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International Women's Day celebrated at Monash

12 March 2008

Dr Beth Wilson had her audience in stiches at the Caulfield International Women's Day luncheon.

Celebrations were held on the Clayton and Caulfield campuses last week to acknowledge International Women's Day.

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated across the world on March 8 each year, recognising the social, economic and political achievements of women.

Over 300 people attended a lunch in the banquet rooms at the Clayton campus March 6.

Author and AFR journalist, Catherine Fox discussed the challenges and opportunities women face in the workplace, why there is inertia in many organisations and how to change this stalemate.

A further 230 people attended a lunch at the Caulfield Racecourse on March 7, hearing from Victorian Health Services Commissioner and Monash alumna Dr Beth Wilson (BA 1975, LLB 1977).

Dr Wilson had the audience in stitches as she talked about her experiences in the role, including receiving a media enquiry about male impotency while on a crowded train full of young men and being regaled with stories about people's health problems.

She even treated the audience to some harmonica playing.

Dr Wilson said most of the complaints she received in her role were about failures of communication.

"It so important to listen to people and treat them with respect and compassion," Dr Wilson said.

Dr Wilson said humour was also very important and we should all exercise our laughter muscles more.

"My philosophy in life is that you can find humour in any situation as long as you're not laughing at others. "People can find laughter in the most tragic of situations.

Author Catherine Fox addressed over 300 at International Women's Day celebrations at Clayton.

"I'm always amazed just how stoic and brave people can be in the face of adversity."

When asked after her speech what International Women's Day means to her, Dr Wilson said it made her proud of the achievements of women and reminded her how important it is for her to be a role model and mentor for women.

"We've come an enormous way since women were given the right to vote," Dr Wilson said.

"When I was studying law, I didn't know one female lawyer.

"Now they come and see me to talk about their careers.

"Before long they are senior associates in some of the biggest and most prestigious law firms and are raising their own families.

"It's a real privilege to be a part of that."

The speech was the first of two significant events of the day for Dr Wilson, who had to leave after making her speech to be inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll for Women.

Associate Professor, Jean Armstrong from the Faculty of Engineering was also inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll for Women, one of thirty recognised for their ability to inspire and motivate others, including other young women.

Jean was especially recognised for leading the way in encouraging women into the engineering profession.