The lunch, at Wesley Performing Arts Centre on March 17, will feature the theme #makeithappen.

Horsham Rural City Council human services manager Jo Devereaux said the guest speakers would share life experiences that led to where they were today.

‘‘It is about valuing women, particularly local women,’’ she said.

Guest speakers include public relations and communications professional Bronwen Clark, civil design engineer Sachita Pudasaini, hairdresser Steph Meyer and well-known community member and arts stalwart Jan Morris.

Ms Pudasaini said she wanted to connect with Wimmera people by speaking about overcoming various struggles.

‘‘I grew up in a male-dominated society,’’ she said.

‘‘We had five boys and five girls in our family. In Nepal, the priority is for the boys.

‘‘My dad had a dream to educate all of us.’’

Ms Clark said she hoped people of all ages would attend the lunch.

‘‘Because of the range in age and different experiences of the speakers, I think everyone will be able to relate to at least one of us,’’ she said.

‘‘I hope both men and women will come along and get ideas and inspiration for different career paths and taking risks.

‘‘I think our stories will show, if you put your mind to it, you can make anything happen.’’

Ms Clark suggested people might get a group of friends together for the lunch.

‘‘It’s a good opportunity to bring along work colleagues and it will bring up some good conversation topics,’’ she said.

‘‘People can also come along on their own and know they will be among like-minded people.’’

Ms Devereaux said it would be the first time the council hosted an International Women’s Day event on this scale.

The lunch will be from noon to 1.15pm. Entry is $5 for adults and free for students.

Ms Devereaux said people needed to RSVP for the event by emailing kathy.newton@hrcc.vic.gov.au or calling 5382 9712 by March 12.