Held at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, speakers at the Singleton Business Chamber’s Annual International Women's Day event provided the audience with a thought-provoking reality check in relation to gender equity and supporting victims of domestic violence.
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Keynote speaker, Melissa Histon, the director and CEO of charity Got Your Back Sista, and Joplin Higgins – the director of Joplin Lawyers – shared their valuable insights into these subjects and reinforced the importance of this year’s theme ‘Press for Progress’.
Women’s rights activist and founder of The Sista Code website, Ms Histon, was named the 2017 Newcastle Woman of the Year.
According to the website The Sista Code was created to share thoughts, insights, stories and information, on diverse areas of concern to women. In particular, social issues affecting women, organisations and awesome women making a difference, womens’ health, relationships, career, and family will be featured.
While family lawyer, Ms Higgins, has helped to establish the Hunter’s first voluntary intervention program for perpetrators of domestic violence after being awarded Westpac’s Social Change Fellowship in 2016 which saw her travel to the United States to study established mandatory programs.
And, during her presentation the passionate advocate stressed the importance of bystander intervention.
She explained that if it is safe to do so, intervening can make a big difference when it comes to domestic violence situations.
Whether your response helps to keep someone safe, or it just gives them some hope - it is better than not doing anything at all.
“Do what you can for your fellow sister,” she said.
After their presentations both of the inspirational speakers answered poignant questions from the audience, and then it was time to enjoy the food prepared by the Singleton High School Catering Company.
Along with a drop of local organic wine generously donated by Ascella.