MEDIA RELEASE
11 March 2009
For immediate release
WOMEN MADE ME WHO I AM: CHRISTINE ANU
“It was the women in my life who shaped my journey to be the woman standing here today, and the woman I am yet to become.”
These were the words of the famous Australian singer Christine Anu at a special event held at the Australian High Commission on Wednesday to mark International Women’s Day.
“My mother blessed me with my gifts and precious moments that shaped my tomorrows, the woman I am, and the woman I am yet to be,” she said.
Christine was one of several high profile speakers, to set aside time during Australia Week to mark this important international day. Ms Eileen Kolma, PNG’s Country Representative for Oxfam International, and Senior Magistrate Regina Sagu also shared thoughts with the crowd of 100 people at the High Commission in Waigani.
Australian High Commissioner Chris Moraitis spoke about International Women’s Day and its theme for 2009, “Men and Women United to End Violence against Women and Girls”.
Ms Kolma spoke of the role of guns in perpetuating violence against women and girls, and Senior Magistrate Sagu outlined critical work taking place in the law and justice sector to strengthen services for survivors of violence.
Mr Moraitis said he was pleased to be able to include International Women’s Day as a key Australia Week event.
“The Australian Government attaches great importance to the promotion of gender equality, so it’s appropriate that we celebrate International Women’s Day as one of the main events of Australia Week 2009”.
“Not only is violence against women a serious human rights issue impacting on the lives of women, families and communities, it also poses major development challenges.”
“Men and boys can be especially powerful allies in violence prevention. Violence against women and girls is everyone’s business”, he said.
During her speech, Christine Anu spoke about growing up in Cape York and the Torres Strait and about the women who have influenced her positively during her life. She also performed a moving a capella rendition of a traditional Torres Strait song of blessing for those assembled.
Australia Week, which runs from 9-13 March, showcases Australia to the people of Papua New Guinea and celebrates the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
(International Women’s Day falls on 8 March each year. As that fell on a Sunday, this year’s event at the High Commission was held instead on 11 March).
Media Inquiries: Francina Thomson, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 276