March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD), and this year’s theme is #BreakTheBias
“I look forward to International Women’s Day each year. It’s a wonderful salute to women” says Cr Jasmine Nguyen. “It’s also a call to action, and a reminder that we all have a part to play in striving to create a more gender-balanced world. I’m passionate about forging a more inclusive society.”
25-year-old Cr Jasmine Nguyen was elected Mayor of Brimbank City Council in November 2021. This is her first time as Mayor. Previously she served as Deputy Mayor in her first year on Council from 2020-2021.
“I want to be part of the change.”
Cr Nguyen is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees and has lived in Brimbank for over 20 years. She was born in Sunshine Hospital and attended schools in the local area.
“As a young person of colour and Brimbank’s first Vietnamese-Australian Mayor, through my leadership I want to demonstrate what can be achieved with a willingness to have a go.”
“I want to be part of the change, and I’m proud to play a role in breaking down the bias in Brimbank.”
“I love that Brimbank Council ‘walks the talk’ through its female leadership. It’s inspiring that eight of our 11 Councillors are women, including myself as Mayor, and we have also just re-appointed a female CEO.”
“A gender equitable society is more cohesive and people feel safer and more connected.”
Cr Nguyen’s parents instilled in her an immense gratitude for being raised in an area that had such rich multicultural diversity. She is passionate about community and is driven by innovation, collaboration and grabbing hold of opportunities.
“A gender equitable society is more cohesive and people feel safer and more connected. This leads to better health and wellbeing outcomes for everyone.”
“I call on all the men in Brimbank to step up and grab the opportunity to be part of the movement to #BreakTheBias. Together we can do it.”
“Some of the critical changes needed to progress women’s equality and rights are violence against women, and the multiple forms of gender violence must end.”
Cr Nguyen decided to run for Council to represent and drive better outcomes for young people and multicultural communities in response to COVID-19. As the current Mayor of Brimbank she serves and represents almost 211,000 people. Brimbank is in one of the largest and the second most disadvantaged municipality in Melbourne.
“Securing equal access to quality education and health, economic resources and participation in political life for everyone is important. It’s also absolutely essential to achieve equal opportunities in access to employment and to leadership positions.”
“We all have a part to play in striving for an equal world that is healthier, happier and a better place for all.”
Cr Nguyen has a double degree in Commerce and Economics. She speaks English, Vietnamese and German. Her interests include youth empowerment, multicultural engagement, and mental health. She will speak on a panel alongside other leading women in Brimbank this International Women’s Day.
Brimbank International Women’s Day Panel Discussion
Council will be hosting a livestream online event for the community and staff exploring gender equality, respectful relationships, and prevention of family violence and violence against women.
Hear a keynote address from Louise Falconer on ‘Gender-based biases and how to break them’. Louise is the Acting Director of Gender Equity and Head of Evidence and Impact at GenWest.
Then a panel discussion of female leaders:
- Brimbank Council Mayor Cr Jasmine Nguyen
- Brimbank CEO Fiona Blair
- Comm Unity Plus Services Ltd CEO Tracey Gaudry
- Joint Brimbank Young Citizen of the Year Devika Chaudhary.
The event is a celebration and recognition of women’s leadership in Brimbank.
