There is a high prevalence of sexual harassment and sexual assault in Australian society underpinned by gender inequality. Join us in the lead up to International Women’s Day to discuss what employers and police should be doing everyday to protect women.

This event is designed to provide a formal update on legislative changes and advocacy campaigns that are currently underway to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault, as well as to catch up with and celebrate many amazing women who are creating real positive change every day for gender equality.

EVENT OUTLINE:

3.30 - 4.30pm - Respect@Work, sexual harassment and violence against women panel with:
- Karen Iles, Violet Co Legal & Consulting
- Tahnee McWhirter, HumanX HR
- Sonia Sofat, Hue: Colour the Conversation
- Hannah Ferguson, Cheek Media Co
4.30 - 5.30pm - International Women's Day PARTY (and then onto the pub for anyone interested) and Police Duty of Care / Sexual Assault campaign update

PRESENTERS:

Karen Iles (she/her)

Karen is a lawyer, accredited mediator, consultant, board director, sexual assault survivor and Dharug Aboriginal woman. She is the founder and Principal Solicitor of Violet Co Legal & Consulting, a social enterprise with the purpose to create radical solutions and just outcomes for women, gender diverse and First Nations people.

Karen has extensive experience in corporate social responsibility, strategy, governance, program design, management and evaluation, advocacy, and inclusion and diversity across multiple industries in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Her contributions have impacted organisations, social institutions, employees and individuals for significant transformation.

Tahnee McWhirter (she/her)

Tahnee delivers creative HR solutions by combining over 12 years’ commercial management experience, with a passion for innovative people management. Tahnee works alongside clients across industries, helping solve their people related challenges and drives sustainable change.

Tahnee lives in the growth zone and takes others along with her. She is not afraid to challenge the way leaders think and behave and is fond of powerful questions.

She is a warm communicator and passionate leader who demystifies HR to enable people to go their best. Always with her on the pulse, Tahnee gets in the trenches with her clients to sharpen their people strategy, guide them through transition and transformation, ready and steady for growth and scale. She is always willing to put her business hat on to align business direction to people strategy.

Sonia Sofat (she/her)

Sonia is an Indian woman of colour who combines her passion for community organising, facilitation and anti-racism campaigning to create inclusive educational experiences.

Sonia has over 10 years of experience working in the social justice and not for profit sector, where she has led the design and implementation of activism and mobilisation strategies on human rights issues in Australia and around the world. She is highly skilled at navigating the internal processes and structures that often restrict the dismantling of oppression in workplaces and society.

Sonia believes in the power of collective organising to create change and is passionate about elevating the voices of people with lived experiences of racism and other forms of oppression.

Hannah Ferguson (she/her)

Hannah Ferguson is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cheek Media Co, an independent news commentary platform providing informed, progressive opinions on subjects that sit at the intersection of feminist, social and political issues. Hannah has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Master of Publishing, Editing and Writing from The University of Queensland.

Contact the host of “Not Just International Women’s Day” - Respect@Work | Police Duty of Care | IWD Party