BALLARAT’S leading women have met to discuss how they can make a difference in the city.
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The Garden Room at Oscars Hotel was abuzz with more than 50 women from all walks of life as the Ballarat Foundation’s Founding Women Luncheon kicked off.
The event was led by Australian Women Donors Network co-founder and chairwoman Eve Mahlab and chief executive Julie Reilly, who shared their wisdom with the women.
Ms Reilly said the purpose of the luncheon was to give women the opportunity to learn about and discuss “thoughtful and purposeful” philanthropy.
“Our focus is about driving philanthropic in-
vestment into women and girls, because it’s been proven to be the greatest way of having impact in achieving social change,” she said.
“It’s about making sure women are visible, valued, heard and at the forefront of every decision that impacts them, and strengthen women to unite to contribute to a better world.”
Ms Reilly said philan-
thropists have always been at the forefront of positive social impact and empowering women, including funding the first free schools and libraries and research into the contraceptive pill.
“You don’t have to wait to be a millionaire to contribute to social change,” she said. “We are urging women to engage with their community and consider forming a pool of resources that can really make a difference in an area they feel really passionate about.”
Among the topics discussed was ways to support women at risk of violence in their own homes, and empowering women to break cycles of poverty and social disadvantage.
melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au