# Break the Bias with equality
Since the United Nations launched International Women ’ s Day 47 years ago , we have been celebrating the achievements of women in life and business .
Marked annually on 8 March , International Women ’ s Day ( IWD ) is one of the most important days of the year to raise awareness about women ’ s equality , lobby for gender parity and support female focused charities and business leaders .
This year ’ s theme – # Break the Bias is a call to action for a gender equal world . One free of bias , stereotypes and discrimination . A world that is diverse , equitable and inclusive where difference is valued and celebrated .
We are fortunate to have one of the most recognised and wellestablished women ’ s advocacy networks in the country operating right here in our district .
Western Sydney Women is the first and only organisation to advocate for all women .
Its mission is to be the voice and inspiration for women who live and work here , to raise awareness , promote conversation and provide support and information on issues that
impact women to facilitate positive change and economic independence .
Rallying for women ’ s equality is nothing new . It began in 1911 in Europe under purple , green and white coloured banners which have come to symbolise this event . The first International Women ’ s Day ( IWD ) honoured in Austria , Denmark , Germany and Switzerland was on 19 March . More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women ’ s rights to work , vote , be trained , to hold public office and end discrimination . Sound familiar ? Today we continue to follow the IWD ethos by raising awareness about gender inequality by harnessing the skills and knowledge of women to achieve a world of inclusion and free of discrimination .
As we celebrate women on 8 March , we acknowledge those who are inspirational and a voice for other women and girls , giving them opportunity , education , economic independence and confidence to live and work to their full potential . The # breakthebias pose which is being celebrated for International Women ’ s Day .
Turnbull � NOVA Employment
Sharon Turnbull is NOVA Employment ’ s newly appointed NDIS Integrated Services Manager . It ’ s no wonder she was selected for the role . With 20 years of experience working in the disability sector and having grown up with parents who are deaf where she often acted as their intermediary , Sharon ’ s well acquainted and equipped to lead NOVA ’ s expanding services .
Sharon , who previously managed NOVA ’ s Richmond Disability Employment Service said “ My number one focus has been on securing and supporting people with disability into sustainable employment – and I will continue to support each person ’ s employment goals – however I also now support people with other life goals such as having fun , making friends , learning a skill , planning for the future and pursuing personal interests and hobbies .”
Under NOVA ’ s Integrated Services banner , Sharon ’ s team also offers NDIS Support Coordination Services where we assist you to link to other complementary services .
“ NOVA wants to expand and support people in all aspects of their life goals and achieve a good work life balance ,” says Sharon . People with disability and their immediate family members get a great one stop shop with NOVA . Sharon may be reached via her mobile 0424 503 621 or email sharon . turnbull @ novaemployment . com . au
SHARON TURNBULL NDIS Integrated Services Manager
NOVA Employment novaemployment . com . au
24 ISSUE 142 // MARCH 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT