International Women's Day 2022 at South Eveleigh

Put aside your prejudices and preconceived ideas about people this International Women’s Day, March 8, and share in the spirit of #BreakTheBias, the theme for 2022. And don’t be silent about bias, it’s all about action.

As with every International Women’s Day, there is a theme for 2022. This year it is #BreakTheBias which challenges us all to question our preconceived ideas and hidden prejudices.

“Sometimes I find it intimidating to call out bias when I hear it in conversation,” says Kylie Kwong, South Eveleigh’s Ambassador for Food, Culture and Community. “Sometimes I don't feel brave enough, but I also know that my contribution doesn’t have to be verbal. It's about action.” Kylie prefers to #BreakTheBias by sharing positive stories on Instagram with initiatives such as her eatery Lucky Kwong teaming up with RE bar to create a Community Soda that uses ingredients from South Eveleigh’s native gardens and donates proceeds to Seed Mob, the Indigenous youth climate network.

Kylie and the other eateries at South Eveleigh also share their food with people who are on the frontline, including nurses at nearby Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and delivered by volunteers from Addison Road Community Centre. “I’m also inspired by food activists, like Rosanna Barbero, CEO of Addison Road Community Organisation, to break the bias against disadvantage, to nourish people both physically and spiritually,” Kylie says. “Food is great at breaking the bias because it doesn’t even require language!” During lockdowns, Kylie has been volunteering at Addison Road and observed how Rosanna tackles the bias of poverty and disadvantage head-on with practical compassion.

“There is the bias of stereotypes, and of stigma, especially in a rich country like ours,” Rosanna says. “I’ve worked in developing nations where I’ve seen the results of extreme poverty. I was quick to judge. 
“That really exposed my privilege and class. I learned to create spaces for stories and voices that educated me to see things differently. I ended up learning more from people on the street than from people with doctorates.
“It is humiliating to need to ask for food, to not be able to provide for yourself and your family. We have to break the bias of shame and understand that needing that kind of help is not someone’s fault. 
“At Addison Road we learn to look past the symptoms, to see people as more than just a problem, we give them food but also dignity and respect.
“The toughest one to address is unconscious bias, because you don’t even know you are doing it,” she says, be that religious bias, bias against age, or circumstance.
“I’m a realistic optimist, and I truly believe that if we work together, if we bring our full humanity to it, we can Break the Bias in 2022,” Rosanna says.

Visit Addison Road Community Organisation's website to find out how you can contribute.

Join the South Eveleigh community and show your support by striking the #BreakTheBias pose on social media. Cross your arms in solidarity to raise awareness and to encourage more people to help create a more inclusive world. Include the hashtags #BreakTheBias, #SouthEveleighIWD22 and #IWD22.