i am woman, hear me roar.

On the 8th of March each year, women gather together to celebrate the work we do and the impact we make on our families, society and economy, as well as recognising the barriers we have overcome and hurdles we have jumped in order to make the world we live in a more equal and non discriminating place.

Last year was the first time I had heard about International Women's Day and honestly thought it was a day in which Australia celebrated the international women working and contributing to their society (i.e. ME- holla!). I was wrong (obviously!).  International Women's Day is titled "International" because it is a day that is celebrated all over the world.  While I had never heard of this day prior to 2011, it is apparently a big deal and even considered a public holiday in some parts of the world.




Sadly, the Australian government does not give us this day off of work so instead when plan events, drink tea, eat small sandwiches and listen to inspiring guest speakers all in the name of celebrating who we are and what we do as women.



A high tea was organised at work complete with mini quiches, raffle tickets and door prizes all benefiting the Ipswich Women's Centre Against Domestic Violence.



This year's theme: Everything Is Possible!










[Alyce and I]

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That weekend my work also sponsored a team of USQ staff to do the International Women's Day Fun Run/Walk. So early Sunday morning I drove in to the city to meet the other girls at South Bank (a really beautiful place if you ask me!)



As a team we decided to walk the Fun Run along with about 8,000 other people.  The rain threaten to pour down all morning but never actually came down.



The crowds were like a sea of pink and sparkles... Women and their families there walking or running in honour of the other important women in their lives.










[Sarah and Sandi]

I wasn't exactly sure who sponsored this event until after the race when we were offered this banana. Funny and clever in my easily amused opinion :)



After the "race" (which took us over an hour... to walk... 5km) we took a few group pictures...


[My work mates- Sandi, Sarah, Alyce, Tynnielle and Me]

Which are never complete without a few fun ones as well!












And like any group of girls on a Sunday morning after "working out so hard," we headed straight for a cafe for coffee and a little something to eat.



Any excuse to socialise, right?!

So how did you celebrate International Women's Day?  Did you even know it existed or was that just me who had been living underneath a rock for the last 28 years?