On today’s Paradigm Shift (4ZZZ fm 102.1 Friday’s at Noon) we’re going to play excerpts of speeches from International Women’s Day in Brisbane (Meanjin) on 6th March and speeches from International Working Women’s Day held in the afternoon of the same day.

It is important to acknowledge and honour the work done by aboriginal grandmothers, aunties and mothers to maintain their language and culture through their children under truly difficult circumstances.

We also wish to give national and international perspective to this important calendar event by hearing speeches given by Julia Gillard in the Australian parliament and another by Alexandria Occasio-Cortez in the US congress. We have a packed program including great songs by women on the show.

I wish to give a language warning because some of the words spoken are very strong. Some of the speeches given are often personal and quite confrontational.

It is important to note that LeftPress Printing Society – a organisation of which I am a member – provided speaking equipment to both IWD rallies. I attended both rallies, helped provide the sound and I recorded the speeches given on the day. It is not possible to play the full program of the day’s events so I have selected excerpts to report the major issues raised.

Speeches
Alexandria Occasio-Cortez speaks out after Republicans sexist attack.
Anna McCormack on men’s violence.
Brian Sullivan on ‘creeps’ speech.
Calypso – Anti-Poverty Network
Hannah on Poverty.
Julia Gillard’s anti-misogny speech.
Sian – Anti-Poverty Network and Feminist Action
Kath Deves speaking for Nerissa Scott – Save Women’s Sport (Australasia)

Support for Transgender people:

• Q Life 
• qlife.org.au 
• 1800 184 527
• Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support
• Web Chat available 

and

• 1800 RESPECT
• www.1800respect.org.au
• 24/7 national Sexual Assault, Family Violence & Councilling Service 

It is important to note 4ZZZ’s ongoing support & solidarity with the Trans community.

No progressive group should be discriminated against.

Playlist
Jumping Fences – Yo Vengo a Ofrecer Mi Corazon
Helen Reddy – I am Woman
Allie Sherlock and the three busketeers – Creep (by Radiohead)

Image – Snr Constable John Watt arresting a woman at the 1978 IWD rally in Brisbane (Meanjin) at KGSq.

Ian Curr
12 March 2021

You can listen to these speeches below: