USQ celebrates women for International Women's Day

Two local women will give presentations on perceptions of the female form during the Queensland Women: Shaping the Future forum at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) as part of International Women's Day on Thursday 6 March 2008.

Organised by the USQ Women's Network, the forum follows the Queensland Government's aim for International Women's Day to challenge the media and society's fixation on the ‘ideal body'.

Artist Victoria Royds will speak on Bodies that Matter, reflecting upon contemporary western views of women's identity and the female body.

'I question and re-question traditional visual representations of the feminine form and how we view and locate the female body in our culture,' Ms Royds said.

'I use fragments of the female body as both portraits of individuals and to emphasise differences as the norm.'

PhD candidate Michelle Parry will present Its not our bodies that need changing but our weight related attitudes and beliefs.

The event aims to inspire women and girls to look beyond appearance and considering their actions more than their looks.

The presentations will be followed by an audience discussion.

The forum will be held in the USQ Women's Network room on Thursday 6 March 2008 from 12pm to 1pm.

Entry is by gold-coin donation. Attendees are invited to bring a paper-bag lunch and welcome to enjoy tea and coffee provided.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559