ENCOURAGING all people to fight for gender equality was the take away message at the annual Horsham International Women's Day event.
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This year's International Women's Day theme was #BalanceforBetter. The theme was designed to highlight a world where the absence of balance is noticed, and the presence of it is celebrated.
Hundreds of Wimmera residents attended the event at the Horsham Town Hall on Friday to hear former Noradjuha resident Bridget Noonan speak.
The event's MC Pam Capstick opened the event by explaining the purpose of International Women's Day, which started in 1911.
"We're not looking to put down men, we want them to be a part of our program for a better and more equal world," she said.
"What can we do to make a difference? You can call out gender bias whenever you see it and celebrate the great things when they happen. You can also make sure that your children are brought up the same values that promote gender equality."
Ms Noonan was the first woman to be appointed clerk of the Legislative Assembly in the Victorian Parliament.
During a question and answer session with journalist Danielle Grindlay, Ms Noonan spoke about her challenges growing up in a small regional town.
"I once asked my family why we moved to the country from the city when I was very young, and my mum said it was so I wanted to leave home when I was 18," she said.
"I went to a very small primary school, and you cannot find your tribe if you are in a class with two other people. You learn to get on with everybody and find commonality in other people. I think rural communities are much better in raising diversity and being inclusive that those in the city."
She also spoke about her current role and the "constant journey" to reach gender equality.
"I was a bit taken aback when I was first appointed when the media kept pushing that I was the first woman clerk. Members just want to know that you can do your job. It also took me a while to figure out what kind of clerk I wanted to be," she said.
"Of course I consider myself a feminist. I wouldn't have ever though that calling yourself a feminist would be a controversial, but it seems to have become just that."
International Women's Day is held on March 8 every year to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
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