Governor of Queensland opens International Women's Conference
The 2007 International Women's Conference opened at the University on Wednesday 26 September 2007 with the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, welcoming guests.
150 delegates from around 20 countries came together for the conference to discuss Education, Employment and Everything…the triple layers of a woman's life.
In her welcome Her Excellency acknowledged the diversity of the conference delegates and the role the university plays in education.
'How wonderful it is to hear of our sisters from around the world who have gathered here today for a truly memorable opening for our conference,' Her Excellency Ms Bryce said.
'USQ is a valuable institution of learning, teaching and knowledge and is ensuring a quality tertiary education for people in regional areas.'
A role model for women throughout Queensland, Her Excellency spoke of the issues for women in balancing education, employment and family.
'The challenge for young women was, and still is, to make learning useful in their lives.
'Women have been left to balance their own equation of work, life and family.
'A solution to these issues is not just about throwing at women a few more dollars in baby bonuses or parenting payments. The solution requires a more profound shift in thinking.'
Ten keynote speakers including an African Constitutional Court Justice, Queensland Senator and refugee from Pakistan joined more than 100 other presenters at the conference.
IWC Committee Conference Chair Pauline Collins said the conference gave delegates the opportunity to discuss issues relevant to women across the world.
'The conference is a keystone event of USQ's 40th Anniversary celebrations and we are delighted to bring women together to share their stories and to learn from and inform each other.'
African Constitutional Court Justice Yvonne Mokgoro addressed delegates at the official conference dinner at the Empire Theatre.
'This will be the first time Justice Mokgoro has visited Australia and provides a unique opportunity to hear from both a Judge and an educator from South Africa,' Ms Collins said.
A market day gave delegates the opportunity to purchase local products and was held in the USQ Refectory and Quadrangle on Friday 28 September 2007.