Press Release of the Australian Embassy for the International Women's Day, 8 March 2012

On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Australian Ambassador to Greece Mrs Jenny Bloomfield hosted a lunch for women leaders from politics, business, media, health, education, the arts, design, shipping, banking, communications and social work, to celebrate the achievements of women and girls.

The Australian Embassy in Athens will also support the girls' refuge centre 'Melissa', located in Thessaloniki, by equipping the centre with a computer lab, providing IT, education and development opportunities to vulnerable girls.

“International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the remarkable advances women have made towards equality, but also to contemplate what remains to be done”, said Mrs Bloomfield.

“Investing in women and girls is an investment in each one of us, our families, our communities, and our economies. This is why in Australia the International Women’s Day focus is Supporting Economic Empowerment for Women. It is also why the Australian Government has appointed Australia’s first Global Ambassador for Women and Girls, to focus on the particular rights and needs of women and girls.”

“The role of women is even more critical during difficult economic times. On this International Women’s Day, we would like to acknowledge the important work of all women within our communities – in politics, in business, in social work, in culture and the arts, in sports, and of course in our families. In every facet of society, women are making a difference and continuing the vital work that lies ahead.”