International Women's Day

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:27): During this week South Australia and the world celebrates International Women's Day. It is therefore with honour that I rise today to speak about International Women's Day. Yesterday, 8 March, is a global event that acknowledges women around the world. It is a day when women are recognised for their achievements from all walks of life.

International Women's Day is about celebration, reflection, advocacy and action. Since the first International Women's Day, which was observed for the first time in 1911, it has assumed a new global dimension for women. Thank you to many individuals and organisations for their outstanding effort in organising campaigns and initiatives around International Women's Day to pay tribute to women for their social, economic, cultural and political contributions to society, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, nationality or political persuasion.

It is my pleasure today to use this opportunity to highlight a few International Women's Day events in South Australia. Last Friday, 4 March 2016, 2,428 people, mainly women, many students and some men, all got up bright and early to attend the annual UN International Women's Day breakfast. It was great to see many of my parliamentary colleagues from across the political spectrum at the breakfast. The Adelaide breakfast was the biggest International Women's Day event held in the whole nation. This deserves big congratulations.

On Monday 7 March, I had the honour to represent the Liberal Party in joining Mel Bailey and Steph Key, member for Ashford, for the opening of 'Let us be up and doing', by the talented photographer Jennie Groom and her team. It is a public art piece celebrating South Australia's history of women in public life. It is most fitting, I thought, that former women politicians photos are displayed on the pillars of our Parliament House. I believe women are making a huge difference in our community and are definitely the pillars of strength for our society.

'Let us be up and doing' was a quote by Mary Lee, a remarkable suffragette who was instrumental in gaining South Australian women the right to vote for the first time This profound achievement made in 1894 was the first in Australia. The by-product of that movement established an act to allow women to stand for parliament, a first in the world. This act opened up opportunities for women to take on significant leadership roles in our society.

On the subject of many firsts, the Liberal Party was successful in supporting Joyce Steele, who, in 1959, was the first South Australian woman to be elected to the House of Assembly, and in the same year Jessie Cooper became the first woman to be elected to the Legislative Council. Through determination and hard-fought campaigns, these inspirational women have paved the way for many women in our state parliament today, including myself and the Hon. Tammy Franks.

It was so lovely yesterday to hear the President read out the letter by my wonderful friend and colleague the Hon. Michelle Lensink on International Women's Day. I congratulate Michelle on her many achievements, the leadership role she plays in parliament and for South Australia and now, as a first-time mother, juggling family life and taking multitasking to a new level.

This Friday, I am honoured to be invited as the guest speaker for the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island Women's Community Awards. This event also celebrates International Women's Day and recognises the fabulous achievements of women in the region. Nominations have been received in the categories of most outstanding contribution in the local community in the areas of volunteer, sport, health, education and young female ambassador.

My esteemed colleague in the other place Michael Pengilly, member for Finniss, is co-hosting the event with the Victor Harbor VIEW club. VIEW is a nationwide women's organisation with 19,600 members. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. It was established to give women a network of support and a platform to voice their views on issues of national concern. Thank you, member for Finniss and councillor Leonie Fitzgerald of Yankalilla, for inviting me to be a guest speaker and organising this very full house event.

I very much look forward to celebrating the achievements of so many hardworking and inspiring women in the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island this Friday. In this week of International Women's Week, let us continue to advance the status of women in our community from all walks of life and around the world. Happy International Women's Day, week and month, if you like.