Women's Ethnic Network International Women's Day Breakfast 2025

The Ethnic Community Council Queensland (ECCQ) are thrilled to again host the Women’s Ethnic Network’s (WEN) 2025 International Women’s Day breakfast in Brisbane. The theme for International Women’s Day for 2025 is March Forward: It’s time to turn promises into progress. We know that when women thrive, the whole community thrives. 👩🏽‍🦱👩‍🦰👩🏾👱🏼‍♀️👩🏿‍🦳

The WEN dedicated to uniting women from diverse cultural backgrounds to identify their strengths and specific needs, address gaps in service delivery, and explore opportunities for collaboration and leadership across Queensland. From 2023 to 2026, the Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN) is focusing on advocating for multicultural women and educating and empowering our members, particularly in the area of Violence Against Women. 💪🏾💪🏽💪🏼

We are excited that the Honorable Minister Fiona Simpson MP - Minister for Women and Women's Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism will be joining us. Minister Simpson is responsible for delivering key government policies such as growing women’s economic security and closing the gender pay gap, improving health, education and employment outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and celebrating and supporting Multiculturalism in Queensland. She has been the State Member for Maroochydore since 1992 and has previously served in shadow portfolios including Health, Transport, Tourism, Women, Communities, Housing, Small Business, Training, Skills Development, Integrity and Finance. When the LNP won government in 2012, Fiona was elected as Speaker of the House, making her Queensland Parliament’s first female Speaker in its 150 years. Fiona brings a wealth of experience to her Ministerial role. Fiona grew up and went to school on the Sunshine Coast and remains a long-term resident. Her deep connection to the community shapes her understanding of the needs and aspirations of all Queenslanders. Fiona subscribes to the motto of service above self.

We are honoured that Karina Hogan join us as our keynote speaker. Karina is a broadcaster, producer, ATSICHS Bris and Deadly Coders board member and Chair of BlakDance. Born in Brisbane, Karina Hogan is part of a big Aboriginal and South Sea Islander family. Karina has a degree in Journalism and International Politics, is a mother to two beautiful babies and works as a journalist and content producer at ABC Radio Brisbane. More information coming soon!!

Our MC - Jenae Tien Jenkins is a former ABC producer and presenter with over a decade of experience in radio, podcasting, documentaries, and now television. An independent award-winning producer, she co- created Bloodlines to Country, honoured at the Australian Podcast Awards for its compelling storytelling. Jenae is also the author of an acclaimed educational resource deck on diversity, empowering educators to foster inclusion and understanding. As the Director of Expand Your Library and a social entrepreneur, Jenae leads innovative programs, workshops, and resources that activate allyship and challenge cultural stereotypes in schools and organisations. This year, Jenae is collaborating with ABC Kids Education and Play School on a pioneering children’s series focused on cultural allyship, designed to promote empathy and inclusion in younger generations. Through her work, Jenae continues to bridge cultural divides and spark meaningful conversations about identity, belonging, and social responsibility.

We invite you to join us in celebrating, honouring, and empowering the diverse women that make Queensland an amazing community to be a part of! Achieving gender equity requires the collective efforts of everyone, not just women. We need the support of allies who are crucial to the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women.🌟

Let’s all get involved! Bring a friend and join us for a morning filled with inspiring speakers, amazing performances, and wonderful opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Together, we can make a significant impact and drive positive change in our community! ✨✨✨

When: Saturday 15th March, 2025

Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm

Where: The Greek Club, South Brisbane