Tara Murray
Brimbank council is calling on people to “choose to challenge” gender stereotypes this International Women’s Day.
The council will mark International Women’s Day with an online panel discussion on Wednesday and the streaming of a movie CODED BIAS.
Mayor Ranka Rasic, Aboriginal elder and Brimbank Citizen of the Year Aunty Joyce Cooper, Federation University lecturer Dr Mimmie Watts and Green Empire Street owner and entrepreneur Darlene Ladio will be part of the panel, with the four leaders to discuss their experiences of challenging gender stereotypes.
This year the theme is “Choose to Challenge” – with communities invited to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.
CODED BIAS will be screened on March 9 and 10.
The movie explores the fallout of MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini’s discovery that most facial-recognition software doesn’t accurately identify darker-skinned faces and the faces of women.
The film is produced by Brimbank council as a part of the Taking the Lead Film Festival.
Cr Rasic said she was proud to be mayor of a council which includes eight female councillors.
“As a progressive woman in politics, the advancement of female representation across all levels of government and sectors is a huge passion of mine,” she said.
“I hope to be a voice of inspiration to all women of all backgrounds and support them on their journey.
“Gender equality is important for the entire community. We know that workplaces and communities thrive in a society where men and women are treated equally.“
For details on the panel which runs from 3-4.30pm on March 10, go to ow.ly/wLXB50DNt0v
Film registrations: pvawhub.whwest.org.au/takingtheleadfilmfestival/
