Sydney – Adhika Inc. and Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. (KRI) – Sydney Chapter hosted a forum and gala dinner in honor of International Women’s Day (IWD) and National Women’s Month (NWM), last March 15 at Dooley’s Cathólic Club Regents Park.
IWD 2025 aimed to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women, while fostering meaningful discussions on Filipino-Australian women’s contributions to Australia’s socioeconomic progress through innovation, community relations and gender equity.
Uniting leaders, professionals, advocates and volunteers from the FILCOM community, they engaged in conversations about the opportunities and challenges faced by women today. The forum, anchored on the event’s theme, “March Forward: Driving Innovation, Accelerating Equality,” featured speakers who shared their perspective on innovation, gender equality, and women’s economic empowerment.
In her message during the Gala Dinner, Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil acknowledged the resilience and achievements of women in the Philippine government service, while also noting that there is still significant work to be done to create an inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive.
Starting the forum, Adhika President Lady Josie Musa gave the Welcome and Acknowledgements talk. This was followed by an Adhika-KRI presentation by KRI President Lady Michelle Baltazar and a special musical performance by Mikayla Mantua.
This IWD forum, the members of the Panel were:
Brenda Gaddi, Women of Colour Australia Ronna Guzman, 2025 IWD Awardee Marideth Laquian, 2023 IWD Awardee
Liz Umali-Angeles, 2025 IWD Awardee
The Forum Facilitator was Sheila Cabacungan (Certified Financial Adviser, Self Managed Superannuation Fund Specialist, broadcaster and member of the Board of SWR 99.9 FM) with Lady Violi Calvert (Freelance Writer, Broadcaster, Media Awardee, doing the Opening Remarks for the Forum and helping as Forum Moderator).
The Forum was a discussion on how PinOz women contribute to Australia’s socio-economic progress by driving innovation, strengthening community relations and accelerating gender equity, panelists had a five-minute talk, followed by a Q&A.
ADHIKA Inc and KRI also presented certificates of recognition to outstanding Filipino-Australian women and young girls for their contributions and impact within the organization and the community.
Select IWD 2025 Honourees and PinOz media personalities Ms. Edinel Magtibay-Dearden and Lady Violi Calvert delivered the heartfelt poem entitled “Babae Ka (Walang Lang),” written by FILCOM leader and poet Mr. Rado Gatchalian.
Other PinOz entertainers were Maria Hall, Chloe Lofthouse, Zabriel Orayenza and Amelia Grace Martins, who enthralled the united multicultural audience.
