Koorie student receiving her ticket from staff member Claire
TAFE Gippsland is celebrating International Women's Day this year by providing students with free tickets to see screenings of the film 'Girls Can't Surf' being organised by the Gippsland Centre against Sexual Assault (GCASA).
GCASA is also hosting a Surf Board Art display and small presentation as a tribute to International Women's Day 2021. TAFE Gippsland has supported 25 students with tickets to attend sessions in Bairnsdale and Morwell.
This year's International Women's Day theme is 'Choose to challenge', and the film demonstrates this theme by showcasing the journey of a group of female surfers who took on the male-dominated professional surfing world to achieve equality and change the sport forever.
TAFE Gippsland’s Chief of Staff, Mikaela Power, is very fond of ‘choosing to challenge’.
“Challenging yourself gets a bit easier with practice because you know it’s worked before, but you still have to take the first step,” Mikaela said.
“Learning to surf was one of the more difficult things I’ve tried, but, like tackling a new job, I’m very glad that I had a go, and I’m looking forward to celebrating International Women’s Day at TAFE Gippsland.”
Director of Educational Delivery, Linda Austin, is also very proud of our students challenging traditional norms.
“Being part of TAFE Gippsland’s executive team, inclusiveness is really important,” Linda said
“Having a number of female students enrolled at our organisation in what were traditionally male dominated trades has challenged the gender bias and opened additional opportunities for women.”
One TAFE Gippsland student stated, "I am studying in an industry where most of my class is of the opposite gender and I'm looking forward to seeing this film and being part of the International Women's Day celebrations in Gippsland.
“This will continue to encourage me to follow my dreams and push back on traditional stereotypes."
International Women's Day is held on Monday 8 March and it is a global day celebrating women's social, economic, cultural and political achievements.
Early Childhood student receiving his ticket from staff member Claire
Foundation Studies student receiving his ticket from staff member Claire
Foundation Studies student receiving her ticket from staff member Claire
Nursing students receiving their tickets from staff member Claire