Icon seeks to debunk ‘dirty word’

Iconic Australian TV personality, Libbi Gorr, will be exploring the word “feminist” and why it is still a polarizing word - meaning so many different things to so many different people, when she addresses this year’s International Women’s Day event on 5 March.

“A feminist is just a person who believes women should be treated equally, yet the very word can draw a visceral reaction from women and men, who appear to think you want world of women only.  It’s just bonkers,” Ms Gorr said. 

Headlining the annual celebration of women in our community, Ms Gorr will also participate in the panel discussion at the ‘International Women’s Day 2020 - Change The Way’ function where attendees will explore the impacts and opportunities for change to gender inequality within in our community.

Connect Health & Community CEO, Amanda Murphy, said the organisation is delighted to have Ms Gorr headline the event, given her decades-long recognition as a feminist trailblazer.

“Libbi captured our attention when she burst onto our screens in the early 90s with the ultimate equal woman, ‘Elle McFeast’ and since then has continued to use her profile to champion gender issues,” she said.

“Both in-character in her early days and through her broadcasting and presenting work up to the present, Libbi has given voice to the daily issues that face women in the fight for equality and acted as a beacon for those seeking just a little assurance that it was ‘ok’ to seek an equal go,” Ms Murphy said.

Ms Murphy said Ms Gorr would bring her inimitable style to the free community event, promising to be both bold and sensitive, while thought provoking and irreverent.

“Her inspirational body of work is the perfect backdrop to this year’s theme about the impacts of gender equality and how we can inspire change to create a gender-equal future,” Ms Murphy said.

The ‘International Women’s Day 2020 – Change The Way’ event will be held at Sandy’s on Bay Rd, on Thursday, 5 March from 6pm – 8pm. The event is free of charge and everyone is welcome.

The event is sponsored by Connect Health & Community, Bayside City Council and WHISE.