Two hundred people took part in an International Women’s Day protest on March 12 organised by Hunter Workers’ Women’s Committee.
Workplace rights, paid domestic violence leave and equal pay were highlighted as central ongoing concerns. The rally was chaired by Leanne Holmes from the Hunter Workers’ Women’s Committee. Hunter Workers’ secretary Leigh Shears said that over the pandemic, not only did women lose more work than men, they took on more unpaid work and were less likely to receive government support.
Aunty Therese, Mich-Elle Myers, Suzy Trindall, Arden Cassie, Beth Innes, Emily Suvaal Baldwin and Lynda Forbes, Sharon Claydon MP, Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes and Jodie Harrison MP also spoke. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union organised a free barbecue and drinks.