I hesitate, trying to examine what might hold me back from really giving my opinion, as a woman, about our place in society. If I speak my mind might I be seen as ungrateful for the strides we’ve made so far...or worse...I might be considered a feminist.

After all we have an official “day” and surely it’s recognition of our value.

But I don’t wish to be valued as someone different or recognised as a victim. While we have a “day” we have a problem. It is not until the “day” is irrelevant that we have overcome the problem.

Our Parliament is an appalling representation of gender equality and certainly no representation of our society. Our local council does a much better job.

While some boardrooms have made serious efforts to encourage women into the boys club, there are many gaping holes.

Gender equality encourages diversity of views and different approaches to problem solving, both of which are very useful in the boardroom and in everyday life. But it’s not just the boardroom table that should be our concern.

For those victims of domestic violence, such lofty ideals are irrelevant. Worried about the mood of their partner and how that will affect them, women, some of them in this shire, live in fear.

On Thursday at 8am a new campaign against domestic violence will be launched at the Pambula Surf Life Saving Club.

Using the hashtag #NOFAMILYVIOLENCE the social media geared campaign encourages local clubs, businesses and organisations to declare their oath against domestic and family violence and post a short video on their Facebook page. 

Backed by White Ribbon Australia, it has been organised by the Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast, together with Mission Australia, organisations both well acquainted with the issues of family violence.

If we really want to do something to tackle gender equality, then I believe that being part of this campaign is one of the most powerful things we can do.

Let’s declare our oath, let’s call it when we see it and never tolerate this insidious crime.

And so I would rather risk the labels, aim high, look for real equality, not just at the boardroom table, but around the kitchen table too.                                    Denise Dion