The Coalition for a Feminist Agenda came into being after the Townsville International Women's Conference held 3-7 July 2002. The theme of that conference was "Poverty, Violence and Women's Rights.... Setting a Global Agenda". Attended by 410 participants from 22 countries, it was an experience which enabled all of us to view the situation of women from a global perspective and renewed our determination to continue the fight for justice for women and children.

In the words of one participant from India: "The Conference was so good, both intellectually and for the soul, that I feel nurtured, and motivated, enthused and energetic knowing that there are so many women out there who are looking so far ahead and are such wonderful human beings".

The Conference is now part of our history and we invite you to read about it by clicking here. [PLEASE NOTE: The site has been discontinued but a few of the links are still accessible from the conference 'Welcome' page.]

Townsville International Women's Conference

 

 

These orchids are a very precious sight! Given to the organisers of the Townsville International Women's Conference 2002 on the last day of the conference. Three years on, they are in full bloom - perhaps a symbol of women's strength and feminist nurturing!

 

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OTHER EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE COALITION

Visit of RAWA member: MARIAM RAWI, member of the Cultural Committee of the Revolutionary Association of Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), visited Australia in April 2004 to raise awareness about the current situation for women in Afghanistan. The Townsville leg of her visit was sponsored by the Coalition for a Feminist Agenda.

WHEN: Friday 30 April, 2004 : 6.30-8pm

WHERE: Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE, City Campus, Cnr. Stanley and Walker Streets, Townsville (follow the signs)

COST: $10 ($6 concession)

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Winter Institute for Women: 11-18 July 2004 held at James Cook University, Townsville. The theme of the Institute was A Feminist Agenda for the 21st Century.

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Montreal Massacre: SpeakOut and Memorial (Townsville 2004) - An activity of the "16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence". Includes papers delivered at the SpeakOut.

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Weekend Workshop - "Contemporary Voices": 8-10 July 2005 held at the Magnetic Island Outdoor Recreation Centre. This was the first activity of the OtherWise Series - a series of lectures and workshops in the Townsville area presenting feminist alternatives for the 21st Century. The weekend workshop featured three speakers:

Joanne Baker (James Cook University) - Radical Feminism for Today

Lara Fergus (Victoria University) - Women in Exile

Emma Woodley (Queensland University of Technology) - Women and Power: Ethical Issues

 

LARA, EMMA AND JO on Magnetic Island

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International Feminist Summit: 17-20 July 2007 : Southbank Convention Centre, Townsville

This feminist event was offered "for all women who denounce the escalating violence and oppression that mark the 21st Century, who rage against the continued exclusion and silencing of women throughout the world, and who are convinced that a strong feminist response is essential for the creation of a fairer future". The theme of the Summit was Women of Ideas: Feminist Thinking for a New Era.

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Magnetic Island Rage: 17-19 September 2010 : Magnetic Island Sport and Recreation Centre, Townsville

Celebrating the life and work of Mary Daly, US radical feminist, who died in January 2010. The theme for the weekend was: Hags, harpies, furies and crones: Re-membering Mary Daly.

 

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OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS

Report on Political Action by Australian Feminists : 22-24 March 2004 : Parliament House, Canberra

Four Australian feminists, all members of the f-agenda email discussion list, descended on Parliament House, Canberra, on Monday 22 March to begin three days of intensive lobbying on behalf of Australian women. We invite you to read their detailed Report.

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A Course in Public Speaking - "Talking the Talk: Women Speaking Out": 30 June - 18 August 2009 : sponsored by the North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service in Townsville. Conducted by Dr. Betty McLellan. Includes speeches delivered on the final day.

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