Women on the Move celebrate International Men’s Day

A president of a regional women’s networking group and mother of three boys has rallied together the community for International Men’s Day to celebrate positive role male models – and raise much needed funds for breast cancer and supporting women in need.

International Men's Day speakers

At first when Women on the Move President Mikaela Smith brought the idea to her committee about celebrating International Men’s Day with a luncheon doubled as a fundraiser, she was met with a mixed response.

After working through the pros and cons of the idea, she said she felt it was important to show positive male role models in the community and highlight their achievements – especially to her own three boys.

“I want them to be in a community which celebrates both men and women’s equality,” Ms Smith said.

As the year’s theme was positive male role model, she managed to persuade the committee to hold the event, which will be a fundraiser for local organisations which Protea Place, a women’s support centre, Blush Cancer Care, a breast cancer support service, and Project School Formal, which provides donated formal wear to students in need for free.

She said she hoped the event will create a space were men can find ways to talk about their mental health and wellbeing for men.

The speakers will include chief executive of Protea Place Amanda Dalton, Chris Mills and Adair Donaldson.

The event will be held at the Downs Club on Tuesday, November 19 and had sold around 70 tickets, she said.