By Marcus Uhe
On Tuesday 8 March, the world will come together to recognise International Women’s Day, highlighting the social economic political and cultural achievements of women around the world.
Casey Cardinia Libraries has chosen to recognise the day with a series of events highlighting women’s empowerment at their facilities including a Self-Esteem and Body Confidence for Teens Workshop at Doveton, and a Womens’ Health for Dari Speakers information session at Hampton Park.
Chief Executive of Casey Cardinia Libraries Beth Luppino reinforced their commitment to the cause.
“Casey Cardinia Libraries is proud to support International Women’s Day 2022,” Ms Luppino said. “This year we celebrate with events on women’s health, body confidence and self-esteem.
“Our libraries continue to develop and promote the strength of women in our community and to support a gender equal world.”
Michelle Lam is a certified life coach from Glow Life Coaching and a Doveton local who will be running the workshops at the Doveton library.
She said that the aim of the program is to address the struggles that teenage girls experience in a safe and non-confrontational environment, such as body-image issues and low self-esteem.
“I’m here to show them that they don’t need to change who they are or look a certain way to feel beautiful, “ Ms Lam said.
The lure of social media and being glued to mobile phones during lockdown has only exacerbated these issues according to Ms Lam.
“There’s so much in our faces and being in lockdown, you’re always on your phone, being shown girls in a certain way can be portrayed as negative.
“I don’t want girls to feel depressed or ugly or unwanted. I just want girls to be happy and live a good teenage life.”
Parents are encouraged to attend with their daughters in the hope that having a familiar face around might help to facilitate discussion.
The workshops will be held at 4pm Tuesday 8 March at the Doveton Library, 28 Autumn Place in Doveton.
For registration details head to events.ccl.vic.gov.au/event?id=6195
To learn more about Michelle’s life-coaching, visit glowlifecoachingaustralia.com/
