The Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) will once again hold an International Women’s Day event, with the theme #ChooseToChallenge reflecting the 2021 international theme.

Celebrated on March 8 globally, the day celebrates women’s achievements but also promotes equality and gender parity, objectives that are important to the finance broking sector, according to FBAA managing director Peter White AM.

“Our industry across the board, from lenders to aggregators and brokers themselves, champions women and as an industry association we are always striving for greater female representation,” he said.

“This day should never be tokenistic but should remind us that we still have a long way to go, while providing us with an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the many talented and important women across our industry.”

The lunch event, which will be held at Mary Mae’s at the Brisbane Powerhouse, will be livestreamed and the FBAA is encouraging all across Australia to register.

Speakers include Suncorp’s Renee Blethyn, Nadine Davis-Atma from Affordable Staff, Prospa’s Alex Brgudac, Joanna James from MEZY and Donelle Brooks from Lend Capital, while inspirational speaker and award-winning Australian youth advocate Jules Allen will present the keynote address.

Ms Allen, who has been a foster mother to 29 children over the past 15 years, said her message to those gathered is simply that, “adversity as a women is our greatest asset and with the right tools and mindset women can become unstoppable.”

“We need to learn to be greater advocates for each other and one thing we must be mindful of and ask ourselves as women is; who is actually standing in our way?”

The event commences at 11:30 and is open to everyone across the industry. The cost for those attending in person is $22 with money raised going to the Lady Musgrave Charity. Online registration is free: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dqb1yE4JQgSwOl7pfsuaPQ