Agencies are advised that International Women's Day will be celebrated on 8 March 2007. This year's theme is Valuing Difference/Leading Change.

International Women's Day is a day to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world. It is also a day to acknowledge that women still face disadvantage across a range of areas.

As part of the celebrations for International Women's Day NSW Government Ministers and Local Members have nominated a woman from their community for the NSW Woman of the Year award. The winner will be announced on International Women's Day.

Across NSW a number of events will take place to celebrate International Women's Day, including the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) breakfast.

Agencies are urged to promote International Women's Day and to encourage staff to attend International Women's Day functions.  A list of events, relevant information and promotional material can be found at www.women.nsw.gov.au/WhatsNew/iwd.htm .

Further information concerning the NSW public sector's achievements and plans for addressing issues for women throughout NSW can be found in the Office for Women's, Premier's Department publication Our Commitment to Women. This document can be accessed from www.women.nsw.gov.au. Inquiries about Our Commitment to Women can be directed to Alexandra Shehadie, Office for Women, (02) 9228 3177, [email protected].

(signed)

Col Gellatly
Director General, Premier's Department