and Digital Age Lawyers, but also the driving force behind Aquarius Education. Her extensive background in law has given her a deep understanding of the legal complexities that businesses, particularly small businesses, face when operating in today's competitive landscape.
One of the distinguishing features of Aquarius Lawyers is their commitment to providing quality legal services without hidden costs or the traditional billing-by-the-minute approach. They have developed a unique package of legal services tailored to the needs of small business clients, offering them routine legal support at an affordable and fixed rate.
Katherine's dedication to education and training is evident through her roles as a lecturer at both The University of Western Sydney and Wollongong University. Her expertise extends beyond traditional legal practice, allowing her to share her knowledge and insights with future legal professionals and other stakeholders in various international events.
Genille Gordon
Genille Gordon, a Jamaican-born writer and advocate in Western Sydney, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to social change and community empowerment. Holding dual master’s degrees in International Communications and International Relations from Macquarie University, she addresses societal issues with intellect and dedication. Her role at the Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC) showcases her passion for supporting refugee and migrant communities, alongside her dedication to homelessness advocacy. Genille’s humanitarian efforts extend to
organizations like the United Nations Association of Australia and Mission without Borders. Her "serve the community days" have provided thousands of meals to those in need, reflecting her generosity and tangible impact on the community. With humility and integrity, Genille inspires positive change, leaving an enduring mark on her surroundings.
Bianca Hoare (Barker College)
Bianca Hoare is a Year 12 student and Captain of Social Justice at Barker College. Through her leadership of the student-led initiative, Footprint Club, she promotes an undervalued catalyst of positive change: youth advocacy. She is passionate about grass-root approaches to combating pervasive sexist attitudes and recognizes the transformative power of education. Ultimately, this International Women’s Day, she hopes to share her perspective on what it means to be a young woman and highlight potential remedies to enduring social and cultural issues. She firmly believes that both our local and global communities must shoulder the responsibility of fostering a future that is free of harmful assumptions and stereotypes.
More info at Freedomforhumanity.org.au
Canapes:
- Tomato bruschetta with feta served on toasted Italian bread
- Mexican salsa served on lightly fried tortilla squares
- Filo pastry wrapped spinach and ricotta cheese triangles
- Herb chicken skewers served w. cucumber yoghurt dipping
- Cajun beef skewers with rustic gravy
- Szechuan pepper squid served on green w. aioli
Beverages:
House Sparkling
House White
House Red
Selected Beer
Soft Drinks