Over 400 women gathered in Melbourne last night for the first Ladies’ Interfaith Dinner, organised by the Australian Intercultural Society Ladies’ Network.
The long-awaited dinner was a sweeping success, even surprising the organisers. “Planning for about 300 people, the number of women wanting to take part in this historic event exceeded our expectations,” says Turkan Cicek, Coordinator of the AIS Ladies’ Network.
“Although registrations officially closed on Wednesday, many women turned up last night insisting that they wanted to be a part of this groundbreaking event.”
Key speakers who were from Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith traditions, discussed the role of women in stopping conflicts.
They were:
- Di Hirsh, President of the National Council of Jewish Women of
Australia (Victoria)
- Assoc. Prof. Kath Engebretson, School of Religious Education, Australian Catholic University,
- Tasneem Chopra, Consultant at the Islamic Women’s Welfare Council of Victoria.
The speakers presented their views on the pivotal role of women in peacemaking.
This was followed by a panel moderated by Professor Gabriel McMullen, Vice-Chancellor
of the Australian Catholic University with speakers responding to the question of women as educators, leaders and mothers and their role in engendering peace.
The panellists were:
- Sue Morgan, from Temple Beth Israel Synagogue,
- Reverend Patricia Bouma, Coordinator of the Anglican Interfaith Friends Association
- Fulya Celik, Dialogue Coordinator, Isik College.
Orhan Cicek, Executive Advisor of the Australian Intercultural Society was unequivocal about the significance of
the event by stating “Australia's socio-political cohesion and it's diverse cultural fabric should strengthen; there are so many developments happening
abroad and their wave of impact will hit our shores sooner rather than later.
The Cronulla riots and also the increase of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism are
tearing the fabric of harmony in this country. Last night's big turnout and great support from the organisations and individuals show that we should increase face to face social interaction to strengthen harmony and reduce the risk of tearing
our social fabric.”
Bringing leaders, academia, clergy and laywoman together, the dinner program included musical entertainment, folk dancing and a Muslim Girls Hijab Parade. Kathy Kaplan from Bialik College offered the Vote of Thanks and officially closed the evening, making note the courage of the organisers in going forth with such an event despite world events.
The event was jointly sponsored by the following organisations:
- Selimiye Foundation Women’s Group
- Anglican Interfaith Friends Association
- Temple Beth Israel Synagogue
- APCID - Australian Catholic University
- B'nai B'rith Anti-Defamation Commission
- Catholic Interfaith Committee
- National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Victoria).
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