Expanding program for women

Building on successful gatherings last year, a lively program of women’s events is coming your way.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with the IEU in March at Bathurst and at the Union’s Wattle Street office in Ultimo. Women’s network gatherings will be held in some regional areas, at Kiama on 10 April, Dubbo on 7 August and western Sydney on 19 November.

Other regional events will be advertised through the year, linking in with other IEU activities where possible.

The Women’s Conference on 15 August has a proposed theme of Workplace Equity and Diversity: current and emerging issues in work, life and care.

Keynote speakers will include Dr Muyesser Durer from Charles Sturt University’s Port Macquarie campus and Emma Maiden from Unions NSW, together with a panel session on contemporary experiences of work and family, plus a range of workshops.

The contribution of IEU members to diocesan Workplace Gender Equity Committees is acknowledged and the Union will continue to engage with these committees to highlight issues such as return to work after parental leave and access to the expanded ‘right to request’ flexible arrangements under the Fair
Work Act.

The IEU appreciates the opportunity to be involved with diocesan ‘staying in touch’ seminars for staff on parental leave or considering their return to work options. Such seminars have been previously held or planned in dioceses such as Sydney, Wollongong and Parramatta.

Contact the IEU for further information about 2014 women and equity events or for advice in regard to workplace equity issues.